The power of positivity: The missing puzzle piece to a successful personal brand

We all know brands are powerful.  They’re a big business that deliver a promise to the world and help define our expectations. We often associate brands with a product and/or a service, but in reality, personal brands are equally as powerful.  Our unique personal brand is instrumental in not only our ability to successfully connect with others, but also in giving us at that competitive edge to stand out and showcase any specializations we might have. (Chritton, 2015).  As Muse (2012) explains, a personal brand is all about YOU, what you represent and what others (i.e. loved ones, coworkers, students, etc.) should expect in their interactions with you. Bottom line, personal brands are a big deal and instrumental in YOUR success. Although each of us bring unique attributes that define our personal brand, for some, the power of positivity might be the missing puzzle piece to a more successful personal brand.

Some research suggests that a positive attitude is critical in navigating life’s daily challenges, allowing people to envision success, thus more likely to overcome obstacles and achieve goals (Hagood, 2015).  But more importantly, positivity is contagious and a critical attribute in a successful personal brand (Hagood, 201).  As Peter Coughter (2012) explains, “an audience will tend to mirror the emotion we establish via our attitude” (p.53).  Thus, if you exude a positive attitude and a seemingly cheerful disposition, more often than not, receptivity by others will be enhanced as people will emulate your demeanor (Hagood, 2015; Coughter, 2012; Delaney, 2011).

While positivity might come natural to some of us, for others, it’s a work in effort. That being said, here are a few tips that can enhance your positive demeanor and improve your overall personal brand:

• Express Gratitude: In the fast-paced world we live in, we often lose sight of the little things – things that we should appreciate but often do not. If this sounds like you, it might be a good idea to consider a change. As Jantz (2014) explains, being grateful for the simplest (yet often overlooked) things in your life is the quickest way to change your demeanor and enhance your positivity.
• Smile More: Did you know that there is scientific evidence that proves that smiling is contagious? In a recent study researchers confirmed that “seeing one person smiling activates the area of your brain that controls your facial movement, which leads to a grin” (Detweiler, 2014, p .1). Not only will your pearly whites elicit a positive response from others, smiling can also immediately uplift your mindset and improve your mood (Jantz, 2014).
• Reframe Obstacles and Setbacks: In the words of Albert Einstein, “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of thinking at which they are created.” Thus, when obstacles arise, an optimist will find opportunity, actively searching for a solution that might transform the problem into endless possibilities and growth (Warrell, 2012).

Thus, incorporating these three simple tricks in your everyday interactions might not only improve your positivity, but might also enhance your receptivity by others and improve your overall personal brand.   What do you think – is positivity the missing puzzle piece to your personal brand?