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Blog.
Thinking from the BNY team on personal branding, presence and marketing.
The lost concept of Noblesse Oblige
The translation from French is – you guessed it – nobility is obligated. That is, those in positions of greatness (wealth, title, responsibility) have an…
Why do people buy this 'stuff'?
Have you heard of Supreme? You must have? The company that has kids lining up around the block to buy their products? They get ordinary products and add…
What is fashion?
By Emily Kucukalic I walked through the stylish suburbs or Prahran, Toorak and South Yarra (in Melbourne) today, looking in all the beautiful windows. My…
I am confident you will trust me.
By Rhys Blyth A recent study from researchers at the McGill University in Montreal, Canada explored how we trust, or don't trust, others with an accent…
Listen UP!
By Emily Kucukalic Throughout my career, I have attended various ‘active listening’ courses. As a salesperson, parent, leader and partner, it is an…
You don't want me?
By Emily Kucukalic & Jo Martin Having your pitch knocked back or not receiving the memo for after work drinks can elicit some pretty angry and sad…
The Power of Gratitude
By Rhys Blyth When was the last time someone expressed their gratitude towards you in the form of a thank you message? Felt good, didn’t it? Now, when was…
Is It Better To Give Than To Receive?
By Rhys Blyth Have you ever felt discomfort when others have been generous to you? Do you ever experience a burden or a need to return a favour, service…
Conquer the Imposter
By Rhys Blyth Remember Dr. James Barry? The British Armed Forces surgeon that was a pioneer of their field and was stationed all over the world? Remember…
Getting Attached?
Attachment theory is a psychological model that attempts to describe the dynamics of long- and short-term interpersonal relationships. Starting with John…
The Clothes Make the Man
Did you know that the clothes you wear can impact how you act and feel? The phenomenon of uniform has been explored by a vast number of researchers in…
Say It, Don't Spray It
How often do you subconsciously judge another's intelligence? Regardless of the merit of their remarks – you were trying to work out just how smart they…
What Simon Sinek accidentally missed…
By Emily Kucukalic In 2009, Sinek burst into our modern marketing psyche when he presented his golden circle. The TEDx talk of the easy-on-the-eye…
Simply persuasive
By Emily Kucukalic All day I deal in the art of persuasion. I work with people on how to build their personal brands and improve their influence, impact…
Should I Even Be Here?
By Jo Martin The Irishman, Dr James Barry had an amazing career as a surgeon in the British Armed Forces. A pioneer of surgery and stationed all around…
Dealing with Difficult
By Jo Martin We all know them… those people that you just can’t seem to crack. Those work colleagues you just don’t work well with. You sit in meetings…
Be average. It's cool.
Keith Johnstone (inventor of Theatresports amongst other things) is considered the master of improvisation. His techniques are taught the world over. He…
Here's how to love what you do!
Getting into the flow of things is at the hear of satisfaction with what you do. Here's how to get there.
Creative people can get to the Upside Down – can you?
What are the character traits of creative people? How many do you have?
Repetition creates Recognition. Repeat.
Repetition creates recognition. Consistency creates trust. When we trust someone, we are loyal.
We all work for organisations, don't we?
No. People work for people, not organisations.
Once upon a time…lessons from the greatest.
Is storytelling the new 'Mindfulness' or is there something really useful behind this latest trend?
Quick! Turn up the heat.
Warmth is associated with trust. Like Sheldon says, when people are upset, offer them a warm beverage.
The sound of silence – 5 common filters we use when listening.
We all apply filters when we listen – what are yours?
Kill the monster.
Preparing for an interview – what is your content? Here's how to kill the monster inside of you.
Do you have a uniform?
Your uniform can tell people all about your personal brand.
I can't remember your name…
We have all had the specialist coaches give us tips on how to memorise people’s names. “Remember something distinctive about the person”, “Repeat their…
Here's how to make an entrance.
Where you come from and where you are going will significantly impact your presence.
How to get what you want. And make others feel good about it.
Using verbs helps you to concentrate on the other person – how you make them feel.
