Which Came First, Your Brand or Your Reputation

Which Came First, Your Brand or Your Reputation You are familiar with these age-old questions, which came first, the chicken or the egg and if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?     Therefore, I ask the question, where does your brand come from? I am not talking about some cute or clever phrase.   I am talking about your genuine, authentic, unique brand.   Has it been there all along   and you just didnt know it? Have you asked your friends and trusted connections what they believe your talents are?   Are there re-occurring patterns? Hmmm, perhaps this is the beginning of your brand. Do you have a value proposition? How does that align with your brand? Have you asked yourself what makes you unique?   Have you tested that in the market place?   Is it as unique as you think? Is your brand on track?   Does it fit where you are headed next? When you present yourself, is the message consistent, clear, and constant? Your brand and your reputation belong to you.   You own them and are accountable for managing them, now and forever more.   The future of work demands this of you.