If Donald Trump taught us anything, it’s that being yourself can get you elected president of the United States. Although being himself involved no thought filtering, no diplomacy and being guided by ego. This might not work for you, unless you have tremendously thick skin, a bouffant hairdo elevated by hot air and (supposedly) billions in assets.

What we can take from The Donald’s political marketing masterclass is the importance of being authentic to achieve.

Like him or not, he also touched on living with passion and having purpose in a world of automated bots and online fakery.

Audi represents ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ and De Beers believes that ‘A Diamond is Forever.’ (Or perhaps ‘A Diamond payment is Forever’.)

You need clear branding to signal what you stand for. We all know that Apple ‘Think Different’. Sure, it’s grammatically incorrect, but it stands for something tangible.

Unfortunately the slogan for Apple’s new iPhone 7 (‘This is 7’) translates into ‘This is penis’ in Hong Kong. But it can only be good for sales, Apple don’t cock about.

What does your personal brand mean to people? And what’s your unique selling point (USP)?

A USP isn’t a meaningless slogan, it’s a compelling summary of what you or your business embodies. It’s your eloquent elevator pitch, it’s what differentiates you from others. It leaves people with a clear feeling and understanding of your personal brand offering.

Michael Jackson was ‘The King of Pop’. Barnum and Bailey circuses were ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. Donald Trump is a real-life Bond villain.

Could you be The Queen of Confectionary? How about The Count of Accounting?

This unique offering might take time to learn and figure out – and is often a lifelong process.

Having said this, you’re not a product, so stay human. Be the brand, but not in a forced way.

http://coolfidence.com/people-dont-buy-what-you-do-they-buy-why-you-do-it-solution-20078

I have been referring to the progress paradox and the purpose-money continuum and the quality-quality struggle for quite some time now. Simply put, the paradox of our time is that we live in an age of incredible prosperity and convenience – life has never been easier – we have all kinds of machines and devices to help us; yet, our ability to cope with life seems to be deteriorating with each technological advancement.

http://coolfidence.com/the-progress-paradox-solution-20077

Perhaps there’s a call of the wild for an unexpected bathroom break, perhaps you’ve just had enough of the meeting you’re in. Maybe you’ve been cornered by a bore at a networking event, but don’t want to offend them. How do you excuse yourself without creating a stir? What’s your exit strategy?

Watch your body language. You may already have left the room with your mind, staring out the door or window, plotting your escape route while someone is still engaging with you. Give them your full attention until the time is right to make your move.

http://coolfidence.com/how-to-politely-get-out-of-meetings-that-you-dont-want-to-be-in-solution-20076