What if you are your business?
Speaking in a monotone and handing out jelly bellys does not work.
This is the Secret of Status & how to make heads turn.
Status is awarded to you by others. The way to increase your status is to 'see' people, and think about how you make them feel.
Here's how to nail an interview.
Telling stories with places and names, tetxture and emotion are the secrets to a great job interview.
Lets get creative!
Creativity is all about being curious and sharing ideas freely.
Halos aren't just for angels – you have one!
We are never off stage. Own how you present yourself – create and manage your halo!
This will change the way you write emails!
Emoticons significantly impact how someone feels about what you have written.
Why do we WANT stuff?
When is enough not enough? When our purchases do not reflect who we are.
The darker your humour, the smarter you are?
People who enjoy dark humour are smarter, because it is a complex processing task.
DON'T fake it 'til you make it.
Identify or Imitate? The heart of social learning.
Sounding like a Kardashian won't land you the job!
Vocal fry – sounding like a Kardashian proves to be a negative in the job market.
Listen Up.
Presence is about how we listen as well as the way we speak. What filters do you rely on?
As the tongue speaketh to the ear, so the gesture speaketh to the eye…
So much of what we say is in how we move and our tone of voice. Your personal brand is not about you – it's about how others relate to you.
Elemental – Verdant and Cool
Shoes for the Elemental brand.
Freud and the art of being 'up yourself'
Understanding how your ego works is key to creating impact. Freud can tell us a few things…
Incisive – cutting through all of the noise
Incisive people are direct and to the point.
What? Why? How?
Questioning people like answers. You like to know how things work and what makes a person tick.
Inquisitive – why, what, where, how?
Dreaming of new ideas, places and things. Inquisitive people live large and dram big.
Elemental brands are totally at one with nature
Fresh dew on spring grass, a light dusting of powder on snow-capped peaks, rolling sand dunes and undulating hills – these are things that make you stop…
Questing people are always on a journey
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you…
If at first you don't succeed …. resilience people
Resilient people just keep going. Forever.
Liquid brands are everchanging
There's always another angle.
Persuasive, go on then….
Persuade, flatter, wear blue.
Wear a uniform – people will do what you tell them!
Legitimacy is empowering. So – wear that uniform! Increase your legitimacy. Become a leader. Become more authoritative. Increase your influence. And isn't…
Challenge the Status Quo
Challenging people never stop questioning.
Determined to go that extra mile.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. Samuel Beckett. This sums you up. You will succeed. No. Matter. What. There is…
We are what we…wear?
Ever worried about what to wear? Looked through your wardrobe and declared it empty of anything right? As it turns out – you are right to give it some…
Curious? What's going on?
Curious people are endlessly learning. Wanting to know.
Neon people push the limits
Neon people are looking to the new and the bright.
Vaulting
Vaulting people jump ahead easily.
Driven
Driven people never stop. Not ever.
Intrepid
You go where no-one before you has gone.
The Social Powers
Is power given or taken? Are leaders chosen or do they establish themselves? What makes those in power possess power?
Being honest – with yourself
We all lie. Sometimes for others. Sometimes for ourselves. Is lying part of your personal brand?
Does size really matter?
On average, people who are 6 feet earn US$166,000 more during a 30 -year career than those who are 5 foot 5 inches. How can you make that stat work for…
Are you the Sparkling one?
Sparkling people are NEVER in the corner!
Commanding people love Navy
Navy blue signifies trust, order, loyalty and confidence.
Anticipating – what happens next?
The Anticipating personal brand is not fully formed. The individual who you are not yet sure of what they can be, what they can become. Theirs is a bright…
Articulate – Say it how it is
Articulate – sharp tailoring.
Agile minds are flexible
Agile brands are flexible and ready for the challenge.
The Modern Brand
Modern – edgy and lots of black.
Courageous brands have great haircuts.
Courageous people just do things differently!
Bold Brands wear Red Lipstick
Bold women wear red lipstick. Its their armour.
Friend or Foe?
