We hope you enjoyed constructing your list of potential contributors to your personal brand. Here are some good ones that we’ve come across from other subscribers:

  • The books on my office book shelf
  • The way I greet the receptionist in the morning
  • The car I drive
  • My makeup / lack thereof
  • My e-mails
  • Who I spend lunch with
  • The way I run a meeting

Go through your list again, and feel free to add some of the points above.

Looking at such a long list can be a tad intimidating. Where to begin first? What should be changed and what should be left well alone? Tough questions.

Fortunately, psychological science gives us some clues on where to look.

Here are three really quick and (reasonably) easy ways for you to increase the overall appeal, power, and level of influence that is associated with your personal brand (and even better — it’s all 100% science-certified!):

  1. Invest in expensive perfume/cologne.
    Science teaches us that smell is the single most evocative sense human beings have. Only your sense of smell is directly, neurologically coupled to the emotional parts of your brain. Applying a liberal helping of good, expensive smelly stuff instantly gives you an evocative advantage. People respond to good smells. They like being around good smells. That’s something you want for a powerful personal brand. But beware: don’t skimp! Don’t go for cheap knock-offs, and forget the mail-order pheromone stuff. Just use tried-and-tested scents that have been helping humans create powerful personal brands for centuries!
  2. Smile more.
    Positive emotions have a powerful knock-on effect. When you smile and display friendliness in your voice and demeanour, others around you pick up on it (unconsciously) and start to copy that (also unconsciously). In turn, that makes them feel better. And since much of this happens outside of normal awareness, they will ascribe their positive emotion to your presence. Also, research has shown that even if you don’t feel happy, smiling can actually trigger feelings of happiness. You don’t get cheaper therapy than that!
  3. Avoid red.
    The colour red is just about the most researched colour in psychology. There’s a lot of claptrap and mumbo jumbo about colour out there (which you can do well to ignore), but red is different. Mostly, red is unconsciously associated with danger, threat, and injury. Not surprising, right? After all, the ability to spot red quickly gives us a survival advantage, and helps us notice when we or loved ones are injured. Unfortunately, when you wear a lot of red, it also associates you with the same things (threat, injury, etc.). Not too good for an engaging personal brand, is it?

That’s it!

Your homework: try to apply at least one of the three principles above to your personal brand. Observe carefully how it changes the reactions of those around you. Be courageous.

Next Time:

Our next instalment will be about your image. Literally, it will be about your appearance. Can’t wait! See you then!

p.s. Are you enjoying this series? Leave us a note in the comments, or drop us a mail via our contact form.