By Aaja Corinne Magee
Shine in 2019 with these personal branding tips from Chicago-based personal brand strategist Aaja Corinne Magee.
This is undoubtedly the year of the Black woman – Regina King received her first Oscar nomination and win for Best Supporting Actress; Cardi B. continues to smash records with the most nominations for the 2019 Billboard Awards; and Marsai Martin became Hollywood’s youngest executive producer at the age of 14.
And amazingly enough, the Black girl magic doesn’t stop at Hollywood; it extends close to home with Chicago electing its first African-American female mayor earlier this month.
What does this mean for Black women at large? Plain and simple, it’s your world! Once the underdog, a Black girl has a great chance of becoming the next mainstream “it” girl if she plays her cards right.
No matter the industry, the thing that unites every woman experiencing her public moment of glory is the game-changing, personal brand that precedes her. Her brand is a declaration to the world of exactly who she is and what she came to do. And no celebrity status is required for her to define her personal brand and shine in her own right.
Are you ready to present yourself to the world in a major way? Here are some of my top tips to carve out your space in history by means of a game-changing, personal brand:
Proceed with legacy in mind.
When it’s all said and done, what would people be most likely to say about the impact you made on others? More importantly, what do you want people to say about you? History makers leave behind a trail of evidence that reinforces their purpose and intent.
There is not just one way to reach your next level of success. So instead of earmarking your progress by your competitors’ last move, let the goal be to outdo yourself and impact those who you touch in greater and deeper ways.
Show up as the best version of you every time.
Excellence is what’s consistently required to command attention in a noisy marketplace. You can be in today and out tomorrow if you take people’s time and attention for granted. Keep the wow factor in play.
You also never know what will tip off your next big break. Opportunity can pass you by if you’re not on your A game. Show up as someone that you’re proud to be every single time.
Own your likeability factor.
The likeability factor is to your personal brand what the perfect bow is to a present. It’s the first thing that captures the attention of others and invites them to open up the gift. When you discover your likeability factor, protect it and do more of it. It is a key that will grant you access.
Champion your process.
A huge part of thriving in your craft is not only doing what you’re great at doing, but doing it in a way that feels best for you. You will show up with greater authority and confidence when you enjoy what you do and how you do it. Also, your process and approach are a point of differentiation that will help you to stand out from others in your industry.
Identify your tribe.
I have a motto: “Get exclusive to be inclusive.” What this means is that you can serve the right people in a more comprehensive way when you let go of the need to appease everyone.
As you glow up in your lane, certain people will be attracted to the light. Take inventory of those who are impacted most by your message and presence. Then, nurture and grow with them. They are the group that will carry on your legacy.
The world is waiting on your grand debut.
Aaja Corinne Magee is a Chicago-based, personal brand strategist. She works with purpose-driven leaders and experts around the country and across industries to lay the foundation for a game-changing, personal brand that will allow them to monetize their purpose beyond the workplace, reach new heights in their professional career, and impact on a greater scale. Connect with Aaja Corinne Magee on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and/or at www.aajacorinnethebrand.com
