I realize this stuff is much harder for women! I tell Mindy all the time, "It's "hard being" a girl!" (actually I use another word for "harder that I won't use here : ) She doesn't fight me on that opinion.

Why? For whatever reason, women get judged more on how they look, what they wear, how old they look....

However, I've had to grow up to some key facts. Like it or not, people do form opinions on who we are, whether we're credible, what we're about, whether they can relate to us, if they can trust us, so why not pay attention?

[cryout-pullquote why not authentically, but intentionally, brand ourselves in a way that frees us - instead of stifles us?

Not plastic, performed or forced. But, with some forethought. Not be market stupid. But be market savvy.

Here are 7 ways to consider as you discover, formulate or express your authentic personal brand. The things that authentically matter. (And right up front, I will admit to having neglected or underrated all of these... )

1. Physical Appearance. (Do you look like you care?)

Like it or not, what we look like communicates things people remember. If our bodies look unkempt, out of shape, worn, torn and often forlorn, we're telling the world something....

If we have a message people need, or a product they need, why would we let how we look stand in the way?

To me, that's one of the best reasons to get in shape, wear the right clothing and shave.... because what you have to offer the world matters!

It really isn't selfish or arrogant to pay attention to when what you have to offer really, really matters!

2. Passion (Do you act like you care?)

Like it or not, people can tell if we're authentically energized about things.

Passion's hard to fake... and it's hard to mix.

When you really, really do care about what you're doing, that makes a memorable impression.

What do you really care about?

3. Proficiencies (Do you do things you're great at?)

Part of what makes you memorable is when people see what you're really good at.

• She's the singer.

• He's the computer genius

• She's the marketing expert

• He's the business strategist.

Ask people what they think you're an expert at, or really good at. You may be surprised!

4. Deeper Purpose (Do you really believe things deeply?)

People tend to remember those who have significant values or integrity or a vision that goes beyond just them.

I used to think I needed to hide my values of faith, that I was once a pastor, or how I feel about my family, or that I want to really help others who want to make difference in the world through business. But, by not hiding it, not only do I feel I get to live in my skin, I attract others who believe the same way.

What deeper purpose might you need to more genuinely express?

5. Your Pursuits (Do you want to make the world better in some way?)

People remember you for what you are doing or trying to do. Especially if you have a bigger vision to do something in the world.

What kinds of things are you trying to accomplish? Some examples..

• Change the way kids feel about education

• Offer an alternative kind of legal service

• Allow moms to not sacrifice family and fulfill their calling

• End homelessness in Boulder

• Create jobs for the unemployed

6. People (Are you part of a tribe? Or tribes?)

It really is good, maybe even vital to decide and define who you want to connect to, help or serve.

This is really, really hard for those of us who believe we can help everyone! (And we can't)

Who you "hang with" does make you who you are... and can be a focus of your brand. They're often like you in some way or you care about them because you've experience some of their challenges.

Examples

• Athletes

• People wanting be healthy

• People who have an important message

• Entrepreneurs who care about making a difference

• People who want to see faith in everyday life

• Mom's who work outside the home

7. Public Expression (How do you come across ?)

What we say and what we share, how we share it, where we share it will become what we're known for.

The things we speak about, write about... the images we use, the phrases we use. Even what we say when people ask, "So, what do you do?" Very importantly: Do they communicate that you care and are they genuine?

We tend to trust people who aren't perfect, are in process and "get" the real world.

Most of us shrink back from "plastic" "salesy" "schmaltzy" and "fake." We're drawn to genuine, real and honest.

Are you free to express who you really are?

CONCLUSION

This idea is worth repeating. BECAUSE you have something to offer the world that really matters... and we need it from you - it's wise and good to be intentional about your authentic personal brand.

A tweetable quote here! “We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be."