4 min read ⌚ 

10 Rules for Building a Successful Personal Brand and Fighting to Keep It

The battle for designing a brand strategy starts the minute you become decisive.

The eagerness to endure is the difference between success and failure, since the economic situation is becoming volatile.

Who Should Read “Career Warfare”? And Why?

This book is designed to clarify some confusing aspects related to career and business management. The bottom line is, you can only count on yourself, before making a move. Of course, access to all sorts of information is vital, and for that purpose

“Career Warfare” and provides insights into the brand-creation process. We prescribe this book to individuals who are keen to learn new ways in order to cope with the challenges of the digital age.

About David F. D’Alessandro

David F. D’Alessandro was born on January 6th, 1951 in New York.

Despite being the author of a few best-selling classics, he is also a former marketing executive, the chairman, and CEO of John Hancock Financial Services.

“Career Warfare Summary”

First and foremost, many things related to the career must already be a part of your skills and ambition. Nevertheless, on numerous occasions, managers fail to identify the elements leading to disaster and consequently total collapse.

The ambition to succeed is crucial but not the most critical aspect, due to the expertise needed before you start your campaign. The successful launch of a brand depends on whether you have the strength and commitment to learn new things.

Management, on the other hand, must avoid the development of processes, which cannot be controlled.

According to experts, having a vision and flexibility to operate, while in the meantime giving yourself enough room for improvisation illustrates the perfect recipe for a brand launch. It takes time and constant attention to detail.

The ability to maneuver, and being portrayed as a good listener is all it takes to improve productivity on all organizational layers. In reality, if your company has obtained the “underdog” status, for quite a while, it’s time to consider another “war” strategy.

Thousands and thousands of times, the term “competitive edge” knock on our doors, willing to clear things up.

Dealing with things that can do a lot of damage, is a skill known to those flexible brand builders. Several things need to be reconsidered, like whether your customers approve your moving closer to them, and are they pleased with the activities being taken in order to satisfy their demands.

In “switching-brands” world, any error comes at a price, that your firm must have the potential to handle it. In other words, drifting around purposelessly, and conducting day-to-day strategies is something you should stop doing.

The evaluation of your brand is a mere reflection of how potential customers, accept or reject your company’s long-term vision.

It didn’t come as a surprise that every business person requires a mentor, which will help him to avoid making disastrous mistakes. However, who is at the same time a cranky mentor whose intentions speak louder than words.

The author of “Career Warfare” David F. D’Alessandro is more than just marketing guru, and a skilled phrase-maker, he is a storyteller, a business interpreter and also a decision-maker. There is a lot to learn from David due to various examples that the book has to offer.  

From an author standpoint, an essential element required for writing a book is information. Fortunately, D’Alessandro have collected lots and lots of compelling stories, conveying the same message.

His talent was recognized by John Hancock Financial Services INC, which offered him an executive role.

In the framework of possibilities and norms linked to personal branding, it’s in your interest to learn from authors who have been there or those who achieved something, before embracing the written word.

Some fail to accept his ruthlessly honest tips, supported by accurate facts, examples, and anecdotes due to self-imposed limitations.

Key Lessons from “Career Warfare”

1.      Senior VP disaster
2.      Brand acceptance and message conveyed
3.      Climb the corporate ladder and forget about job safety

Senior VP disaster

How can external factors affect any career? – The author reminds us of a water shortage example, that forced the government to act for the sake of the people and in hopes of preventing any severe catastrophe.

The businesses received a request from government officials, to cut water usage immediately. One senior vice president took matters to another level, by enforcing a “flushing” policy.

The marketing company decided that it’s time for the firm to show social responsibility, and thereby implement some necessary actions.   

As soon as the rain ended the water drought, the senior VP became the joke of the year. His act was subjected to a lot of jokes, leaving him stuck without room for advance in his professional life.

The foolishness he showed the other day, was enough to identify him as the “toilet person”. His career experienced a downfall, due to the methods he implemented as a Vice President.

Brand acceptance and message conveyed

Perception of a brand is like the first impression; rarely you have a second chance to make things right or repair it.

Think of your reputation as a tool for evaluating your progress as a company, reflecting the possibility to improve your rankings and bring your firm to the next level.

Climb the corporate ladder and forget about job safety

Spend every second, thinking about your next move, calculating things and trying to apply the best strategy at your disposal.

Boosting your brand, while building your career represents two similar activities leading to the same outcome – success. 

Like this summary? We’d Like to invite you to download our free 12 min app, for more amazing summaries and audiobooks.

“Career Warfare” Quotes

Our Critical Review

Choosing a career, or developing it by yourself, is a task of the highest order.

In fact, people often complain that they would rather have a decent salary, than doing all the thinking. All it takes is one shot to make your company convert into a recognized global entity.