Assignment #3: The Possibilities of Branding

My thinking about branding myself personally and professionally has greatly shifted. Before this course I had negative connotations with the idea of branding oneself. The reason for this is that I have associated this concept with the idea of trying to sell something. I've always been a firm believe on authenticity and letting your actions speak more than words. However, with the learning I've been engaged in, I've been able to reframe this mindset. Specifically, learning about how branding  is something that should always been be created with what one truly believes has been the gateway in my shift.

For myself, the brand I believe in most deeply centers around the word possibility. The reason this word reflects so truly for myself is that I've overcome a number of challenges and obstacles in my life. In my darkest of times, what has gotten me through has been the ability to focus on taking steps to overcome these challenges; focusing on the possibility of what "can be" instead of "what is". This word associated with my brand is about much more than self portrayal. This word involves a culture that I hope to become so central that it is embraced by all those involved. 

I've already begun a transformation of branding now that I've been able to see the connection to my authentic self. From the quotes I choose to put on social media sites to the articles I choose to share, to even the title of one of my blog's ("It's Possible") I'm doing so after running them through the filter of possibility. If it isn't in someway connect to possibility, I'm very selective about using it. 

My shift in thinking about branding would not have been possible (no pun intended) if I hadn't been able to reframe my thinking about it from self-fulling to self-aware. In other words, it took me realizing the selfless possibilities that can be achieved through the idea of branding.