If you are all from my generation, you may remember the phenomenal Marlo Thomas album, “Free to Be…You and Me”
If you have not, the album used a variety of lighthearted songs and skits to ”salute values such as individuality, tolerance, and happiness with one’s identity; a major thematic message is that anyone, whether a boy or a girl, can achieve anything one wants.”
I SO REMEMBER that album. I brought it into my first grade class to be played for entertainment and all of my friends loved it. As fragile six year olds, just trying to find our way to be unique in the sea of other first graders, the album was a smashing hit!
Flash forward….to the year 2010. I feel that the concepts of personal branding so closely mirror the basic tenets of the ’70s classic album. Why should we conform when we are at our best when authentic? In a quite by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, she says, “The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere.” It’s easier to be ourselves, and so we should all feel free to be ourselves; others will appreciate it!
Let’s recap: Know yourself, be yourself, enjoy sharing yourself with others.
Kelly Welch is a veteran HR professional, Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Professional Resume Writer, and Career Advancement Coach. She regularly provides critical career insights and perspectives to the delight and success of her clients.