Think Small: My brand compared to a VW Beetle.

This was an assignment called Brand You. We had to talk to as many people as possible, get them to describe us in three words and then use the most popular words to brand ourselves. This is the first introduction to the brand of Jessianne!

The target audience for my brand is potential employers. Since everything I have found is leading me towards the creative side, I am fairly positive I would like to pursue a writing job.
My brand is creative, outgoing and small. Although I don’t feel that I am a VW Beetle, I will compare myself to the classic convertible Beetle for something tangible to relate to. Even the (old) slogan works: Think Small.
I am creative in the sense that I can solve problems in creative ways, just like the classic Bug did. Instead of having the traditional trunk in the back, engine in the front in the Beetle it was reversed. Among other things, the engine reversal helped the Beetle navigate through snow. Creativity solving a problem, not just being a random creative thought. Being creative in a non-traditional way will separate me from the masses, just as the Beetle was when it was introduced.
Outgoing: openly friendly and responsive. I am the definition of outgoing. Bugs are noticeable on the road, they’re bubbly and unique. They even look like they’re smiling. They’re not a cold, aloof car like a Jaguar. Being outgoing embodies other attributes, such as being lively and energetic. When I decide to do something, I do it with energy. Instead of being conservative, I am friendly and chatty without losing professionalism. I choose to not be intimidated and instead act as if I am comfortable wherever I am, which in turn I believe makes other people more comfortable. The Bug is like this in that you can pretty much take it anywhere - it will even float, although not forever. They do, however, recommend that you avoid puddles large enough to have a name. I feel like this aspect of my brand separates me because I have such diverse interests whereas most people I come into contact with know only what they’re surrounded by. Thanks to my family, I’ve been introduced to many different things, helping me to be diverse.
Being small won’t necessarily help me position myself, but it came up enough while talking with people about my brand that I couldn’t not use it. At least I will be memorable since I am far from being of average height. Being feisty goes hand in hand with being small. Beetles may not be the fastest cars on the road, but they sure do try hard. Trying hard is part of being feisty since the definition is “showing a lively aggressiveness”. Bugs have personality. They’ve been taken and tweaked until there are Beetles that are dune buggies and those that have the Cal Look. It’s versatile. Not versatile in the sense that I can change to suit my surroundings as many people have done with their Bugs, but I have many facets that can fit in wherever I decide they need to be used.
The VW Beetle, in it’s ads, was not afraid to admit it’s faults, such as being small, not having certain parts and not being the prettiest car on the road. But, were these really faults? No. They worked for the car, and it’s consumers, just as I can admit what my faults are, where I need to improve, what I need to learn. The Bug is an honest car. I am an honest - almost to a fault - person.
I can own this category and it’s my core because it’s who I am, not something that I have made to fit me. I will stand out, not only because I think I’m a Bug and they stand out, but because I will be the interviewee who isn’t scared to chat, who is naturally energetic and excited to be there. I will be the one who will be able to show how my creativity, although it’s not the typical creativity in that I won’t have completed ads in my portfolio, has solved an advertising problem.