The Power of One Simple Unexpected Act

Your personal brand is defined by what others say about you. Knowing that, it makes sense to create a leadership brand experience that is reflective of your personal brand standards and how you want to stand out.

Doing what is expected positions you to blend in. To stand out and create an experience that screams ‘high standards’ you need to be willing to do the unexpected. 

Here are a few ideas of simple unexpected acts that can help you stand out for how you want to be known and make a difference in how others experience you as a leader: 

• Express appreciation for a job well done 

• Make an introduction that can be a benefit to someone you know

• Extend yourself to help in an unexpected way

• Greet everyone when you walk into a room, not just the people you know

• Look at people in the eyes when you greet them

• Ask colleagues or team members for a coffee and don't talk about work 

• Learn something new and share it

• Pick up the phone to talk to someone instead of sending an email

• Help someone without being asked

• Arrange a face-to-face meeting instead of a phone conversation

• Be fully present when you are speaking with another person 

• Take time to make a phone call you have been putting off

• Show up for your meetings early

Perform one simple unexpected act a day, everyday. Make it a habit and imagine the impact and shift you can create. It will change you and those around you. It is also an amazing way to be talked about in a good way and be remembered.

Love to hear what acts you are performing on a daily basis to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, Personal Empowerment trainer, speaker and coach. If you are interested in learning more go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

It Is Still Your Brand!

It follows you wherever you go. You simply cannot get away from it. Whether you are consciously building it or just letting it evolve organically. It is still your brand and it counts! 

I had a client tell me recently that she just hasn’t had time to work on her brand. I get it! We are all busy. Though I’ll let you in on a secret: you are working on your brand whether you are thinking about it or not.

Every time you have a conversation with a colleague, client or even a stranger you are telling them who you are and giving them some insight into your brand. 

Every time you enter a room for a meeting, gym class or party you are representing yourself and, good or bad, other people will notice. 

Whether you decide to hold the door open for someone, allow a person to go ahead of you in line or bend down to pick something up for someone you are demonstrating your character. 

Acknowledging people as they walk by, talking to the person sitting next to you in a meeting or keeping to yourself, also speaks volumes.

Everything you do influences the impression you leave behind and impacts your brand. 

Your brand is the promise of who you are communicated by others based on what they hear, observe or experience with you. Whether this experience is in person, by word-of-mouth or virtually, everything counts!

Note To Self: You are not the one that declares your brand to the world. The world declares your brand for you, so you want to make sure they get it right! 

So, how do they get it right? You have to get it right and be mindful in every situation you encounter. Here are three key steps to support you in ensuring that happens.   

1. Be INTENTIONAL about the impression you want to create. 

2. Be DELIBERATE in your words and actions so they align with  

    how you want to be known. 

3. Be CONSISTENT in everything you do so people know what 

    they get, when they get you! 

Following the three key steps above will help you get it right. So, as much as your brand is determined by others’ perceptions, those perceptions are up to you to create!

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose and achieve outstanding results!