Over the course of my life, I've come to regard bold claims of being "better than" as the last refuge for people who are afraid they lack in some way. Unfair? Yes, I suppose it is. We live in a comparative and competitive world where actually being better can lead to visibility and success. After all, in the current climate of the 2008 Olympics, there is plenty of evidence for that. It’s the fastest swimmer or the fastest sprinter who wins the gold medal.
Beyond highly specific contexts, however, things get fuzzier. For example, is a MacBook better than a VAIO notebook? The real answer is, "it depends." And among the factors it depends upon are the specific needs of the buyer. Each is an example of a strong brand. Each can rightly claim advantages that the other cannot.
So, why am I thinking about this?
Just today, I read a blog post by Thom Singer, at his blog, Some Assembly Required, in which he discusses how some self-appointed Gen Y leaders complaints reflect badly on an entire generation. Coincidentally, earlier today, I had heard that some folks - and is this really a surprise? - are upset that despite American thought leadership, China has taken the concept of free enterprise and has used it to compete, well ... freely!
No doubt I’m oversimplifying what are truly complex situations. Yet, in each case, it occurred to me that pointing the finger elsewhere is a great way to distract from one's own shortcomings – rather than demonstrating one's value. Applied to managing one's brand and career, there is an important lesson here, and it's this: figure out your value and find audiences for whom that value is relevant. When you do that, you really don't have to make sweeping, "better-than" generalizations. People who benefit from the value you deliver will promote it, and you, as being the best choice for them.
Cross-posted at Threshold Consulting Blog
I launched this Blog with one objective - to provide unique insights and practical advice for using the power of personal branding to achieve your goals. It’s dedicated to those who want to be wildly successful by maximizing what makes them unique, relevant and compelling. 
The Olympics are a great example of how personal brands are made and sustained. I agree that it is important to find your value and share it with the most relevant audience to build eminence. Taking it a step further I would also advocate that you find what you want to be known for which may ultimately not be your true value but something that still makes you unique. When building a personal brand uniqueness has as much impact as value. Ideally you want to have them exist as the same positive attribute associated with you.
Posted by: Kaplan Mobray, Author 10ks of Personal Branding | August 24, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Hi Kaplan! Thanks for your comment! I agree that determining your uniqueness in terms of what you want to be known for is important. While it may not align perfectly with the specific value you deliver, it does contribute to a constellation of behaviors and attributes that make up who you are - and affect your impact. You have a terrific personal brand, by the way! Enjoyed your YouTube video and a visit to your website! You have a powerful message!
Posted by: Walter Akana | August 25, 2008 at 12:21 PM