There are hundreds of self-help books on the shelves for you to read. Some good, some not-so-good. In a way, this piece is just another addition to the world’s library of text that tells you how you can better yourself. I’m just here to help. I’m not approaching this subject as a guru. I’m a student. A student of life. A student of the workings of my inner being. A student of how my energy affects my life and others. My goal is to never stop learning. So with that said, here are some resources that I’ve come across that might help as you find the tune (or “fine tune”) for your brand:
1. Life and how the world interacts and reacts with/to you. Experience is the ultimate resource. Practice with live bullets is the only way for you to put all the fancy advice you’ve read to use. Some things from your favorite self-help book might or might not apply to your situation. This doesn’t mean for you to let the opinions of others be the sole input for how you determine your brand’s identity. Ultimately, you have the control via your reactions and responses to life’s happenings.
2. FabriceCalando.com is a gem. Fabrice is a new friend from Montreal. On his blog, he openly shares his knowledge on self-improvement and branding (including books and blogs that he reads). His writing provides insight on how to succeed online and in the real world. Fabrice’s future is super bright (I’d love to co-write a book with him one day). Check him out.
*3. For a go-getter type like me, I really enjoy the writing of Mr. Tom Peters. In his book, The Little BIG Things: 163 Ways to Pursue EXCELLENCE, he provides a boatload of tips and stories for helping the reader become excellent. The takeaway I’d like to highlight is his point about us all needing to master our selling skills. I’d like to add, that we need to find our comfortable selling style. Similar to the tree falling in the forest, do we truly have a brand if no one experiences it?
*4. Seth Godin’s Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? is a must-read. Godin’s writing style and perspective are unique. His uniqueness helps position his strong brand… Making him indispensable. This books gives great tips for standing out as you look for a job, perform your job and in life in general.
5. Wikipedia.org. Seems obvious? Well it should be, lol. If you’re serious about learning about brands, personal branding and Oprah Winfrey, head over to the world’s encyclopedia and get in on the crowdsourced knowledge grab.
*6. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi with Tahl Raz is an important book about how ethical networking can jumpstart and sustain your personal brand. People often think self-branding and self-improvement is a solo mission. Read this book and learn why it truly takes a community to better yourself.
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Photo Credit: Puuikibeach
