How do they perceive your personal brand?
Post # 4: We’re following Jill Alm through her 360Reach Assessment. Today we’ll find out what brand attributes, and top brand skills she has – based on what others think.
We all know that our personal brand is held in the hearts and minds of those around us. But do you really know what they think about you? What words would they use to describe you? Would they use the same words that you would in describing yourself?
Let’s ask Jill. She did a self assessment about how she sees her own brand, before asking others for feedback when she began this process.
Jill, what 6 brand attributes did you use to describe your personal brand?
Positive, self-motivated, driven, passionate, bright, and creative.
And so far, what are the top attributes the way others see you?
They’re actually a little different. Adventurous, sincere, energetic, enthusiastic, physically fit and positive.
How do they see your brand skills compared to the way you see your own?
The top brand skills they see in me are: relating to others/building relationships, communicating (listening/speaking), and organizing (content/activities) in that order. I see myself as: a communicator (listening/speaking), developing ideas, and relating to others. Those are all pretty close!
What do you think about the differences?
It just reinforces the importance of doing an assessment like this, to really uncover where you stand. This is so valuable for me to know what others think, and the message they get from me. And this process has really pushed me to understand myself so much better – my self awareness has grown dramatically. All of it will help me to develop into a better person and allow me to build on my strengths to create maximum value for myself, as well as bring top value to support those I work with.
Thanks, Jill . . .
The next step for Jill, is to submit her anonymous responses to the Reach system and receive her 20 page summary report. This will sum it all up, and from this Jill can create action steps to move forward and take her personal brand and career to the next level.
We’ll post her summary, totally unedited, for you to see. And we’ll get final comments from Jill about how she feels about this process, how it’s benefited her, and what she’s taking away from it to move forward.
Photo credit, daveynin
Jill has just received her first bit of feedback, from the 360Reach Assessment. It’s come directly from the Reach system, so it is anonymous to her.
Jill, before you opened the first response, how were you feeling?
My biggest initial fear was that people are so busy . . . will they really take the time to complete this? But they responded very quickly (as in right after I sent it), and I am impressed at their promptness.
I was nervous when I clicked on the first 360Reach feedback link I received. But, it is more the anticipation than true nerves. It quickly goes away once you see the responses and read through the comments. After reading through the first 2 – 3, the nerves wear off and it becomes exciting to see what others have to say. It’s actually quite fun to read.
How about sharing the first bit of feedback you got?
Sure –
“Overall impression: Jill loves her job and the field she’s in. She works very hard to get the skills necessary to become a strong Marketer via on-the-job training and education. She’s motivated, a hard worker, doesn’t give up easily at all, can tough difficult situations out, while still being friendly and approachable. Be sure to keep that. When Jill does have a strong competency, she shouldn’t self doubt herself too much but stand her “man”. Jill tends to back down and question her skills if being challenged. This makes her look less experienced and erodes her confidence.”
That’s honest and direct. But it’s been a pretty positive experience so far?
Yes, it’s honest and very valuable. It took me a few moments to realize the value it really had. It was just the first response, but overall it was so positive, and it gave me some insight that I needed to hear. This showed me that I will be getting this great feedback, and if I use it, it can help me to truly evolve into the person I want to be. I can become a much stronger person and really take my career to the next level.
After reading a few more responses, what did you think?
I’ve especially loved the projective questions that are asked. They ask what type of breakfast cereal or car I would be. People have written some great, creative responses and it’s been very revealing.
Can you give us a few examples of those?
These were so much fun to read, and really do all sound like me!
Type of car:
Highlander Hybrid. it’s awesome, innovative design, attractive, eco-friendly, accomodates a family or a group of friends.
She would be a Jetta – fun, sporty yet reliable.
Breakfast cereal:
Kashi Almond Clusters – substantial, is “there” for you for a long time.
Frosted Miniwheats – it has two sides, one healthy one sweet.
Who ever thought we could learn so much from breakfast cereal and cars?
Keep reading that feedback, Jill, and next we’ll ask you about your attributes and brand personas. No secrets now!
Do you have anything you’d like to ask Jill?
Photo credit, Darkhorse Photography
We’re following Jill Alm, Marketing Development Manager at Magic Wheels, as she is ready to initiate her 360Reach Assessment.
She wants to find out where her professional reputation lies. How do others view her? How is her personal brand held in the hearts and minds of those around her? What words do they use to describe her?
Jill has just taken her self- assessment. We do this first, because we want to evaluate the way she sees herself. Our question becomes, “Does Jill see herself, her personal brand, the same way those around her see it”? We’ll compare her response to the feedback she gets from others.
