Earlier this year, as I completed the Nomination Form for the UPAA Distinguished Alumnus Awards, I took a moment to reflect on my career. A friend who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 remarked, “You were a trailblazer. You should be recognized for ‘Leadership in IT Development.’” This recognition resonated with my brand!
The Origin of My Brand
Unbeknownst to me, I had crafted a personal brand.
After undergoing training with NCR and IBM, I joined SGV&Co. as the Marketing Manager for the Institute of Advanced Computer Technology, their computer training division. My name soon became synonymous with innovation as we launched cutting-edge courses and seminars, introducing new technology in the country.
My reputation for innovation led the Development Academy of the Philippines to consider me for the position of Vice President to enhance automation across government agencies. Subsequently, the President of DAP invited me to fulfill this role.
My name also surfaced when a consortium of banks formed MegaLink. The Board approached me to take on the role of General Manager for the pioneering ATM switch.
Then, Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, the newly appointed Commissioner of the BIR, sought industry leaders to assist her in automating the agency. My name came highly recommended, and she invited me to serve as one of her three Deputy Commissioners.
After successfully implementing the country’s revenue system in just two years, I received an offer from SAP Singapore’s Regional Office to return to the private sector as Managing Director and introduce the revolutionary German ERP software in the Philippines.
Two years on, six conglomerates created the BayanTrade consortium to establish the country’s first e-procurement hub, and they convinced me to leave my position at SAP.
Finally, when the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decided to transition to automated elections, they sought a recommendation from the Dean of the UP College of Public Administration. At the time, I was pursuing my Doctorate in Public Administration, and she endorsed me.
As my career progressed, the term “trailblazer” became increasingly associated with my name. In a competitive environment, establishing a personal brand has become essential. Developing a unique and impactful identity sets you apart from others and draws the right opportunities to you.
Advantages of Personal Branding and Steps to Create One
Establishing a personal brand offers several benefits:
1. Establishes credibility and authority, associating your name with expertise and reliability.
2. Enhances trust and rapport, fostering valuable connections.
3. Allows you to differentiate yourself, highlighting your unique attributes.
4. Attracts the best opportunities that align with your skills and values.
Below are steps I undertook that likely contributed to the development of my brand, often without my conscious awareness:
1. Shared my knowledge through writing articles and engaging in speaking events.
2. Built relationships within the IT sector and participated in relevant events. I even led and established professional associations.
3. Narrated my experiences through compelling stories about my journey, achievements, and the lessons I learned.
In today’s information-saturated world, taking the following additional steps is crucial:
1. Define your target audience to tailor your brand message effectively.
2. Determine your unique value proposition that sets you apart.
3. Build a strong online presence through a professional website and engaging social media profiles, maintaining a consistent online identity.
4. Ensure a cohesive image across all platforms.
As I transitioned from being a technology executive to a freelance writer, I unwittingly adhered to these same guidelines. For instance, I don’t post randomly on Facebook or LinkedIn; instead, I carefully plan my posts to be well-crafted, often pairing them with quality images (though I acknowledge I need to improve my use of video).
Although developing a personal brand requires patience, persistence, and genuine effort, it ultimately pays off. I successfully transformed my career from an IT executive to a travel writer.
Recommended Reads on Personal Branding
To gain further insights into personal branding, I turned to Gemini, Google’s AI platform, and requested the top five books on the topic. Here’s what I found, along with a brief summary of each:
“1. “Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future” by Dorie Clark
This book serves as a thorough guide to establishing a robust personal brand, emphasizing self-discovery, online presence, networking, storytelling, and adaptability.
2. “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek
While focused on leadership, this book offers valuable perspectives on personal branding, particularly the significance of identifying your “why” and effectively communicating it to forge connections.
3. “Platform: Get Noticed in the Age of Attention Economy” by Mike Stelzner
This book provides insights on how to build an online platform and utilize digital channels to enhance your brand through content creation, audience engagement, and community building.
4. “Personal Branding for Dummies” by Paul Argenti
As the title indicates, this book offers a beginner-friendly introduction to personal branding, covering fundamental concepts and offering a step-by-step approach to brand development.
5. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
I was delighted to see this book included in the list. It served as my guide during my professional career. Having read it multiple times and given lectures on its principles when invited, I believe that although it is not specifically about personal branding, it offers insights on personal effectiveness, integrity, and relational principles. These lessons, when applied to any chosen niche, can help shape a personal brand.
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