In the vast prairies of the old West, ranchers would create a simple symbol—a brand—that represented their ranch. This brand, forged from iron, was heated until red-hot and pressed onto cattle, marking them as belonging to that particular ranch. Today, that same concept extends far beyond livestock. Modern ranches still use brands, but now they also stamp the same symbol on letterheads, uniforms, trucks, and merchandise. Their brand isn’t just a mark—it’s their identity.
This tradition inspired me to create my own personal logo—a symbol that represents my life, values, and aspirations. You can see my B4 logo all over this very newsletter that you are reading. I call it the B4 logo, representing Body, Brain, Bond, and Bank—the four core pillars that guide everything I do. It’s more than a design; it’s my personal ethos.
Why Create Your Personal Logo?
Many of us wear hats with sports team logos or clothes featuring designer emblems. I have countless photos of myself wearing a Detroit Tigers hat, a Ralph Lauren shirt, or Under Armour hoodies. We signal our support for brands that resonate with us. But how often do we think about branding ourselves? It occurred to me—what if I happened to be somewhere, and my photo was captured by a photojournalist, going viral? I’d sure rather be sporting my own brand. Why not have a personal mark that reflects who you are and what you stand for?
Creating a personal logo can be a powerful act of self-definition. It’s a visual reminder of your values, goals, and identity. It’s a commitment to live intentionally—on your terms. A personal brand isn’t just for entrepreneurs or influencers. It’s for anyone who wants to take control of their life story.
What a Personal Logo Represents
Your personal logo should be simple but meaningful. It could be a symbol that represents your values, a unique monogram, or a design that resonates deeply with you. When you create a logo, you’re crafting a symbol of your personal mission—something that can appear on your gear, business materials, or even as a tattoo.
For me, the B4 logo is everywhere—on hats, hoodies, notebooks, and even my truck. Every time I see it, it reminds me to stay aligned with my guiding principles:
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Body: Staying physically strong and capable.
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Brain: Continually learning and expanding my mind.
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Bond: Building meaningful relationships.
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Bank: Managing finances and creating freedom.
This edition of Manorisms is proudly sponsored by
Auto Auction Review
How to Get Started
- Reflect on Your Core Values: What drives you? What principles shape your decisions?
- Sketch Ideas: You don’t need to be a designer. Start with simple symbols or initials. Then, find a design freelancer to put it together for you and make sure they provide the SVG file.
- Keep It Simple: The best logos are clean and easily recognizable.
- Use It Everywhere: Apply your logo to items you use daily—your gear, social media profiles, or even your workspace.
- Build Local Partnerships: Find a local promotional items and embroidery business. Create a relationship with them—they often have deals and specials and value ongoing partnerships.
The Power of Ownership
By creating your personal logo, you’re taking ownership of your life’s narrative. You’re not just following trends—you’re staking your claim, just like those old ranchers. It’s a bold move that says, “This is who I am.”
One day soon, I might tattoo the B4 logo on myself—a permanent mark reflecting a lifelong commitment to my values. Until then, it’s on my hats, stickers, and gear. When I see it, I’m reminded of where I’m going and what matters most.
Your Turn: What would your personal logo look like? What symbol could represent your mission in life? Take the leap—brand your life with purpose and intention. Stake your claim. Fly your flag. Make your mark.
That’s all for now
See You Next Tuesday ;-)
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About Bob Manor
Bob Manor is the founder of South Ontario Auto Remarketing, Can-Am Dealer Services, and is Co-Founder of Auto Auction Review. Bob is also the creator of the Freedom Formula. With over 30 years of experience in the car dealership world, Bob specializes in wholesale, dealer services, and personal branding. His mission is to help dealership professionals take control of their careers, build resilient personal brands, and achieve lasting freedom in business and life.
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