Know when you are collaborating or competing – it will enhance your impact.
The Science of the Yawn
Yawning stretches the soft palate creating a more resonant voice and greater presence. But, there is more…
Enlightened
Enlightened – bright and light.
The Science of Search
50% of our clicks go to the first two Google results. More than 90% end at the top ten. How can search results influence your personal brand?
Navigating the perils of casual office wear
Belts? Yes. Socks? Always. When you go to work – you dress up. Up for your clients. Up for your leader.
A word tells 1000 things
The way you write can expose your sex, age and predisposition to exaggeration.
Tell a secret to learn a secret.
Advice from Truman Capote – who knew a thing or two about secrets.
Disraeli did it right
Charming people are disarmingly present.
Be wholehearted – Say I love you first
Being vulnerable – means having the courage to say " I Love You" first.
Attention – the most valuable currency
"Attention is the most important currency that anyone can give you. It's worth more than money, possessions or things." Steve Rubel, Chief Content…
Emotional vs Rational
Are women emotional and men rational? Really?
Out of sight, Out of mind
Tom Ford's Brand? Constant, consistent and personified in the man himself.
Deliberately, Richard Avedon
Position yourself or others will position you for you.
Why indicators matter so much
The power of suggestion can define how others perceive you.
Strong handshake = I am here for the long haul
Make your handshake strong – it demonstrates commitment and control.
New Year, Better Career
5 of the best bits of career advice from Stanford Business School…..and Brand New You!
Do you sound like a CEO?
3 ways to sound like a CEO. And earn the big bucks!
Orlando's take on Diversity
"Can a woman be as tolerant and free spoken as a man…"
Want to get happier?
Increased self esteem = greater personal presence
What does your car say about you?
Drive a Porsche – make better decisions!
Money, money, money
The psychology of money – why the richest people aren't always the nicest.
Acing an interview
Ace your interview in 6 easy steps.
The Preference for Potential
Potential is more powerful than experience.
What's in a watch?
What does your watch tell others about you?
Priming – make them believe in you.
What is priming and why does it matter?
Add $800 per year per inch….
Every American President in the last 100 years has been taller than the average male. Are taller people really more powerful?
It's not about you….
Contrary to popular belief – your personal brand is not about you!
Red is for the Fierce
Red is for fire and emotion. Wear it consciously and when it matters.
5 ways to #BOOM! – Man stuff
5 Simple rules to follow to get it right. Boom!
Top 9 tips for dressing – Women
9 tips to ensure that you make impact.
Power Dressing
Dress for the role that you want in 5 years.
What colour do you wear to an interview?
Blue is the colour most loved by men and women alike.
The Playground of the Dull Mind
I have been reading Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari (yes, I know that I am late to the game here). And this quote really got me thinking: “Consistency is the…
WHAT ARE YOU WEARING NOW?
I understand that it is very tempting to sit at home and work in your trackies or PJs. Well, I don’t really, but apparently that is what people are…
Zoom Fatigue – it's a thing…
Your personal brand about the way you make people feel. We know that long term success comes down, in a large part, to your ability to connect with…
Market yourself as a luxury brand
Have you walked past a Gucci store lately? Seen the line? Marvelled at the prices paid in the secondary sneaker market? Watched the MetGala with gaping…
Maslow's doing a handstand!
Do you remember Maslow? The author of the seminal psychology piece in 1943,“A Theory of Human Motivation”. I remember meeting him for the first time at…
fem.ver.ti.sing
Be a feminist because you care, not because it's cool.
Trump – a candidate or a brand?
Sue us Donald Trump.
Paper Doll Sophistication
Is baring all the best way to capture attention?
8 ways to Tinder right
Get your profile right. They may swipe right. You may meet Mr or Mrs Right! Never have first impressions meant so much.
Is a 'strategic' leader unique?
Among the top ten most used words are passionate, responsible and track record. How do you describe yourself on LinkedIn?
What's Mum got to do with it?
How did Karl Lagerfeld create such a powerful personal brand?
This could be the next big thing…
The last differentiator – me