WHAT THEN IS PERSONAL BRANDING?

I decided to bring to you the definitions of Personal branding that I tumbled across the web. I will keep editing it until it becomes a one stop shop for the definition of the subject matter. Go ahead and read it!
Personal branding is the process whereby people and their careers are marked as brands (Lair, Sullivan & Cheney 2005). It has been noted that while previous self-help management techniques were about self-improvement, the personal branding concept suggests instead that success comes from self-packaging (Lair, Sullivan & Cheney 2005). Further defined as the creation of an asset that pertains to a particular person or individual; this includes but is not limited to the body, clothing, appearance and knowledge contained within, leading to an indelible impression that is uniquely distinguishable.[1] The term is thought to have been first used and discussed in a 1997 article by Tom Peters.[2]

Personal branding often involves the application of one's name to various products. For example, celebrity real-estate mogul Donald Trump uses his last name extensively on his buildings and on the products he endorses (e.g., Trump Steaks).

My Definition of Personal Branding

The art of articulating and communicating your skills, personality and values so that others seek you to help them solve a problem.

While these are very few words, each of them is there for a reason, so let’s dissect the phrase and understand what each word means in the context of personal branding:

■Personal Branding is an art: it takes practice, creativity and patience to do it right. There is really no checklist or sure recipe for success, and building your brand is a long term, ongoing process.
■Personal Branding involves your skills, personality and values: while skills are important, it’s not only what you know that counts. After all, business requires you to interact with people, so personality is also important. However, there’s a third, crucial element: your values. Without being true to your values you will never achieve a strong personal brand. You need passion, and for that you have to do something you believe in.
■You must be able to articulate and communicate what your brand is all about: you may have a potentially strong brand, but if you’re not able to define it and share it in a simple way that resonates with your audience, your brand will never reach its true potential.
■A strong personal brand makes others seek you instead of you seeking them. A sound personal branding strategy will help you build your reputation and your network so that interesting opportunities come to you.
■For a personal branding strategy to be successful, you must be able to solve a problem. You must provide real value and exceed your customers’ expectations.
So there you have it, my take on what personal branding means in a few simple words.

What is your definition of personal branding?