You’ve just taken your self-assessment. What was it like?
It was actually a little harder than I thought. Trying to be truly honest with my attributes, I found myself saying, would I describe myself as ‘bright’ or ‘intelligent’? And is ‘positive’ or ‘dynamic’ a better descriptor? Yes, I probably did obsess too much over the exact choice of descriptors. But, then again, I want this to be an accurate and honest representation of my brand personality and there are 100 descriptors to choose from!
The next step was to send “heads up” emails to those you are asking feedback. Done?
Yes, I sent it out to a total of 45 people. And if I’m being honest with you, it was a little scary and nerve wracking to send it out wondering how people will respond or if they will even bother to fill this out in the first place. I was thrilled when immediately after I sent the email, I received an email back from a consultant that I work with stating, “I would be delighted to do this! I love to praise the praiseworthy!” Whew…at least I will get one response.
So now, Jill, the fun part begins. You just sit back and wait to hear what they say.
Yes, we’ll all find out together. The assessment has been sent, anonymously through the Reach system, to all those I am asking for feedback. There’s no turning back now!
Do you have any thoughts, comments, or advice for Jill as she openly shares this feedback process with you?
Photo credit, subflux
Jill Alm just took the first step – to get feedback from those who know her well, so she can start to uncover and develop her personal brand. What is her professional reputation, and what do people really think of her? She just started her 360 Reach Assessment, and she’s offered to be totally transparent, to you and to the whole world. You can follow along with Jill as she goes through this process, and she’ll share with you her thoughts and feelings of what it’s like to get this brutally honest feedback. We’ll post her results. All of them. We’ll get her thoughts. You’ll watch her and find out, firsthand, what it’s really like to take the 360Reach Assessment.
Let me tell you a little about Jill. You’re probably thinking, “Wow, she’s brave”! But that’s Jill. She loves learning, and she loves doing her best. And Jill understands that it’s a new world of work out there, and it’s critical to develop your personal brand to stand out in today’s marketplace.
What do you do at work, Jill?
I’m responsible for all marketing activities and execution – transitioning a small R&D start-up into a sales and marketing company. Marketing activities include new business development and product promotion, market research, branding and media relations.
What do you love to do when you’re not working?
Anything and everything outdoors. I enjoy biking, mountain climbing, kayaking, and am an avid skier who loves the backcountry.
How do you feel about starting this process with everyone watching you?
I didn’t give it that much thought, until everyone starting commenting about how brave I am. I think the hardest part is putting yourself out there to request honest feedback. You have to be willing to accept what people have to say—good, bad, otherwise. And I guess there’s no hiding – especially with you posting it all!
It’s all good. Jill still has a big smile on her face. Tonight she’ll do her own self-assessment, and then gather her email names that she is going to ask for feedback. She’s thinking about who they will be. The list should include people who touch her in all different capacities – friends, family, colleagues, network contacts, managers, employees and so forth.
Thanks, Jill, we’ll be back to hear about your next step!
Do you have anything you’d like to ask Jill?
What a great event last night at the Lessons in Branding Workshop, as almost 40 professionals networked, brainstormed, and collaborated to develop their differentiation. You could feel the energy and enthusiasm!
I gave a short presentation on how to discover what makes you different than everyone else that seemingly does what you do, then we broke into small groups to brainstorm and get feedback. You could hear the hum.
Next, Julian Michael shared tips on how to communicate your compelling brand visually, and engaged the audience with before and after headshots. Then the group broke into small groups again to gain feedback on their own marketing materials – are they on brand?
The evening concluded with a pretty passionate discussion about the new unbranded Starbucks stores – is it a good thing or not? Leta Beard, Professor of Marketing and International Business, at University of Washington, shared some great insight.
But it can’t be an event without door prizes – the winners were:
Andrea Hamilton, Big Dog IT – won the ‘must have’ book on how to stand out by building your personal brand, “Career Distinction.” She immersed herself in it right away, with 3 chapters read!
Oleta Ferry, Memorable Days Photography – won a gift package graciously donated by Cyndi O’Neill-Dady, of Send Out Cards.
Richard Gable, Humerlis – was excited to win 3 Visual Branding Consultations with the creative, Julian Michael. And the first one includes lunch!
Melissa Cahn, marketing specialist – jumped out of her chair when she learned she won the Personal Branding Package. She is eager and ready to jump in, and brand herself to get noticed and get the dream job! Be watching for more about her.
