In the majority of my posts, I highlight and analyze the positive aspects of personal branding and how they apply to your lives. There are people who approach branding differently, and sometimes, in effect, hurt their own brands. Not everyone is perfect and I do receive some emails and messages that resemble the negative aspect of personal branding.
Instead of calling this person out by name, thus damaging his reputation or brand online, I have left it anonymous. Part of my personal brand is not singling out individuals, unless they grant permission or ask for a brand assessment. I didn’t block him, but I am no longer friends with him on Facebook.
A few days later, I got yet another email from this person:
“I notice two of your key brand values are resourcefulness and creativity. Neither of these seemed much in evidence when you responded me to my comment on Facebook about your taste for Aston Martin cars by simply removing me from your list of friends. I thought that at least you might have a more thoughtful response than that.”
Analysis
This individual went to great lengths to message me. Clearly, he views the Austin Martin brand as one with egoism, shallowness, etc. I have a different perspective, as I grew up with James Bond and feel that the Austin Martin is a symbol of achievement and class. He does note that his email was offensive, yet still sent it, which careless personal brand management.
This man even goes over-the-top by saying that I’m endorsing a car that isn’t environmentally friendly. I mean, maybe it isn’t, but I don’t even own one. He even notes that I’m intelligent, a potential opinion leader, talented and energetic, but only to try and make the email more personable.
When messaging others – advice
- Keep it short, concise and meaningful
- Personalize the message
- Be positive and stay rational
- Understand the persons perspective on the issue at hand
- Don’t be too aggressive (Facebook message, email message, etc)
- Focus on the subject line to grab attention
