What can we learn from entrepreneurs about personal branding?

[David Sandusky]

What can we learn from entrepreneurs about personal branding?

1. Living your values
2. Teary eyed passion
3. Networking
4. Consistency

You see core values in how they live life. For some, what they value most may be the reason they choose the path they go down. You may not agree with what these obvious values are, but you know who you are dealing with.

The teary eyed passion is how they hop out of bed everyday with drive of their mission. You may not understand the mission, but somehow you are inspired to help.

They are instinctively networking. In my experience the people adding value and making connections during good and bad times are those who are passionate and certainly understand the value of building connections. It is easy to find the passion in entrepreneurs, but the corporate type as a group is more likely networking during a job search - while experiencing fear. The entrepreneur is selling, but understand giving value first. Even the shy networker is effective...they are at the right places to add value.

You trust and predict how the entrepreneur is going to behave because they are consistent. Even if that means they are not rational, can't communicate or trust anyone else around their company. You know what you get. Some serial entrepreneurs will start a random operation at a weird time...look back and you will find that to be consistent too.

If you know an entrepreneur who does not seem to fit this brand, ask if they are actually an entrepreneur, or want to be. Maybe they are while in a job search. That could be a confused brand. The classic entrepreneur may struggle with reality, but when they focus a personal brand strategy with outside influence, they learn to define their role and communicate effectively - success!

[Kristin Wehner]

What a great "brain snack," David! In particular, what you write about true entrepreneurs "instinctively networking" really resonates with me. It seems that "networking" can have a seedy feel to many people, and I believe that stems from the fact that most people begin to really tap into their network when they are needing something (i.e. a job or a new lead). By focusing on the importance of being connected to each other--in all aspects of our lives, not just in business--the idea of networking can become a delightful exploration of humanity instead of a game of back-scratching. I've been reframing it for myself and with my clients as "matrix" or a "weave." The idea being that we're all a part of a fabric that interweaves with each other. If you only pull on that fabric when you're in need, it's probably not going to be enough to cover you.

[David Sandusky]

I've been reframing it for myself and with my clients as "matrix" or a "weave." The idea being that we're all a part of a fabric that interweaves with each other. If you only pull on that fabric when you're in need, it's probably not going to be enough to cover you.

VERY NICE! Coming from a successful entrepreneur from a line of successful entrepreneurs in her family my friends.

[TheOwner]

I take exception to your point about entrepreneurs being consistent. I know serial entrepreneurs who start multiple ventures (by definition) that are not at all similar to the next. It is also hard to predict what they are going to do next.

[PaulJ]

What is the role of an entrepreneur?

[David Sandusky]

I take exception to your point about entrepreneurs being consistent. I know serial entrepreneurs who start multiple ventures (by definition) that are not at all similar to the next. It is also hard to predict what they are going to do next.

Yes, a serial entrepreneur starts multiple ventures. What is consistent is the ability to identify a need that is not filled and run with the idea including acquiring people that know the business to run it. The visionary type may always be in the clouds and as long as they understand their role as the visionary and not hands on manager, chances for success improve.

[David Sandusky]

What is the role of an entrepreneur?

A lot of times it happens like this; imagine the list below as a career ladder for many entrepreneurs so start at the bottom:

Entrepreneur - creates deals to sell or acquire management to run.
--
Investor - building diversity
--
Owner - Passive income
--
Manager - learns to build teams
--
Self Employed - runs everything
--
Employee - training

The young entrepreneur (not-experienced) that succeeds learns quickly to surround themselves with experience. Essentially, the ladder.