Today’s guest post is written by Steve Kaplan.

As I motor around today’s social media and mobile outlets, I’m both encouraged and discouraged by what I see.

I’m encouraged by the number of people who have found a way to become, and remain, relevant while building a solid credential behind their personal brand.

I’m discouraged because, while more and more people are actively building their brands, the overall percentage is alarmingly low.

Keeping your brand (you) relevant is the same challenge faced by companies as they seek to keep their brands relevant in an ever changing and accelerated world.

I’ve spent a large part of my career working with new products for large companies such as Procter & Gamble and Hershey’s. Along the way, I’ve often wondered why very few people engage in new product development for their personal brands. (more…)