Much has been written about the how-to of personal branding.
Less has been said about what happens before and after developing personal branding tactics. So much focus is given to the act of personal branding that what should happen before and after does not get as much play. However, overlooking the before and after risks, you can miss the mark on building the brand you aspire to have.
I have Ichiro Suzuki to thank for prompting me to think about the before and after phases of personal branding.
Yes, that Ichiro Suzuki- a 10-time Major League Baseball All-Star and recent inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
In his induction speech, Ichiro touched on two keys to his professional success: preparation and accountability. He cited preparation as his way of overcoming doubters that he was too small to compete in MLB. Accountability, taking personal responsibility for his performance, was Ichiro’s priority to ensure he was helping his team.
Ichiro prepared to give his best to fans daily and took responsibility for his performance- no excuses, no deflections.
Ichiro’s speech is worth a few minutes of your time to take in.
The tactics of personal branding are crucial, but don’t forget the before and after steps of preparation and accountability.
Preparation and accountability may not put you in any Hall of Fame, but they can move you closer to becoming the best version of you.