Are You More Than Your Job Title?

Source: Wix Media

Imagine this: You're at an event, a party, or even just grabbing a coffee. Someone you just met looks you in the eye and asks, "So, who are you?"

What do you say?

Do you just rattle off your name and job title? Or do you share something deeper, something that truly captures who you are?

This isn't about being profound; it's about being prepared. It's about knowing yourself so well that you can confidently and clearly communicate your value to anyone, anywhere. And trust me, it’s a lot harder than it sounds.

The Moment I Was Left Speechless

I recently found myself in that exact situation. It was at a high-end corporate event, and I was frantically organizing printed programs in the hallway when a sharply dressed diplomat approached. He smiled and asked, "Who are you?"

My go-to answer, "I'm [My Name]," flew out of my mouth.

But he didn't just nod and move on. He leaned in and asked again, "No, who are you?"

My mind went completely blank. I felt a wave of embarrassment as I fumbled with the papers in my hands. He wasn't asking for my name; he was asking for my essence. The question hung in the air long after he walked away. It stayed with me all day, a nagging reminder that I had no idea how to answer.

Why Your "Who" Matters

This simple, powerful question became a turning point for me. It forced me to realize that in a world where we all wear multiple hats, being able to articulate your personal brand is everything. It's not just about what you do, but about what you stand for, your unique perspective, and the value you bring to the table.

Later, a professor in one of my classes drove this point home when he talked about the importance of an elevator pitch. This isn't just a business term; it's a way of life. It's your personal mission statement, a concise summary that grabs attention and tells people who you are in a way that’s authentic and memorable.

Looking back, I wish I could have given that diplomat a smooth, confident answer. But that experience taught me a powerful lesson: you can’t show up fully in the world until you know who you are.

My Close-Up

My Personal Brand in a Nutshell

Source: Self

Now, I can confidently and easily explain my personal brand in just a few sentences. I've learned how to articulate my skills and passions in a way that feels true to me, whether I’m in a formal meeting or a casual conversation.

And here’s the thing: everyone has a personal brand, whether you’ve defined it or not. As marketing guru Tom Peters once said, “One does not have a choice of having or not having a personal brand.” The only choice you have is whether to build it intentionally or let it build itself.

If you’re ready to start shaping your own identity, here’s a great resource to get you started:

LinkedIn Profile Summaries That We Love and How to Boost Your Own.

‘One does not have a choice of having or not having a personal brand’, (Peters, 2022)