Your Story is Your Brand.
Ok, I do talk too much, I really do. And I cannot and will not apologize for this behavior. Not at all. Yes, I admit it. Friends, colleagues and clients have spent countless, sometimes tortuous, hours listening to me, Jack Hally, recanting the exploits of my youth, sharing my industry viewpoints or expressing my never-ending philosophies of life. I am a wide open novel and these are my stories. It is my life. And this is my brand.
Face it, in this era of the Attention Economy, we are all storytellers with our own unique lives and experiences. Yes! You are your own brand. And however you may express yourself, whether through blogs, Facebook postings, or the actual act (OMG!! LOL) of personal interaction – we all have a story to tell.
Have you shared your story with the world? Why not??
Yesterday, I received a wonderful “gift”. I really did. It was an e-mail from Ishita Gupta, noted author and founder of Fearless (http://fearlessstories.com/ ) a popular digital magazine that profiles hundreds of bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, artists, thought leaders, and many others on how they've overcome fear. The magazine has been called "Fast Company meets Oprah" by its 10,000+ readers. If you are not subscribing to this free publication you should. It is life changing. Ishita had a little “gem” that I would like to share with you. It goes like this:
ACTIVELY BE YOURSELF
When you communicate with people, tell them ACTUAL stories about your life
- Play up the parts of yourself that are most relevant to your cause
- That shows people the most important parts of what you do
- Find the people who care about those things, and tell them your stories
Be audaciously active in seeking out people who are passionate about things you care about
Be yourself on a BIG SCALE
It will make you happy AND successful
So share your story. No, shout it out. Yes, loud and clear. Let the world hear your voice and feel your passion. After all, it is your life. It is your brand. And you own it.
Jack is a brand.
Jack Hally is Executive Vice President and Co-founder of BlueHive, a full service firm which specializes in the design and production of Strategic Brand Environments. Jack is a frequent lecturer and commentator on brand marketing and entrepreneurship. He has successfully launched over 300+ companies during a 30 year career. He loves to reminisce about summers on the Cape and his amazing kids. He may be reached at jhally@blue-hive.com