Discovering Your Personal Brand in Three Words
Recently, I revisited an exercise introduced by Dorie Clark—a personal branding expert and author of Reinventing You—that’s as simple as it is powerful. It’s called the “Three-Word Exercise.” Originally described as a shortcut to a 360 review, the exercise invites you to ask a small group of people who know you well, “If you had to describe me in only three words, what would they be?” It may seem basic at first, but as Clark explains, once you’ve gathered responses from six to eight people, patterns begin to emerge—and those patterns are gold. They reveal how others consistently experience you, often highlighting qualities you might overlook or take for granted.
I tried it for myself, and the results were both affirming and eye-opening. Before I began, I selected three words for myself. One of them was “professional.” Then, I asked a cross-section of people I interact with professionally—clients, colleagues—as well as close and extended family. Interestingly, the word “professional” didn’t show up once. Instead, I repeatedly heard words like caring, kind, and attentive—traits I value, but hadn’t considered the essence of how I’m seen. It prompted me to reflect more deeply—not just on whether these words felt accurate, but what they say about how I show up in both my work and my relationships.
Once you’ve gathered your words, take time to reflect with intention. A few questions to consider:
- Which words surprised you, and why?
- Which ones felt like home?
- Are the words aligned with how you want to be known?
- What patterns do you notice across responses?
- Are any key qualities missing that you wish were more visible?
- What do these words suggest about your natural strengths or the impact you have on others?
The beauty of the exercise is that it offers a starting point to be more intentional about your brand—aka, your reputation. Clark emphasizes that we all already have a personal brand; the question is whether it’s the one we want. Once you know how others see you, you can start using that insight in meaningful ways. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, preparing a bio, or introducing yourself at networking events, these three words can serve as a foundation for a consistent and authentic message.
You can also apply the results in everyday interactions. Clark reminds us not to waste moments when someone asks, “What are you working on?” Instead of defaulting to, “Same old,” use it as a mini-branding opportunity to reinforce your strengths. If “creative” shows up in your three words, you might say, “I’m working on a new project that lets me bring fresh ideas to the table.” It’s not about self-promotion—it’s about clarity and alignment.
This exercise is deceptively simple but incredibly effective—and it can offer meaningful insights. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how others experience you, and that clarity can guide how you lead, connect, and grow. Most importantly, it reminds us that the best version of our brand isn’t about crafting something new—it’s about owning what’s already true.
