Branding - Critically Important

If you’re reading this, I’ll assume that you are involved in the Hospitality Industry in one way or another, and if that is the case, you have probably spent some time thinking about the “brand” that applies to your business. If you are a part of a hotel chain, you will be only too familiar with the value and importance of your company brand, and it’s even quite likely that you have “brand standards” that define how you are to use the physical presence of the brand. How the logo is to be used, colours it can and cannot be displayed as, the size, shape and aspect ratio of the brand in relation to the name associated with your brand, right down to the font size.

Okay, so we all agree on the value, importance and sanctity of our “corporate” brands, but what about your own personal brand? Have you ever given thought to what your brand is?

It’s not easy, but I will tell you that it is a worthwhile exercise. Ask yourself the following questions:

- What is my brand ?
- What do "I" stand for ?

And then, once you have defined your own personal brand, you are in an excellent position to evaluate and measure all potential job opportunities against your brand. Go on to the company’s web site that you are considering working for and review their site. What are the company’s Vision, Mission and Core Values? Are they aligned with your brand? And, when you review their web site, look at the images that they post. Do those images accurately reflect the words that you have seen laid out in the company’s Vision, Mission and Values?

Here’s my personal brand list, and the ideals and commitments that are the foundation of Hospitality Re-Defined:

* Integrity
* Honesty
* Authenticity
* Inspiring, Empowering & Encouraging
* Motivator / Developer (of People)
* Positive / Enthusiastic / Fun
* Energetic
* Multi Tasker
* Bring out the Best in People (help them to unlock their potential)
* Excellent Communicator
* Exceptionally Well Organized
* Thorough
* Analytical
* Mutual Respect
* Unconditional Support
* Community Involvement

I encourage you to make your own list . . . and then, more importantly, live by it . . .