Is Your Personal Brand In Demand?

I get punched about four times a day. More on the weekends. And always by my kids.

It happens at random times. At least it seems so to me. But I’m not always playing along.

You see, my kids are playing the “VW Punch” game. And often I react the way the victims do – see below if you’ve never seen the commercial. Or if you need a fun reminder.

So what makes these commercials so great? VW has found a way to get you to anticipate their brand. Actively looking for it in life. There’s a reward of sorts. You get to punch your friends. Your co-workers. Or your Dad.

This is the kind of awareness you should shoot for in creating and living out your own personal brand.

Is it out of the question? Unrealistic?

Actually, I think it is possible over time. It can manifest itself online as people look forward to your next tweet, blog post, Facebook update or LinkedIn status.

It can also be evident at the various networking events you attend. Whether you are looking for work or just looking to connect with others. And especially if your reason for networking is to give back.

By creating value for your network (becoming a person of influence), people will begin to anticipate your presence. You’ll see them scanning the parking lot to watch your car pull up. Or checking with the event organizer to see if you had provided an RSVP.

And when you arrive, they’ll turn to their friend. Punch their shoulder and say:

“Sara’s here!”

As coffee spills on their friend’s shirt.

About the Author:

Tim Tyrell-Smith is the creator of Tim's Strategy, a ground-breaking online job search and career strategy tool. As a blogger, Tim has been a regular contributor to U.S. News and World Report, was featured in USA Today, interviewed twice on NPR and is the author of two career books (“30 Ideas” and “HeadStrong”). Become a fan at http://facebook.com/TimsStrategy and follow on Twitter (@TimsStrategy). He lives with his wife and three kids in Mission Viejo, California.

Tim Tyrell-Smith – who has written 522 posts on Tim's Strategy®.

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http://melissacooley.com Melissa Cooley

That is a great way that VW has leveraged the “Slug Bug” game from our youth to something that encompasses their whole line of vehicles. (Well, not so great for unsuspecting parents who get punched by their kids — glad mine are still too young for this yet!)

I like the analogy to personal branding, with the goal being to get to a point that people are excited to connect with you online and in-person. I don’t think it’s unrealistic at all, but more a matter of scale. Some may have a small group of people eager to talk with them, while others may have a fairly large crowd. The size of the group shouldn’t matter, as long as they are enthusiastic and the person before them is satisfied with his/her personal branding efforts.
- http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim Tyrell-Smith
  
  Thanks Melissa – Appreciate that feedback! And I love being able to take a fun life experience and make a point with it. I like your idea about scale and think that allows anyone to feel like this is a possible outcome. Great to have your thoughts here!
http://melissacooley.com Melissa Cooley

That is a great way that VW has leveraged the “Slug Bug” game from our youth to something that encompasses their whole line of vehicles. (Well, not so great for unsuspecting parents who get punched by their kids — glad mine are still too young for this yet!)

I like the analogy to personal branding, with the goal being to get to a point that people are excited to connect with you online and in-person. I don’t think it’s unrealistic at all, but more a matter of scale. Some may have a small group of people eager to talk with them, while others may have a fairly large crowd. The size of the group shouldn’t matter, as long as they are enthusiastic and the person before them is satisfied with his/her personal branding efforts.
- http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim Tyrell-Smith
  
  Thanks Melissa – Appreciate that feedback! And I love being able to take a fun life experience and make a point with it. I like your idea about scale and think that allows anyone to feel like this is a possible outcome. Great to have your thoughts here!
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