Years ago I was attempting to get Dale Carnegie and Associates to look at a software system I had developed for sales representatives, when I met Simon Vetter. At the time, Simon was working for the San Diego office of Dale Carnegie as a sales associate. That was quite a few years ago and both Simon and I have moved on to other ventures. However, Simon always kept in touch with me over the years and as a matter of fact I hired him do some marketing consulting for a company that I owned. I have always been impressed with Simon’s tenacity and thorough approach to everything that he does. He is a master at marketing and has developed those skills through study and application in the field of sales. Currently, he is coaching people and organizations on marketing and branding themselves.

Simon’s recent book entitled, “Stand Out! Branding Strategies for Business Professionals“, is an excellent book for anyone wishing to learn more about personal branding. Simon can help anyone find their unique qualities and talents which will help them in differentiating themselves from the rest of the crowd. In my interview with Simon, he reveals what he learned from the following professionals, who Simon believes are amongst the best at personal branding. Simon interviews are with professional speakers and business people such as: Nido Qubein, Tony Alessandra, Beverly Kaye, Marshall Goldsmith, David Allen, Gayle Carson, Brian Tracy and Jim Kouzes. Simon learned something different with each of these professionals and articulates how they built their strong personal brand. In my interview with Simon he reveals the top ten (10) rules of personal branding, five (5) insights and five (5) commandments.

Simon states that, “Whatever we do, we leave an impression. We send out signals all the time. It’s like walking through fresh snow. We cannot hide the footprints behind us. People all around us-at work, at home, in the gym, at a restaurant-see and observe us. Our brand is based on the experience people have with us. Every action, every word, every element of our appearance is noted, recorded, and judged by everyone we meet. Ultimately, we always leave a mark and at the same time this is the process of brand building.”

I encourage you to listen to the informative interview on personal branding. Simon discusses important issues as it relates to building a better personal brand and image. I love the quote in his book by Gandhi , ” Be the change you wish to see.” If you want to build a better YOU, then I encourage you to visit Simon Vetters’ site and pick up a copy of his book, Stand Out! Branding Strategies for Business Professionals.