I have been hearing the phrase ‘Human Branding‘ and wondered what it meant for a short while and it triggered a reaction within me and here is why.
I love language and not everybody always thinks about how language is used and how it may be interpreted and shortened, and what that may mean to the understanding.
Now I know language evolves; of course it does, and just shortening and combining things for the sake of shortening and combining is not always the best route
Words fall in and out of favour, and words are given new meanings – it is all part of the process and Human Branding ……………….. well it promoted this article
Interpretation 1
Human Branding, think cattle branding, refers to a form of body modification in which a design, a symbol, or a mark is burned, scarred, or somehow permanently imprinted onto a person’s skin.
It is a deliberate and often painful process that involves using a heated object, such as a metal rod or branding iron, to create the desired design on the individual’s skin.
The technique dates back centuries and has been used for various purposes throughout history.
Human branding can serve different purposes in different contexts. In some cases, it may be used as a form of identification or ownership, it was historically practised on slaves or prisoners; think about the identification marks of the holocaust victims and survivors.
It has also been used as a religious or spiritual expression, representing allegiance to a particular belief system or group.
Additionally, individuals may choose to undergo branding as a form of personal expression to create a permanent mark that holds personal significance or symbolism for them. Tattoos are a form of human branding and will identify people to a time and place, and era within the design, positioning, colour, and style utilised.
It creates a specific identity in a cultural sense and is generally not legally regulated. However, due to the potential health risks associated with the procedure, it is strongly advised to seek professional expertise and adhere to proper hygiene and safety practices if considering human branding.
Interpretation 2
Human Branding for Business, in the context of business, human branding refers to the process of establishing and promoting a strong personal brand for individuals within a company or as their own brand – think influencers, you know their name probably more than you know their business.
It involves shaping and enhancing the reputation and image of key individuals, such as executives, founders, or employees, to create a distinct and recognisable identity that aligns with the organisation’s goals and values.
Your brand is your voice of you and your service to the broader world; it expresses who and what you are.
Human branding for business aims to position individuals as industry experts, thought leaders, and influencers in their respective fields. By building a solid personal brand, these individuals enhance their credibility and visibility within their sphere of influence.
What are the benefits of having a solid personal (human) brand?
These are just a few to get you thinking about how solid is your personal brand.
Benefits for the business:
Increased brand awareness,
Improved reputation,
Business opportunities
Activities can include:
Public speaking engagements,
Publishing articles and books,
Invitation as a podcast guest,
Networking invitations,
What does it require?
Careful planning,
Consistent and persistent effort,
Social media profiles that are active and maintained,
Genuine commitment to building a credible and trustworthy personal brand
The goal of personal branding is to establish a unique, integrity-led brand that distinguishes the individual from competitors and fosters a positive association with the business they represent.
NOTE: human branding for business, when you are an employee, requires that you align with the overall brand strategy of the company and be in line with the required expertise and passions
When you create your own business, you basically have full control of your personal branding and remember everything you do and say affects your attractiveness which affects your leads and sales – designing your personal human brand is vital to think about in advance
Check out a previous article I wrote on branding https://juliehogbin.com/the-power-of-branding-product-business-and-personal-brands/
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