I just bought a car that flies in the face of the advice I’ve received from lots of my most successful colleagues. I can’t even name the fancy brands I “should” have been considering in order to impress people. And this has got me thinking about my own brand.

Brand matters! Absolutely! But…

…integrity, authenticity, and consistency are the foundations of a strong brand. If your brand is a true reflection of yourself or your company and your values, the integrity, authenticity, and consistency follow easily. If your brand needs to be propped up with material objects and posturing, it is really tough to be authentic and consistent.

My lifestyle is all about being active and protecting the environment. I spurn car culture and walk whenever I can. I’m the one in weather-appropriate clothing, good walking shoes, and a hat when others drive up in fancy clothes. I seize every opportunity to hike, ski, play pickleball, and canoe. These activities keep me happy and fit and I’m usually on the way to one or another – suitably dressed. I’ve never been concerned about what others think. I tried marching to that drum once, but I couldn’t hear their beat. Clarity regarding what is pragmatic, logical, fair, and right has always been easier and felt better than trying to guess how to measure up to the expectations of others. The same applies to my choice of car.

When I can’t walk, I drive an electric car which I plug in at my solar-powered house. This is the second house we’ve equipped with solar power and our new electric car follows two hybrids. That’s who we are. Our latest car is really pretty, but as one friend commented, “too bad no one will ever see it” because he knows we walk everywhere. A fancy, prestigious car just wouldn’t be me.

I’ve pinned my personal brand on my uncommon clarity, not my appearance or my possessions. With me, what you see is what you get. And this is the approach I most recommend to you! If your brand is a reflection of yourself and your values, the rest is easy. You don’t have to fake it until you make it. You don’t have to work so hard to impress others. You don’t have to worry about your integrity or authenticity or consistency. You just have to be your authentic, hard-working, reliable self.