Who Inspires You? How to Envision your Personal Brand

Entrepreneurs are like artists. (Sometimes we're like starving artists.) We see the world in new ways. Our souls crave self-expression. We are dreamers. We open minds and hearts. While we may inspire others, entrepreneurs need to be inspired. Or else.

Last year this time, I was at a cross-road. I was yearning for a new energizing direction. And now a year later, with a modicum of success, I am grateful for the collage that inspired me. Perhaps your collage can help you achieve your next level of success too.

I'm sure you too have read, heard, and watched many interviews of successful entrepreneurs. Every story is a triumph over obstacle. Surely you've learned what not to do!

But have you also noticed that every great entrepreneur looked up and wanted to belong to their collage of heroes and role models? Surely you too can relate your past successes to the legacy of those who've achieved before you. We've learned lessons from our heroes and role models. And we've felt their pull to achieve greater still.

You may be taking a break right now from working hard on your dreams. Here's a quick exercise to make this respite worth your while. I'd like for you to sketch out your own Role Model Collage; it takes less than 5 minutes. Have your kids, life partner, or friends help you gather all the stuff you'll need to complete it later.

A collage is a blend of images and words. Your Role Model Collage is a visualization of how you want to be. We are the blend of those who influence us. I want you to remind yourself about your role models, not just your heroes. There is a slight, but very important difference:

On January 2, 2007, a young man had a seizure and fell into the subway tracks in NYC. He could not get up. Wesley Autrey, a 50 year old veteran, saw this and jumped down to help. Just then a subway train came barreling down. Mr. Autrey could not rescue the young man in time. So he made a decision: He laid his body on the young man, flat between the tracks. The train could not stop in time. But it did roll over both them - with no major injuries.

Mr. Autrey is a hero. But is his Role one that you too would Model? I don't have the courage or the strength to help a stranger out of such a crisis. Thankfully we have those who would willingly put themselves in known danger, like our FDNY and military.

We play many different roles in our lives, and wear many different hats in our businesses. Likewise, we should have many different role models. Role models are examples of how we can be, if we follow their kind of actions. Role models help us believe; we too can achieve.

So let's outline our own Role Model Collage. Grab a blank piece of paper and a pen. Fold the sheet in quarters, and open it up. We're going to create a grid, so draw a full-length L to create the axes.

On the horizontal X axis, write the two types of roles we all play: Personal & Professional. For me, since my father is my business partner, the two tend to overlap and blend. Doesn't one affect the other for you too?

On the vertical Y axis, write the two types of achievements we all want: Qualitative & Quantitative. Qualitative achievements are more emotional; it's the quality of life we encourage. Quantitative, of course, are more measurable; it makes more dollars and sense.

Each quadrant is its respective mix. Given some thought, you will have multiple role models in each of the quadrants. Role models can be from the past, present, or even fictional; they are symbols more than advisors. For now write out some quick names:

1) Who has achieved the Personal Qualities you will? They enjoy the quality of life you will. They help others enjoy the quality of life you too encourage. How do they have so much fun?

2) Who has achieved the Personal Quantities you will? They enjoy spending the amount of time and money the way you do. They give to the kind of charities, causes, and communities as you will. How did they develop this?

3) Who has achieved the Professional Qualities you will? They exhibit the work ethic and personal brand of excellence you will. They deal with employees, vendors, customers, complementors, and competitors in the way you will. How do they keep it up?

4) Who has achieved the Professional Quantities you will? They have the kind of income streams you will. They have diversified and expanded in the way you will. How do they sustain their legacy?

Your collage will be more invigorating and colorful with pictures. Ask your kids, your life partner, or friends to help you find the appropriate images. You may need to photocopy family pictures, or search through images.Google.com. Create a collage of role models to follow.

Everyday -- throughout the day -- answer, "How am I living up to my role models?" Display your collage in public. This way, you're more apt to remind yourself of the kind of person you are working to be. Your public display will also spark worthwhile conversations: We all enjoy hearing stories.

Your collage will also bring others into your wavelength. You will be able to inspire those around you to create their own Role Model Collage; and to live up to it everyday. More than who inspires you ... Who are you inspiring? How are you a role model for the future?