Don’t Let Them

It’s so easy to let others articulate and narrate who you are. When others are allowed to frame your identity and your contribution, it’s usually limited by labels and thinking in singular terms. He’s an electrician or she’s a layer.

An additional challenge is that we are unsure of how to project ourselves and that when a story is left blank, others will tend to fill it in. Don’t let them!

It’s fair to find it challenging to tell your own story well from inside your own skills but it’s really the most valuable perspective.

We are all more than any one thing. Most of us fulfill and function in a variety of roles and identities. Even better than having a valuable way to project your identity and value to others is the confidence and solid bearing of direction it provides for you in your own mind.

Define a simple but powerful persona brand that is your own elevator pitch for yourself. Invest in your own branding and messaging or someone else will do it for you.

If you were to work out an equation similar to the process for creating a product or brand, it might look something like this.

“I am a [   ] who does [      ] through [      ]. “

“I do this through [   ] and [      ].”

“The result is [    ].”

“My approach combines [    ] and has the benefit of [      ].”

Bottom Line - Short Version: “I provide [X-Service] for [Y-Need], generating [Z-Benefit].”

Define yourself and you define your path. Self-lead your way towards the career and life you want and deserve. Don’t let your brand get hijacked by pirates whose only incentive is to plunder, not promote. You are the captain of your own journey.