Thank you to Shelia Allen, www.enjoywineathome.com, for hosting wine tasting following the event.
SAVE THE DATE — JULY 28th
LESSONS IN BRANDING: Build your personal brand to rise above the competition in today’s turbulent market
Take your Personal Brand to the next level – You must attend this event!
Hosted by Maren Finzer and Julian Michael
Lessons in Branding: Learn•Identify•Strategize
“You already are a brand, whether you know it or not. What you need is a clear brand strategy.” Gallup Management, July 2009
Come join us for an evening that’s all about YOU. Using a highly interactive, idea-inspiring and fun format, you’ll leave with several action steps to implement right away to help take your career or business to the next level:
• Learn why having a strong personal brand has become an urgent priority
• Identify what differentiates you in the marketplace
• Strategize ways to clearly communicate your message, to position yourself to stand out to your target audience
Date: July 28, 5:30pm in Bellevue
Location: Master Builders Association Bellevue – Banquet/Event room
Cost: $15 pre-reg by 07-25, $20 @ the door
SIGN UP TODAY!!
Thank you to those who serve our country, and to all who have served.
You are appreciated!
Adam demonstrates browning butter
When Adam Stevenson teaches a cooking class, his charming, down-to-earth personality and passion for local, organic and artisan foods engage you right from the start.
Adam began cooking as a young boy with his grandmother and mother, and would stick his finger into a batter, sample a soup or sneak bites of the roasted meats that were cooking. Adam grew up loving food, and continued to cook in local restaurants in his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, attended Western Culinary Institute in Portland, then came to work at Tulio in Seattle. Now he is executive chef for W Seattle, and has developed his own style influenced by the favorite dishes that he lived with for so many years and an affinity for the foods and cultures he loves.
Delightfully, I assisted him in a cooking class at PCC Cooks, where he shared his secrets to getting the most flavor into homemade dishes. He demonstrated a simple, quick supper using in-season, local and sustainable ingredients:
• Salad of Local Asparagus, Arugula and Parmesan Cheese
• Morel and English Pea Risotto
• Wild Pacific Black Cod with Balsamic Brown Butter French Lentils
• Easy-bake Chocolate Cream Pie
Wild Pacific Black Cod with Balsamic Brown Butter French Lentils
A few take-away tips:
• When you’re preparing the asparagus, trim them and peel the last 2 – 3 inches of the skin to smooth them out. Impress your guests!
• If you make ice cream, try Balsamic Brown Butter ice cream.
• After tasting Guittard chips, I’ll never use another chip!
If you’d like to try some of Adam’s unique culinary specialties, you can find him at Earth & Ocean, W Hotel, in Seattle.
Adam’s story and YOUR personal brand: Discover your passion, as Adam did, and find a way to follow it. Your work and life will blend together instead of being fighting entities against each other, you will be fulfilled, and you will rise to the top. How can you start to combine your passion with your work life?
Mollie Nelson, Melody Rebbeck, Dale Smith, Maren FInzer
Energetic, inspiring, fun, engaging . . . the California association executives were those things and so much more!
What a great week we had spending it at the CalSAE annual conference. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and a total breath of fresh air. (The fabulous Squaw Resort was a total breath of fresh air as well – check out the view!)
Two brands you’ve gotta meet:
Melody Rebbeck, Northstar at Tahoe: Bubbly, energetic, adventuresome. Melody is definitley the Tahoe ambassador, and exudes her passion through her spirited personality. There wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer, and she captivated us the moment we met her. We wanted everything Tahoe has to offer when we were done talking with her; how do we choose? Her dinner recommendation at Moody’s was so outstanding, we ate there two nights in a row in total delight. She had our curiosity up, and we couldn’t leave the airport without checking out Northstar on our drive back to the airport. Wow! The charm, the village, everything at your feet. And it totally aligned with Melody – we actually thought the signage would have been more appropriate having “Melody” in it somewhere. We’ll have to work on that.
Dale Smith, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts: Elegant, high standards, caring. We grabbed Dale as he was walking by to take the picture above – he picked the spot, and suggested they needed to have a plaque there noting “picture point.” Dale doesn’t miss a detail, and that must be why he is a Manager in Worldwide Sales for the Four Seasons in San Francisco. Dale seemed so humble about his position, and just as the Four Seasons focuses on implementing anything they can do to improve themselves for all of us, Dale seems like he does the same. He’s eager to learn how he can better serve and make a difference – that also happens to be a corporate value of the Four Seasons. If you’re looking for luxury, pampering, and having your every need met, next time you’re in San Francisco you better contact Dale.
