Personal Branding

The market has become flooded by the masses and over time personal branding has been something people have been talking about, but less have done. Over the last 5 + years you have seen courses popping up about creating Brand You or Developing Your Personal Brand. Almost everyone knows it only takes 6 seconds to develop a first impression, so what does your look, smell, physical movement and voice say about you?

I know that as I get older it is something that comes to mind a lot more than in the younger years where it was more important to start thinking about what your image says about you. Now days people bring up social media and what it says about a person, however just getting back to the basics would help clear the path for everything that evolves from a person (including social media).

• How do you want people to see you?
• What lasting impression do you want them to have in mind? (Visual..was your outfit put together, were you tugging on your shirt, were you well groomed, who were you with, what were you doing, what were you saying?)
• What is your signature? (Not hand writing, what are you known for?)
• Are you dependable? On time? Polite?
• How do you want to be treated by others?

The list goes on, but you can see what I'm getting at. Overtime we as individuals get used to being whom we are, want to add some changes and forget sometimes your personal brand is an attribute that others rely on. It is time to take note of whom you are and how others see you. While the world is growing, you want to stand out as the individual that you are.

Fall Colors

It is official Red, Purple, Forest Green, and Orange are the accent colors for Fall 2009 with the standard primaries of brown, black and gray. Every store now has all their Fall 2009 fashion lines out for everyone to purchase and it is a good time to pick up some good steals as most stores are offering discount coupons or sales.

Remember to use the primary colors as the core colors for your wardrobe. Core = Suits, slacks, turtleneck, under shirts, tights, socks, or skirts. The accent colors allow you to mix in new color trends without having to overhaul

your whole wardrobe. Accent colors = Ties, scarfs, belts, ladies shoes, bags, jewelry, jackets, nail polish, lipstick or dress shirt.

Back to Basics

Fall is in the air with the leaves changing, children going back to school, cooler nights and less amount of daylight for the northern states. A lot has changed since a year ago and spending habits is one of the most visible that has hit home. Sales are soaring at discount stores/chains and at fast food restaurants. Restaurant chains have developed dinner specials for two that allow there to still be money left over for a babysitter. However, this trend of spending less is going to get old school thoughts of how people enjoyed life in more simpler times.

When is the last time you had a group of friends over for a pot luck dinner with board games or video games? Movie night? In a fast pace world sometimes it take going back to simple times to bring out innovative fun entertainment on a budget.

When was the last time you looked up your heritage and the traditions/food related? Or maybe it was a trip you took to another country? Ever think of sharing the knowledge, pictures and food with friends. In a few weeks you could travel the world from the comfort of neighborhood homes.

Taking a moment to recharge with friends and family will help in grounding you in what will be always there for you: Friends & Family.

Who knows with the money saved you might be able to take another trip to share in the future?