Your body, your clothing, your style, your knowledge, your skills, your passion...combined, these things are your personal brand.
I've already shared a few lessons from the business world, but here are a few more ways your love life could benefit from a personal brand overhaul:
- Don't be the Yes Man (or Woman). In business, the Yes Man is a pushover who agrees with everything a superior says, without judgment or criticism. The Yes Man is weak, subservient, predictable, vapid, ineffective...in short, the Yes Man is not someone you want to be on a date. Don't change who you are to become the person you think your date wants. Don't pretend to share things - hobbies, political beliefs, goals - that you don't actually share in an attempt to impress someone. Don't always arrange your plans around the other person. Have the confidence to be who you really are and ask for what you really want out of a relationship.
- Remember that basic etiquette applies. You wouldn't enter a meeting unprepared, looking like you just rolled out of bed, with a coffee stain spread over the front of your shirt. You wouldn't spend the meeting playing Angry Birds on your cell phone, or answering every text and call that interrupts the proceedings. In business meetings and on dates, put a little effort into your appearance. Be polite to everyone around you, like waitstaff and cab drivers. Don't check email, take calls, or send text messages until after the date is over, unless it's a clear emergency.
- Set a strong foundation for the future. Experts recommend sending a thank you note after a job interview, even if you're no longer interested in the position. Networking is key - you never know who might play an important role in your future, so it's always wise to maintain good relationships with as many people as possible. Dating is no different - treat your date well, even if you don't plan to see them again, and follow up once to end things maturely. Don't burn bridges, because you never know who may reappear in your life and what kind of interesting opportunities they might bring with them. Handle yourself in a way that reflects well on you and that date might go on to be a good friend, a future employer, or even a matchmaker!
If you're stuck in a rut, taking a few cues from the business world might be just what you need to take your love life to the next level.
Got branding?