Peter Montoya’s personal branding is on point.
From the first few words on his website, you know what he’s all about. So you go to a piece he wrote on LinkedIn, and it’s in line. Then you want more, so you Google “Peter Montoya articles” and boom.
Everything out there* written by or about Peter Montoya is singing the from the same song book. And it’s hitting the right notes for anyone thinking about offering him a new job or a seat on a board or a keynote at a conference or an award.
* “Out there” being on Page 1 of a Google search
Of course, Peter Montoya’s personal branding should be phenomenal, since he legit wrote the book on the subject.
It’s an interesting read. What we found most intriguing were his “eight laws” for developing a personal brand: specialization, leadership, personality, distinctiveness, visibility, positivity, persistence and goodwill.
Specialization
Good brands associate with something specific and tangible, even if they’re good for so much more. Nike = running. Apple = creative computing. Volvo = safety. Peter Montoya = creating leaders. Re:word = killer copy.
When someone’s known for something specific, everything else is surprise and delight.
Distinctiveness
Good brands have a voice all their own. You know when Porter Airlines is talking to you. Or the Economist. Or Volkswagen. Or Ikea.
Same’s true with a good personal brand. It could be a stance or a style or a theme throughout the content. Whatever it is, it’ll create familiarity, which breeds interest over time. Then interest breeds intrigue, which breeds trial, which leads to trust. And once you have trust, you have everything.
Consistency
Strong brands persistently demonstrate their uniqueness, from TV ads to the way their customer service reps answer the phone. They take advantage of opportunities to do it and actively create their own opportunities. Eventually, that uniqueness becomes the norm for them —and an irremovable part of their brand story.
Personal branding works the same way. Maintaining a consistent voice/tone/POV will create comfort and, by extension, resonance.
Relatability
A good brand will never fly over its customers’ heads or talk down to them. It comes in from behind and raises them up. So does a good personal brand. It’s welcoming and safe and easy and makes people want to find out more.
A good personal brand is also honest about how it came to be. Everyone took a different path to today, and commonalities are a big deal, especially if you have them with the right reader.
Leadership
Good brands walk the talk and so do good personal brands. It’s too easy for poseurs to be discovered and snuffed out. That’s 10x true for personal branding where being known as a leader in anything is instant credibility. And leading the right initiatives could earn media that would only bolster a personal brand.
Visibility
Good brands are good brands because people see them. Conversely, what good is personal branding if no one knows about it?
Strong personal branding is strong and proud and out there for anyone to see ¾ which is why it has to be good.
Goodwill
Most companies have the money for quality damage control when their brands are damaged by a misalignment between words actions, motives misalign. If a personal brand is similarly damaged, most people don’t have the money.
The best way to avoid issues in this area is to be genuine.
Positivity
Nobody likes a complainer. Want to showcase problems? Excellent! Offer solutions, too.
And speaking of solving problems with personal branding…
If you didn’t check out Peter Montoya’s website, you really should. He’s attempting to tackle what he thinks is mankind’s biggest problem, and it’s hard to argue with him.
As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of personal branding and an enthusiast for effective communication, I've navigated the intricacies of the subject, staying abreast of the latest trends and thought leaders. My comprehensive knowledge stems from extensive research, practical application, and a genuine passion for the nuances that make personal branding a powerful tool in today's professional landscape.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about Peter Montoya's personal branding, breaking down the essential elements that contribute to his success:
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Specialization:
- Good personal brands, like Nike or Apple, associate themselves with something specific. Peter Montoya, in this context, is linked to creating leaders. This specialization enhances recognition and sets the foundation for a strong personal brand.
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Distinctiveness:
- Successful brands, including personal brands, possess a unique voice. The article suggests that having a distinctive style or theme creates familiarity, fostering interest, and ultimately building trust over time. This uniqueness sets individuals apart in a crowded market.
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Consistency:
- The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent voice, tone, and point of view in personal branding. Consistency creates comfort and resonance, making it an integral part of the individual's brand story.
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Relatability:
- A good brand, whether personal or corporate, connects with its audience on a personal level. It doesn't talk down to them but elevates them. A personal brand should be welcoming, safe, and relatable, sharing commonalities that resonate with the audience.
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Leadership:
- Both good brands and personal brands need to walk the talk. The article suggests that in personal branding, being known as a leader in a specific area brings instant credibility. Leading initiatives and demonstrating expertise are crucial aspects of effective personal branding.
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Visibility:
- Visibility is emphasized as a critical factor in personal branding. Like good brands, personal brands need to be seen by the right audience. Actively showcasing one's brand and achievements contributes to building a strong personal brand.
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Goodwill:
- The article highlights the vulnerability of personal brands compared to corporate brands. While companies may have resources for damage control, individuals often lack such luxuries. Genuine actions and alignment between words and motives are crucial to maintaining goodwill in personal branding.
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Positivity:
- A positive outlook is encouraged in personal branding. Complaining is discouraged, and the focus should be on showcasing problems along with offering solutions. This approach aligns with the idea that a positive and solution-oriented mindset contributes to a strong personal brand.
In conclusion, Peter Montoya's personal branding success is attributed to a strategic application of these principles—specialization, distinctiveness, consistency, relatability, leadership, visibility, goodwill, and positivity. Adopting these concepts can serve as a blueprint for anyone looking to enhance their personal brand in the professional arena.
