6 Sure Fire Ways to Build an Exciting Brand

NEVER simply act .

You want to be known as an “action oriented” individual, so you better get on with it and DO something, right?

I am a fanatic about acting rather than pontificating; about trying rather than analyzing; about executing rather than planning.

But I am NOT a fan of acting without a framework that will create a better than average probability of success. Unharnessed action may feel good at the time, but it will likely not produce the outcome you desire.

So before you throw yourself at creating your “DO IT” brand, b>have these fundamentals firmly in your mind.

1. Build context for action. Action with no context is at best uncontrolled behaviour with no predictable outcome. Context could be your career goals, your personal set of values or the organization’s strategic game plan. Context sets the boundaries inside which “acceptable” action is defined and outside which inappropriate action resides.

2. Look for an opportunity to add value through your action. Go beyond what might be expected; surprise people around you by adding extras rather than simply meeting expectations. “Action - PLUS” is a way to think about it: act and do more.

3. Act “with a twist”. Leave your fingerprints and personality on your action. Make it unmistakably YOURS. Action without leaving your personal mark is a wasted chance to leave a lasting impression. If your action looks like a “commoner”, no one will notice and no memory created.

4. Pause , then act. Be disciplined about taking action. Before moving, take a deep breath to ensure your action is grounded and will have the highest probability of making a positive impact. Use the pause as a necessary element of the acting process. Once you commit to act there’s no turning back so use the pause wisely.

5. NEVER ask yourself “How did someone else do it?” Using an action template of another person robs you of the originality needed to standout and be remarkable. Copying what others do keeps you in “the common herd” and prevents you from being noticed. Do whatever it takes to act with attitude and in a way that separates you from the crowd .

6. Prepare for follow up . The results of your action must be determined in order to learn from them. Think through exactly how you intend to track the outcome and the impact it had on people. Develop an improvement plan for any action that didn’t work out the way you had intended.

Memorable action isn’t a knee jerk response; it’s taken with a sense of purpose.