What REALLY is Personal Image and Brand
Greetings!
I recently had the opportunity to gain valuable insight into personal image and brand. During the holidays I heard comments about a woman who had been admitted to a health facility. Her health had continued to decline as a result of cancer. As a valiant solider, she fought the disease, her opponent’s force returned again and again.
As people came to see her wishing her improved health, I heard them talk about her as they left the room. The comments seemed to always begin with the fact she had a smile for everyone—no matter who they were or what position they held in life, her determination, her fashionable appearance and her caring personality. I began to think about these statements and they cannot be made about everyone.
There are people who only offer their smile and attention to certain titles and positions, or to those perceived to be of importance. This woman was different. I observed doctors, nurses, friends; those who cleaned the room and maintained the facility…all treated equally…all received her smile. Some said she was always like that even when she was in extreme pain.
People commented about her determination, not only to fight cancer but in everything she did. Playing the game of golf was brought up by many people with whom she played. Even her golf pro said she had been one of his favorite students.
And then there were the comments about her dress. She had everything to match from shoes, socks, sweaters, earrings, rings and watches—she was a fashion statement. Someone said she had the knack of “focused eyes of an eagle” when it came to picking up a fashion item and knowing immediately that it would match something in her wardrobe. Even as she lay in bed dying she made sure she had different colorful sweater over her patient night gown. People would leave her room saying “she still is sporting her fashionable side”.
The other comment was her caring personality. It was described as “dedicated caring”. When she asked if she could help someone, she really meant it. For many, when an offer is made to help the hope is that it will not be accepted. Not for this woman. She would follow through with a telephone call or visit to make sure there was not something she could do.
As I reflected on the consistency of the comments made about her, THIS was her personal image and brand. She had built it over a life time of eighty years. There are many components of personal brand but in the end it is not about titles nor material objects, it is about behaviors and personal actions.
As her life came to an end, this was an individual who truly had a solid, strong brand. It was my honor to have known her and had her in my life. You see, this woman was my Mother who passed away January 8, 2009.
I hope you will think about your personal image and brand and how it will be revealed during your life time.
I wish to personally thank all who sent cards, emails, and phone calls extending your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time, I appreciated them.
Nyda
P. S. It is Girl Scout cookie time and once again this year, I am accepting orders for cookies to be sent to the military troops. Each box no matter the variety is $3.50. My goal is to send 100 boxes or more….please join me in doing so. You can make the checks payable to Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, Inc. and mail them to 3561 Bellington Drive, Orlando, Fl 32835.
Check out the North Carolina blog www.helloworld.com/nydatnb/blog and click on January 2009 there are new photos!
And mark your calendar for October 3rd for a one-of-a-kind event in Orlando. A national book tour and women’s conference will be held at Gaylord Palms…this is a five city tour across the country as the Professional Woman Network showcases the 17 books library dedicated to women and youth. National speakers will complete this educational and motivational day. Save the date….you can register online at prowoman@prodigy.net
February 6th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Hi Nyda, Just wanted to say a prayer for you and let you know we are thinking of you during your time of loss. You are an inspiration to so many and a dear friend to us all.
Here is a prayer that we use in our Grief support group:
Oh God of Hope, in times like this, we learn to look up. We see more clearly that you are always our source of life. The energy to recover from all loss, and the courage to grow strong again for the next chapter of our life is your gift to us. Help us to open our hearts and minds to your power and purpose, so that our life may belong completely to you, and all that we are and hope to be may bring you glory. Love us through these days, and beyond the troubles of everyday so that we may give love back to each other and to our world as instruments of your grace. Amen
February 6th, 2009 at 7:56 am
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman! If you take a moment to look in the mirror, you’ll see that beautiful woman reflected in your eyes. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt message and perspective with me… as I put these words to action with all individuals I encounter throughout the day.
February 7th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Nyda, I cried out loud when I read your story–honoring the admiration you held for this woman, and then realizing it was your mother, hearing you speak of her in such glowing terms, acknowledging at the same time how much you gained from her…well, it was all just too beautiful.
I also tried to click on to the NC blog but wasn’t able to make the connection for some reason. Will try again.
And my check is in the mail for 10 boxes of cookies! Just be sure you send them to the soldiers, and not to me!!! See you soon, Mary
February 7th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Nyda,
just read your blog about image and brand and right away I knew that you had to be describing your Mother, Dot…how very sorry I am to hear of her passing…
Your Mother to me, was always a person just as you described, always smiling, so full of life, making a person feel at home, as the times I had the pleasure of visiting in her home when were in high school..she always reminded me of a movie star of the 30’s with the soft, sexy, beautifully dressed in a lovely evening gown type of appearance, romantic, and suttle.
a decription of a true LADY….
I always loved to hear her talk, her accent, it was a mix between New York City and the deep south… but the thing I remember the most about her accent was the way she would pronounce your name….NYYDDA, it projected the pride and love she had for you, something that she could not contain, it bubbled out when she spoke of you……Dorothy Bittmann was truly a beautiful, lovely woman, one of a kind..
Again so sorry to read of the the loss of your beautiful Mother..
I will keep you in my prayers.
Patty Justice
February 8th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Nyda,
Loved your blog and the truth of how important your personal brand is no matter where you are or what you are doing. Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing as you touch many lives some that you do not even know you are touching.
On a side note, I tried to get into your blog for your home and received an error.
Keep up the great work!
Chloe
February 9th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Thanks for sharing this touching story. My condolences on your loss. I understand now where your strength, poise and graciousness come from. She surely must have been proud to see what an amazing woman you became.
heather
February 21st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Hi Nyda,
I sat next to you on the plane from Atlanta to Orlando, Friday, Jan. 30th. I so enjoyed our time getting to know one another. Thank you for sharing your Mother’s life with me. I feel I know her through you, and surely, she has given you a rich heritage as she has been a loving, kind and caring person. I appreciate the close relationship you had with your Mother… life is a gift, a treasure. I pray for you as you press on, that God Himself may comfort your heart.
I just want you to know that my dear friend, Vernice, who I went to visit in Florida, went home to be with Jesus last Saturday, Valentine’s Day. I was hoping she wouldn’t die on that day because it would always be so sad for her husband and 2 daughters each Valentine’s Day after this one. But, actually, it is such a fitting day for her to go “Home” because she was such a loving, sweet, and kind person.
I consider it a privilege to have met you, and hope to meet again one day. Every time I wear my “wordless bracelet”, I remember the story, and I remember my dear friend, and I remember you.
You are a very precious lady, just like your Mom,
Jane Jackson, from Sheboygan, WI.