As a career marketer, I have dealt with many branding assignments. Why are they so critical to success? Well, you won’t see Coca-Cola change their color of red, or the Yankees mess with their iconic pinstripes! Brands are only memorable if they stand out and are consistent.
Which brings us to today’s topic, that centers on you and your personal brand. Your brand is you: what you say, the staff you surround yourself with, every document you produce and every presentation you make. If you control it, even your office says who you are. Set your standards high and fiercely defend them.
When you contemplate your brand, remember to stand for something. Be interesting. Give people a reason to reach out to you and connect with you. Find a compelling, engaging way to meet people. Find a personal style—a look that is uniquely yours. Be original.
One of the most powerful women in Austin a few years ago always wore a buzzard feather in her expertly coiffed hair, whether she had on jeans or a beaded ball gown. You couldn’t forget her, and it was authentic to her West Texas ranch upbringing.
In the header of this newsletter are some examples of how I represent my brand. My cowgirl and ranch roots shine through. I have my own personal logo that is used across all of my materials. The colors black and red are always used. Even photography, typefaces and images harken to my authentic life as a rancher combined with a savvy businesswoman and fashionista!
My artwork is a natural outcome of my brand. Painting the skies and countryside is part of my fascination with nature. Each endeavor, from hobbies to serious pursuits, should be authentic to you and how you want to be remembered.
To get started or build on your brand as we kick off 2026, ask yourself, “Who am I?” Then focus on what you do well, because that is where your authenticity lives. This is not about building perception. Deliver the truth about who you are every day.
Somewhere in the middle always lies the truth!
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
SIGN UP! Receive Gay’s blog posts in your inbox by joining her bi-monthly newsletter.