When we typically discuss a mission statement, it is associated with some sort of enterprise or organization. In the digital age, I see the need for a personal mission statement becoming a necessary ingredient for one’s personal brand portfolio. In other words, who are you and what do you stand for? Beyond what you do, what makes you different? Far too often, many of us get consumed with what we do and forget the reasons why. It is that “why” which has the ability to separate you from the masses. Practically Radical author Bill Taylor, said it best, “Are you the most of anything?” Why should I listen to you?
The social media lottery
One of the biggest misnomers in the personal branding discussion is the notion that social media is your lottery ticket to building your brand. Social media is a tool no different than a hammer is to a carpenter. Like the carpenter, having great tools is a start but the real magic happens when they are utilized to create something significant. What is it that you hope to create? Why this? Why now? One of your biggest challenges will be your ability to differentiate your brand. Competitive advantage often has a short shelf life so differentiation is a major issue for all of us, including yours truly. Fortunately, you are not alone as I have provided you with a GPS to help get you started on your journey:
- This is who am I
- This is why I do it
- This is why it matters
Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth or power. These rewards create almost as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning for the sense that we have figured out to live so that our lives matter so the world will at least be a little bit different for our having passed through it. -Rabbi Harold Kushner
Good luck and please do not be bashful as the world needs a few more original voices.
Author:
Devin Hughes is a former college basketball player, sales and marketing aficionado, keynote speaker, part-time academic and frequent eclectic thinker. He draws on a variety of ideas, disciplines and trends to inspire “Big Thoughts” and facilitate conversations. He is an avid storyteller who has the unique ability to connect with audiences by inspiring them to be the change they wish to see in the world. A graduate of Colgate University, he lives Carlsbad, CA with his wife and four daughters. You may contact him via e-mail at devin@devinchughes.com. He is also an Editor at http://www.upstartnation.biz.
