Do you recognize that eyeglass photo? I sure do. The whole image quickly and unintentionally became my photographic calling card once Nerdy Thirty hit shelves back in 2010. The photo was an outtake by Chris Machian for the book’s back cover.

And at the time, I absolutely loved the photo. It’s so clever! And cute! And it reflects my spectacles so well!

But now? Now I’m kind of sick of it.

The photo made its way around the web and elsewhere for more than a year. From a branding perspective, the photo (and the Nerdy Thirty cover by Eric Downs) was a smashing success. Immediately recognizable. Spunky, even. From what I’ve been told, both images made people smile.

So what’s the point? The point is that photos and eyewear and accessories and even your email signature are all part of your brand. You may not realize it, but you brand yourself each and every day.

Later this month I’ll host a discussion at the 2012 Young Professionals Summit on personal branding. This marks the second consecutive year I’ll present at the event. This year’s topic surfaced indirectly at last year’s event. While discussing social media marketing, someone in the audience asked about my personal brand. It wasn’t anything I had thought much about. But since then, personal branding has piqued my interested.

The company you work for is a brand. The car you drive or the bike you ride is a brand. The computer you use is a brand. That shirt you’re wearing? A brand.

And guess what? So are you!

At my 2:30 p.m. session on Wednesday, February 29, I’ll outline personal branding in greater detail. You’ll hear more how promoting your passions and concurrent work can build your personal brand in an authentic, inclusive, and engaging way that will open doors of opportunity and experience.

My hope is that you will leave the session with concrete ideas, tasks, and strategies to build your personal brand in an engaging manner. Building your personal brand, I believe, can clarify your passions and goals, both personal and professional.

Join me on the 29th at the CenturyLink Center. Don’t hesitate to pose questions or share suggestions via Twitter before the event. I’d love to hear from you.

Also, mark your calendar for the official February 16 pre-party and post-party of the 2012 event.