Set Yourself A.P.A.R.T. from the Crowd
When trying to grow your business and establish a brand for yourself, it is key to find a way to differentiate yourself from your competition. To be noticed and recognized your audience must see you as unique in some definable way. Promotions, awards, opportunities, clients, and professional or romantic relationships all hinge on our ability to be noticed by the audience we seek. But what is it that truly sets us apart in a positive light?
Some people look to their clothing or fashion to create a memorable impression. Think of Pee-Wee Herman with his signature high-water pants and suspenders with greased back hair or Cher with her daring extremes in costume. Other people look to rebellious activities to gain notoriety, such as Howard Stern. While this might work for him, it is not what most of us want to be remembered for, nor will it attract the audience we want?
So how can you set yourself apart from the masses and gain the results you desire?
Follow the acronym: A.P.A.R.T.
(A) Actions
Everything you do, every day, has an impact on your life and on the impression those around you have of you. Consider all that you do. How do you respond to your boss or your clients? How do you treat those who help you in your daily activities? How much effort do you put into your work or your sport? Everything counts.
(P) Publications (verbal and written)
Everything you say and everything you write is a part of your personal publications. In all that you say and write you communicate to the world your values, ideas, experience and intelligence. In today’s world the opportunities for broadcast communication are endless: FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogs, Email Newsletters, YouTube, etc. Be mindful of these double-edged swords. With so many avenues to share your thoughts and ideas, it has become increasingly important to think carefully about what you put out into the digital universe. Any and all media can be searched by potential clients, employers, peers and competition – making it vital to consider exactly what image you want to communicate to the world.
(A) Associations
Whom do you associate with? What is the reputation of the company you work for? What are the reputations of the people you socialize with? What professional groups do you belong to? Are these associations in alignment with your personal and professional aspirations?
Again, in the digital world, these associations are more visible than ever. Seek out those that share your interests, ideals, values, area of expertise and use today’s online tools to build relationships that nurture your personal brand.
(R) Results
Results speak louder than words. I can think of numerous soft-spoken leaders whose career histories speak for themselves. Achievements say a lot to your audience about your abilities. Awards, promotions, and successes in any area lead to increased recognition. Don’t be afraid to go for it! And when you get it, don’t be shy about sharing the good news!
(T) Timing
Sometimes it is not what you do, but when you do it. There have been many men to travel into space at this point in history, but we will never forget who was first. Being a forerunner in history is incredibly powerful. Set yourself a goal that sets you apart in this manner. You might become the first woman in your company to become a VP. You might be the first to suggest a new idea. Find a goal that motivates you to be your best and a trend-setter.
Of course there are always those who don’t want to stand above the rest. Some people prefer to hide in the crowd and seek anonymity. But the rewards in life are not for those who hide. They are for those who dare to dream and put their efforts toward achieving their dreams. The rewards in life are for those who set themselves A.P.A.R.T.
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Be Your Own Adjective
What does it mean to become your own adjective? It means you live your values, talents, tastes or style so passionately and openly that others know exactly what you stand for without needing to ask you.
Have you ever walked through a department store, saw an outfit on display and said, “ Oh, that dress is so ‘Mary’”? Or perhaps a friend was excited about his new job. As he recounted the details of his new professional opportunity, you were certain he had found his niche. You knew this because he had found a job that was in alignment with his personality and his passions. The job was so “him”. In each of these cases, these people have become their own adjectives.
Why is this important? Your friends, family, and co-workers are your best natural networking system. Much of what happens in our lives is brought to us through this network. We meet new friends through this network. Often we find our romantic partners through a connection from this network. Employment options surface through this network. I am not saying we ask this support system to connect us in these ways. It is a natural flow of our social relationships. The more clearly we communicate our values and interests within this network, the more accurately we will attract those who respect and share our values and interests, and the more those around us will connect us with those who share these things with us.
The way that we communicate to others what is important to us is through our daily actions. For example, you don’t need to wear a sign on your shirt that says “I love cats” to let others know you are a friend to felines. Do you have a cat, or two, or three? Do you spend time volunteering at the shelter to find homes for homeless cats? Do you stop to pet a friendly cat wherever you go? If you express your passions honestly in your every day actions, those around you will know exactly where you stand.
To be clear in this context, simply means to be honest. Do what you love. Share your flair with the world. Whatever your style might be, be true to it and be yourself. In doing so, the right people and the right opportunities will naturally follow.
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