The shocking news this week about the alleged racism attack by John Galliano is a reminder that your Personal Brand is always on show. It also highlights the dangers of alcohol. For a high profile character like Galliano there is never an ‘off duty’. But you don’t have to be famous for this to be true. We are all on view even when just popping out for the Sunday paper. You never know who you are going to bump into and your behaviour should always be consistent with your ‘advertised’ personal brand values, otherwise people will distrust you and worse - as in this case it could lead to unemployment. I’m not saying you should put on a front - just be authentic and consistent with your brand values at all times.

With the rise in use of social media, news can spread almost instantly, and when it does other incidences soon come to light. As in the case of the damaging video of Galliano that was not connected to the first incident, for which he was arrested. Sadly people love to spread gossip and bad news so it is imperative that you ensure you are behaving consistently with your personal brand values. How many of us have let our hair down when having a few social drinks and thought ‘it’s ok I’m amongst friends’? However, almost everyone now has the ability to take photos and videos on their mobile phones and you just don’t know where they are likely to end up.

In the case of socialising at work it’s always best to err on the side of caution and ration yourself to a couple of drinks - or at least alternate with a soft drink. It is so easy to get carried away in the ‘spirit’ of the evening and end up regretting your behaviour the next day. And even if it seems hazy to you, you can be sure just the person you don’t want to remember what you said or did will. Don’t jeopardise the good work you have done in building your career and reputation with one evening of ‘fun’.

I’m sure John Galliano regrets what has happened and the loss of a great job, and is wondering whether if the mud sticks, he is now employable at all. Take note and don’t lower your brand values when off duty or with the help of alcohol.

Take control of your Personal Brand with executive coaching, or why not book a keynote talk for your employees on the importance of brand values - contact me for details.