Define Your Personal Branding Trademarks.

Today as I walked to work this morning, I felt very “Nicole,” which ultimately made me excited to take on the day.  I’m attending a young leaders of Chicago event with my mentor tonight, and I want to reflect my personal brand to each person I meet. 

I’m wearing a fabulous knee-length suit coat from Nordstrom in my signature power color: pink.  My hair is thick, teased and huge, and I’m rocking my signature beehive look-aka known as the bump.  My eyeliner is slightly cat-eyed. 

These three things (pink, big hair, and big eye makeup) are my personal branding/style trademarks. 

What are YOUR personal branding trademarks?  You may think you don’t have any, but I assure you- you do. 

For example, my best friend Katie is one of the few girls who can ALWAYS look hot in polka dots and pearls.  My sister Ashley can rock clothes from a thrift store that cost less than $1 and make them look like a million bucks.  One of my other girlfriends ALWAYS wears black and white, and it looks amazing and classy on her.  If I see an awesome sweater or a pair of clogs, I think of my Mom.  When I think of Nicole Richie, I think of her beautiful Balenciaga Motorcycle bags.

What part of your look or wardrobe brands YOU?  What makes people pick you out of a crowd? 

As I mentioned in last week’s article, Networking 101, I think it is really important to wear something memorable when attending a business or networking event.  Keep it professional, but don’t blend in among a sea of boring- don’t be afraid to be YOU. 

The founder of Ladies Who Launch, Victoria Colligan, would agree with me.  She says that it isn’t until you start being your self and stop worrying about emulating other successful women, that you start to succeed.  Read the short story here.

Today I sent out a Tweet asking what other girls felt like defined their personal brand.  I got some cool responses, along with one DM from a girl who said: “How do you come up with a signature personal brand trademark? I’d love to have one but I have no clue where to start!”

Well think again!  Here are some examples.  I bet you already have a brand.

• Your glasses.  (Think Sarah Palin!)
• Anna Nicole Smith.  Need I say more?
• Curly hair.
• Pretty eyes.
• Always being the girl with cool shoes.
• Hair Color/Style.
• Pearls.
• Very white teeth.
• Always wearing lipstick.
• Your laugh.
• A cool short hair cut.
• Brand loyalty.
• Bows, polka dots, plaid- whatever pattern you love and wear often.
• Always having your nails done.
• Your curves. (Um hello Oprah and Beyonce!)
• Your signature jewelry piece (mine is my David Yurman bracelet)
• Your smile.
• Marilyn Monroe.
• Your makeup.
• Your ability to coordinate.

So please share: what are your personal branding trademarks??