The Next Level

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author and 'Game Changer' to organizations, sports teams and individuals.

We all have all inner desire to reach 'the next level' of performance, growth and contribution. No matter what profession one may choose in life, definite patterns of human greatness exist. In his weekly 'Game Changer Column', Rob shares some of the insights, innovation and inspiration of the great champions of business, sport and life.

Game Changer Number Three. "Branding is everything".

Everyone is in marketing and selling, whether we know it or not .Beauty, strength, intelligence, kindness, wealth, power are all ways we advertise our value as human beings. But, there's a catch. It only works well when the brand behind our marketing and selling effort - is 'made of the right stuff'.

There are three magical P's to power branding, namely Purpose, Priority and Productivity. Let's take an inside look. Coca Cola's purpose is 'to create happiness '. Disney's purpose is 'to make children smile'. Starbucks purpose is 'to inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, one neighborhood at a time'. Great organizational brands are the ones that put purpose before profit, and it's no different with personal brands.

An estate agent's purpose is 'to elevate people's lifestyles'. A hairdresser's purpose is 'to make people feel good'. A doctor's purpose is 'to make people healthy'. Purpose happens when one's passion meets the universe's needs. And it becomes the key ingredient of productivity.

The next 'P' is setting Priorities. It's one of the most important actions one can ever take. And it's surprising how most people cannot clearly articulate their top five priorities in life. It's important because there exists a very fine line between human greatness and human implosion, especially when it's one's job to push the human limits. One only has to look at examples like Lance Armstrong, Oscar Pistorious and even Tiger Woods. All were uncertain of their top priorities in life.

While we are all unique human beings, definite patterns of commonality are in play. Here's a practical guide as to how one's 'Big Five ' priorities should be stacking up in order to build a strong brand. Number One is placing yourself first - build your personal brand so that you come from 'a position of strength' - in order to help others. Number Two is to focus on your 'One Thing' - your purpose - so that you can make a difference. Then add the other priority investments in life - family and friends, your health and wealth and your desired lifestyle. Invest time and effort as they can easily be lost.

With one's purpose and priorities in place, the final 'P' which remains, is Productivity - aligning one's top three goals for the current year. Keep them focused on what's important and meaningful in your life - and know when to say NO to all the other things that are not part of your plan.

Now one has the backbone of a game plan which is 'made of the right stuff'. It serves as one's compass in good times, and one's scaffolding in bad times. And it provides the inspiration to conquer all those Monday morning blues.

* For more insight, innovation and inspiration please do visit https://www.thegameplan.co.za, where you can request a copy of Rob's free eBook: The Game Plan: What the Great Champions know - but coaches seldom teach.