Of course you do…the question is, did you plan it that way, or are you simply a victim of your actions?

Most people have failed to realize that everyone that they encounter will develop an opinion of them. See this person more than once, and expectations will develop. Whether its something positive such as “everytime I see her she looks fabulous,” or “I know if we work with him we’re taking a horrible risk.” These expectations, while some trite and trivial, do take their toll on your professional and personal pursuits.

So, the big question is…what do you want to be known for? What do you want people to say about you. What expectations are you willing to project, to meet and to EXCEED.

Recently a colleague and I embarked on a venture after an accidental dinner presentation to about 30 students attending DeVry University. The presentation included dining etiquette–coyly critiqued and addressed during the meal– and personal branding.

As these students are graduating and actively seeking employment, they are all expecting assistance from the Career Services office at the University to assist them…

…well of course they are!

However, many of them won’t get the help that they could’ve received because their brand has spoken (in some cases screamed) so loudly that no one can afford to send this person to an interview or to an opportunity for fear of total embarassment.

Again, everyone has a brand…everyone’s existence has set-up expectations for what they will and will not do.

So, now in the aftermath of the accidental presentation, we’ve established LypheBrand and will soon be bringing this jewels and pearls of wisdom to campuses everywhere (and board rooms, and and anywhere people need to know and to show who they are consistently).

Did I mention I’m excited?

Well I am…branding is my life…and now my hope it that it will be yours, too.