Why wont they like my picture?

Have you ever posted what you thought was a great a picture of you only to have just 3 likes after 2 hours? Then not getting a lot of likes made you question the picture? 

Social media is a great tool for business, keeping in touch with friends and for getting news out there. It also presents quite a conundrum when it comes to issues of self image, self worth and esteem. As a Personal Branding Consultant one of the first points that I address with my clients is the need to have a healthy self image before working on their outfit or external image. 

I recently had a chat with Mental Health Expert and Independent Therapist Ms Shanel Nayang Monyere-Nikolic. A great point she made was "Remember not to let external validation go too far or else you give people around you permission to determine your worth and value. In such cases, find out the insecurities holding you back and work from the ground up to build your identity. Even when you practice such internal validation, beware not to give in to confirmation bias."

She went on further to say " What’s astounding is that when your wrong opinions are repeated a sufficient number of times, then your mind will reinforce a feedback loop. You’ll be more confident that what you believe is indeed true."

In closing our discussion, Shanel noted that "It's normal to seek some outside validation, but have confidence in yourself and accept your own identity. Have that balance of knowing yourself, but being open to others.

Coffee with Mr. Suave

This week I caught up with the ever stylish Thobo Kerekang; co founder of Keno Custom Suits. He also doubles as a corporate attorney with experience spanning just over 9 years. As a Personal Branding Consultant, I enjoy following stellar brands in Botswana. I love suits and so Thobo's clean and suave look is hard to miss. 

Keno Custom Suits has become quite the gold standard in the tailored suits space. 

I was curious to know how he built his brand and so I asked him a few questions. 

1. What 3 words would you use to describe your personal brand?

As a person who does not like being limited/ confined this is a challenge, but I would say “Classy, Elegant Visionary” 

2. What values guide you as an individual? 

I will not list them, but worth noting is that I am a driven individual. Experience has taught me to obtain inspiration in different circumstances, both good and bad. 

3. I have never seen a bad picture of you, is that by design or chance?

I do have some bad pictures. I just make myself appealing even when it’s a bad picture, lol. But I try to always make them look real good. It's not by chance. I am a slave to detail, if it wasn't for the good pictures chances are we would not be having this conversation. 

4. What do you want to be the first thought that comes to mind when someone hears the name Thobo Kerekang?

-  Ambition in human form. The man who does not believe in limits. 

5. You used to be known as a recording artist some years back. How did you manage to transition your brand from "the rapper" to the more corporate brand you have today?

To me it’s all about identifying your niche and then a game of consistency. There is always a market for whatever you are offering, you just need to be patient and smart enough to package your offering to the right people.

That's how my time with Thobo went. It's worth noting that the Keno brand just released "Elevate", their first perfume. It falls under the Keno Scents branch and is scheduled to hit markets this July. 

The audience is ready for you

The fear of public speaking is said to rank as high as the fear of death. We interact with people everyday yet when we are asked to speak in front of people we get nervous. Why is that? It's mostly because of the thought of all that undivided attention that will be on us. All those eyes judging how we are dressed, our every move and the audience listening to how we speak. Having been at it for a while, I found a couple of things that help:

1. Dress up

"If you look good, you feel good" is an eternal truth. One joke I read talked about a person hanging around in a mall because they felt not everyone had gotten a chance to see how they were so well dressed. When you wear an outfit that you know suits you well, your confidence gets a boost. In turn your posture displays boldness and it reflects in your voice as well. Make sure you pick an outfit that looks great but is also comfortable to walk around in.

2. Theme

Understand the theme of the event. Is it formal or social? Is there a recommended dress code? Any theme colours? Last thing you want is to arrive at a formal event in a t shirt or to a relaxed gig in a 3 piece suit. You will feel out of place and that will affect your focus along with the delivery of your presentation. 

3. Time

Try get to the event ahead of the starting time. This will allow you to see the stage you will be speaking from, test the microphone out if possible and get used to the room. Last thing you want to do is arrive late as that will unnerve you and build up anxiety ahead of your presentation. 

4. Body language

Our body language communicates more than our words do. Maintain a bold body posture, avoid fidgeting but don't keep your hands on your pocket. If your body sends out signals that indicate that you are unsure of yourself that will affect the level of attention your audience will give you. Boldness commands respect while being timid is met with boredom. Think of the talk as a conversation, use your hands as you normally would.

Whether you are an employee, a business owner or student, you will likely at some point be asked to make a presentation. Let that moment find you ready.

Hello! Can you hear me now?

Working from home has put an abrupt end to face to face meetings. Zoom & Skype calls are the order of the day. There is a level of etiquette that applies to these conference calls. Lack of adherence to some basics may result in you being deemed unprofessional and this will do some harm to your personal brand. Here are a few points to take note of during these calls:

1. Internet connection

The title of this piece is inspired by what often happens during a call when someone has a bad connection. Their audio is fuzzy, they get randomly cut from the call and then they come charging back while a colleague is still speaking. While people may sympathize with the technical challenges the person is facing, it is advisable to highlight any connection challenges at the start of the meeting. The participants of the call will likely be a bit more understanding & accommodating.

                                                                 

2. Appearance

First point is to dress appropriately, you may be dressed casual but make sure your clothes are smudge free, clean & ironed. Then ensure that your background is well kept and orderly. This includes your table as well, put away anything that does not need to feature in the video.

3. Sound quality 

Whatever room you are using, ensure there is no background noise such as a fan, TV or kids playing. Go a step further and have your cell phone on silent. This will allow the audience on the call to hear you clearly and give you their full attention. Last thing you need is a colleague throwing you off by saying “Sorry, there is some shuffling sound that comes in as you speak”. Once you have shared your comments, take care to mute your mic when it is not your turn. There are few things as embarrassing as being told “Tim, please mute your mic. Your typing is causing a disturbance. Thanks.”

Be intentional about how you are perceived, your behaviour feeds directly into your personal brand.