You may be thinking, “I don’t need a personal brand. I’m not a celebrity.” But we’re here to tell you that everyone has a personal brand—whether they realize it or not.
Your personal brand is what people think of when they hear your name. It’s the associations and preconceptions that people have about you. And just like any other brand, your personal brand can be cultivated and managed to make sure that people have the right impression of you.
Building a successful personal brand takes time and effort, but it is well worth it. Here are three tips to help you get started:
Personal branding starts with you. “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”. Oscar Wilde
The first step in creating a strong personal brand is being honest with yourself. Who are you and what do you bring into the world? People can sniff out inauthenticity from a mile away, so it’s important to be genuine in what you do and how you position yourself.
Think about your key unique features that make you unique and focus on accentuating those qualities. There’s no need to try to be someone you’re not—just be the best version of yourself!
Define your vulnerabilities.
Your personal brand should be an extension of your values and who you are as a person therefore it will have vulnerabilities and fears. Gone are the days of ego-driven confidence and superficial filtered lives.
Be transparent in order to show people that you’re just like them and that it’s okay to not be perfect. You should also focus on how your personal brand can help people who have similar vulnerabilities as you. People will be able to relate to you and your brand if you’re open and honest about your fears and insecurities.
Define your brand values.
What do you believe in? What is important to you? When you are clear about your values, it will be easier for you to make decisions about the direction of your business and the choices you make along the way. Your values will also help you connect with like-minded people who will be drawn to your brand.
Define your target audience.
Who are you trying to reach with your personal branding? Just like any business, it’s important to have your audience in mind. Knowing who you are talking to will help you to be more authentic and clear in your communication.
Remember the more you know about your ideal client the easier it will be to build your personal brand. Get familiar with your audience, and learn about his/her dreams, goals and aspirations.
Build a personal brand online.
In today’s digital world, it’s essential to have an online presence—and that means more than just having a website. Start by creating social media accounts on platforms where your target market hangs out. Then, post regularly and interact with other users. Be sure to share content that aligns with your values and positions you as an expert in your industry.
Not sure where to start? Check out these examples of great personal brands online:
Network, network, network!
Attending industry events and networking with other entrepreneurs is a great way to build relationships and get your name out there. When meeting new people, be sure to have your business cards on hand with your contact information. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other entrepreneurs and promote your personal brand.
A compelling personal brand requires consistency.
Personal branding isn’t something that you can do once and then forget about; it’s an ongoing process that requires consistency and dedication. Once you’ve defined your values and started being authentic, take some time to brainstorm ways that you can live those values every day. It might mean posting on social media regularly or writing blog posts that showcase your expertise.
Whatever it is, make sure that you’re doing something every day to stay top of mind with your target audience. Make sure that the image you’re projecting online is consistent with the persona you present in real life.
Creating a strong own personal brand isn’t something that happens overnight—it takes time, effort, and consistency. But if done correctly, it can pay off in spades by helping you attract new opportunities and grow your career like never before.
If you have questions regarding your own personal branding process or personal branding strategy let’s connect! We will guide and support you on the path of building a strong personal brand.
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