Personal Branding

It could be a coincidence but is it me or are the number of discussions on personal branding increasing? Gone are the days you go to school, get good grades, land a good job and live happily ever after.
Nowadays you are expected to go a notch higher otherwise you are doomed to be stuck in a rut. It feels like a loser to be in just a job - at least that is the perception here.

First it was my wardrobe that had to be critically assessed – which means most of my clothes actually qualify to be handed to the charity shops. Then the self-analysis exercise – similar to SWOT analysis seems to be the next step.

Personal branding could make the difference if you want a better job. (FT 31st July by Stefan Stern)

Are we too self-conscious?
Such probing questions as ‘What do people say about you when you are not there?’ (My reputation, image and impact on others! My career depends on what They are saying about me.)

It is not luck that will get you the next best job apparently – is that not that how I even got my current job? This seems to be too much for guys like me because ultimately it is ones personality that matters most – the colour of my tie or the shoes I have on are secondary.
We live in a very self-conscious world – no one seems to be satisfied with what one has – that is why we enhance this and remove another body part just to fit in. this seems to be an industry that will continue to grow because it targets our most vulnerable self. I am convinced though that in future others will come to see the benefits of being dull but dependable! The model as the underlying strategy reveals someone in good shape for the long term planners.

It seems like the goal posts keep shifting woe unto you if you are rigid - like a cow looking at a passing train