The much hyped-about 'Selling Techniques' give countless ideas regarding the sale of various products - the dos and don’ts for sure shot success in today’s highly competitive world. You hardly ever spare a thought about the little known fact that the brand name product you are actually selling is your own self. The prospective buyer, be it a client or an employer, is first and foremost ‘taken in’ by your personal aura. Hence, more than anything else, ‘you’ – the people who want to make it big in your chosen field or the entrepreneur who wants his/her business to succeed – needs to give due consideration towards ‘packaging yourself’ or ‘branding yourself.

‘Packaging yourself’ is not a technique that can be learned overnight – a lot of conscious effort goes into making a ‘nicely packaged’ person.  There are countless things to be learned and practiced to perfection. The ‘trial and error’ method can help you hit upon a personal plan for success. As each individual is different from the other, it is necessary for you to understand your positive and negative traits. Thereafter, you get a lead to work on – accentuating your strengths and minimizing your weaknesses.

Though each person should concentrate on bringing out the best in him/her, there are always a few general rules applicable universally. These are the time-tested methods laid down by people who have been fortunate enough to reach the hall of fame of success. It is advisable to go over these guidelines to avoid unnecessary hassles. These hints can go a long way in helping you make your mark in life. A five-point technique that you need to know, to ‘package yourself’ as a brand name product, can be laid down as follows:

• The art of ‘appearing good’:  Not without reason has it been said that first impressions do count. It is true that your inherent looks cannot be changed drastically, but your appearance and outlook can be enhanced a great deal. Your appearance should neither be too gaudy nor too shoddy – Your look should appeal to your target audience. Be aware of the way the people in your target audience appear and start mirroring it.
  
  
• Talk wisely: Of all the senses you are blessed with, the sense of speech is the one that is ‘abusively and uselessly used’. You should take care not to let your tongue wag – let your speech be deliberate and make it sound sensible. Choose your words carefully to put across your thoughts effectively. Go to your local toastmasters to perfect your communications. It is inexpensive and can offer you valuable insight and feedback. What you say can hurt you.
  
  
• It pays to be a good listener: Most human beings have the desire to ‘be heard’ by others. So it is quite natural that you too wish to do the talking most of the time. However, you’ll be surprised to know that people who are good listeners often have a galaxy of admirers. Cultivate the art of ‘listening’ and experience the magic of success.
  
  
• Learn basic ‘soft skills’: The competitive world today is banking a great deal on ‘soft skills’ - skills relating to effective dealing with others, such that you can make a lasting impact. Your mannerisms, behavior, etiquettes, etc can go a long way in helping you brand yourself – at an interview or while striking a business deal. Begin reading books on the art of persuasion and influence. You will progress faster than you can imagine because most people have very few soft skills.
  
  
• Smile your way to success: A smile is a wonderful device – it can light up the most ordinary of faces. It is truly the super secret of success. A genuine smile, depicting your true character can make people judge you very easily. Your smile should be a true reflection of your self, without any pretensions, only then can you call yourself ‘an attractively packaged’ person.

You can frame an exhaustive list to ‘package yourself as a brand name product’, to suit your needs and the requirements of your profession. Once you acquire some mastery in having ‘packaged’ yourself wonderfully well, don’t become laid back – you need to ‘upgrade’ yourself from time to time, to ‘prune’ yourself here and there. If you are always bent upon putting your best foot forward, remember, life is a ‘learning’ process throughout! I created an audio program called Branding You In The Real World can help you learn everything you will need to know to package youself.