Have you ever known anyone with a clearly defined personal brand?  Some people, like Hillary Clinton, Lady Gaga, Jack Welch, Al Dunlap, and Oprah Winfrey have clearly defined personal brands.  Even if you can't pin down the exact details of their personality, you know what they stand for.  Either they have put some considerable effort into earning that brand name, or someone else has done if for them, good or bad. 

What makes up your personal brand?  It's somewhat circumstantial for most people.  Because most of us don't have deep pockets like Warren Buffet, our brand has to be tempered with what the tribe expects and demands of us.  My tribes have included family, friends, co-workers, bosses, customers and the community at large.  I have not always given my tribes what they wanted.  Their reactions have been at times fantastic, and at other times epic failures.  

Fantastic is usually associated with getting people to try things that they normally would not, or simply saying something unexpected.  People appreciate when you help them overcome hurdles and achieve success. Epic failures have sometimes resulted from something as simple as pointing out that a business process or product needs to be fixed.  Some people don't like reality, and it's painful for their customers.  Despite these two different potential outcomes, it is possible to still maintain a personal brand and get along with your tribe.  As a matter of fact, your tribe will likely grow as a result of it.

My personal brand has evolved over time, and has settled into one that is probably a little less spicy than I would prefer, but nonetheless helps me to be successful.  It's also a bit of a moral compass that helps to guide my decision making.  When people who know who I am and how I work, the following thoughts tend to come to mind:
* Committed (at least to other good people)
* Someone you can trust (consistently)
* Intelligent (willing to research, analyze and understand)
* Strategic (can make connections on a broad scale and set direction)
* Hard working (can create solutions, plans and execute)
* Unafraid to speak his mind (even if it gets me in trouble for items I feel strongly about)
* Not big on wasting time (happy to walk away from silly things)
* Fun  (in a uniquely James way)

I find that I can successfully maintain my strong brand without ruffling feathers for the most part by keeping introductions formal, and warming up to the conversation and the tribe thoughtfully and considerately.  I may not have the brand of Oprah Winfrey, but it's my own and it works.