My understanding of branding is knowing who you are, what you stand for and to have something that others associate you with. This is the same for companies; the yellow M is all over the world and it signifies among other things happy meal and fast service.
Who do you say you are? That is the starting point before we talk about who others believe you to be.
Think about your personal brand today. Ask and answer the question; ' what do others associate me with?' Am I fun, great to be around or moody and really miserable? Am I someone who keeps their word, and has integrity or do I keep letting others down? Am I a good friend, a dedicated member of staff, a great boss?
What is my personal brand....?
Monday, 17 March 2008
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Mind Map
I have been asleep, hiding firmly behind the shutters of my mind. I cower at the slightest movement that goes past my window, willing the world away and refusing to wake and engage. Gradually, friends, family and other stimuli cajole me from my chosen hibernation, willing me to yet again reenter life.
And so I gradually awaken my mind, stiffened from being in the same position of inactivity. Having being away for so many weeks, I need guidance, direction, a map of where I should be going.
I start here, writing to you my friends who have patiently waited for me to emerge. I acknowledge my absence as cowardice, when things get hectic, the mind wanders going off in its own particular journey, but fortunately finds its way back.
And how have you all been....?
And so I gradually awaken my mind, stiffened from being in the same position of inactivity. Having being away for so many weeks, I need guidance, direction, a map of where I should be going.
I start here, writing to you my friends who have patiently waited for me to emerge. I acknowledge my absence as cowardice, when things get hectic, the mind wanders going off in its own particular journey, but fortunately finds its way back.
And how have you all been....?
Saturday, 22 December 2007
The paradox of time.
Wow, where has the time gone? I haven't been blogging for over a month now.
Life is busy. Sometimes a bit too busy for all those 'inspirational', or funny messages that my email contacts send. I don't always read them, often deleting them as soon as I see there is no personal greeting from a friend (I hope you lovely people who send me said emails are not reading this!)
I am however glad that I opened this particular one as I thought I would share it with you the rest of the world. How long have you got?
A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
If you don't send this to at least 8 people .... Who cares?
George Carlin
Life is busy. Sometimes a bit too busy for all those 'inspirational', or funny messages that my email contacts send. I don't always read them, often deleting them as soon as I see there is no personal greeting from a friend (I hope you lovely people who send me said emails are not reading this!)
I am however glad that I opened this particular one as I thought I would share it with you the rest of the world. How long have you got?
A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
If you don't send this to at least 8 people .... Who cares?
George Carlin
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Change is good....or is it?
In my coaching business, it is all about change. When you are no longer pleased with your current state and you are sufficiently motivated to do something about it, you can make progress. But why are we so reluctant to change?
There are several reasons, one of the most prevalent being fear. Fear of making decisions, of having to do things differently, of confronting people or issues, fear of becoming who we are meant to be.
Change is only good when we understand that remaining in an unsatisfactory state will eventually produce long term negative effects on our well being. We can only stay unhappy, unfulfilled and dissatisfied for so long.
Then as we make much needed adjustments to our finances, relationships, health, careers or businesses, and lifestyles, the huge benefits become evident.
Change is great when you understand why!
There are several reasons, one of the most prevalent being fear. Fear of making decisions, of having to do things differently, of confronting people or issues, fear of becoming who we are meant to be.
Change is only good when we understand that remaining in an unsatisfactory state will eventually produce long term negative effects on our well being. We can only stay unhappy, unfulfilled and dissatisfied for so long.
Then as we make much needed adjustments to our finances, relationships, health, careers or businesses, and lifestyles, the huge benefits become evident.
Change is great when you understand why!
Friday, 2 November 2007
Who's life is it anyway?
I watched a TV programme last night. I didn't quite catch the start of it, perhaps that is why I could not understand it. The story was based around a young muslim lady who by a series of events decides to train as a suicide bomber.
Some of the reasons profferred for this decision was guilt caused by her friend taking her own life, a relationship with a non muslim which was not accepted by her family, and an encounter with militants who convinced her that the only way to 'make a difference' was to kill as many people as possible.
No doubt the producers are hoping this programme will invite debate, but the question that it raises for me is this. Who decides when their and other people's lives become expendable? All war and terrorism (not war on terrorism!) occurs from individuals and groups making choices about others' mortalities.
I actually watched the film becuase I had seen some literary critics discuss its attributes. I came away from it not at all convinced with the actress. She seemed to walk through the entire film not sure why she was there, and taking the action that she was. Undoubtedly she was uncomfortable with making a choice that was not hers.
While I would agree that opening up for debate is good, I personally prefer to see some conviction one way or the other! At least the debate can be lively and hopefully help us come to some degree of better understanding of how important life truly is.
Some of the reasons profferred for this decision was guilt caused by her friend taking her own life, a relationship with a non muslim which was not accepted by her family, and an encounter with militants who convinced her that the only way to 'make a difference' was to kill as many people as possible.
No doubt the producers are hoping this programme will invite debate, but the question that it raises for me is this. Who decides when their and other people's lives become expendable? All war and terrorism (not war on terrorism!) occurs from individuals and groups making choices about others' mortalities.
I actually watched the film becuase I had seen some literary critics discuss its attributes. I came away from it not at all convinced with the actress. She seemed to walk through the entire film not sure why she was there, and taking the action that she was. Undoubtedly she was uncomfortable with making a choice that was not hers.
While I would agree that opening up for debate is good, I personally prefer to see some conviction one way or the other! At least the debate can be lively and hopefully help us come to some degree of better understanding of how important life truly is.
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