There is a perception that a personal brand is reserved for two groups of people: celebrities and influencers.
The reality, however, couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Your personal brand is the story of who you are, what you do, and what you stand for that’s projected to the outside world—which makes it an essential tool to be explored by everyone.
For instance, if you’re looking for a new job, marketing yourself as a go-getter can create confidence in potential employers.
Or, if you’re a business owner, establishing yourself as a visionary can influence commitment in prospective investors.
When done right, personal branding can be your most valuable asset in achieving your goals.
What Makes A Personal Brand?
Before we delve into the process of building one, let’s quickly run through some integral components of what makes a good personal brand:
✓Authenticity: A good personal brand should be a manifestation of who you truly are.
✓ Values: A good personal brand should amplify what you believe in and what you stand for.
✓ Charisma: A good personal brand should be able to set you apart from the rest.
✓ Integrity: A good personal brand should clearly define your principles and your unshakeable commitment to them.
✓ Trustworthiness: A good personal brand should reveal show that you are dependable, reliable, and consistent in both words and actions.
How To Build A Personal Brand
Step 1: Figure out who you are
Before you can start working to project an image of yourself, you first need to have a good sense of self. What do you struggle with? What drives you? What kinds of tasks drain your energy? What do people admire about you?
Understanding who you are will help you create a personal brand that represents you authentically.
Step 2: Choose your key message
Once you understand who you are, you need to identify what message you want to convey to your audience. What do you want people to know about you? What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
Depending on your profession and audience, there are some messages you might want to amplify more than others. For example, if you are an entrepreneur, you might want to express the innovator in you. Or if you're a life coach, you may want to put your empathetic personality forward.
Step 3: Identify your Unique Selling Point
Your personal brand should clearly demonstrate what makes you different. What are your experiences and achievements? Do you have a unique perspective or skill that no one else has to offer?
Companies often refer to this as their “Unique Selling Point” and it’s something your personal brand must have to stand out in a crowded field or industry.
Step 4: Create an online presence
Now that you have a clear idea of your personal brand, it’s time to share it with the world!
Build a professional website that can house your story. Put together a portfolio where you can showcase your work. Be active on relevant social media platforms. And of course, create content tailored to the audience you want to reach.
TopVA Tip: When it comes to building an online presence, consistency is key! See to it that the overarching tone and image you present online remain similar across all channels.
Step 5: Network, network, network
Imagine the credibility points you can gain if thought-leaders are putting in a good word for you. Or the number of doors that can open up for you if experts endorse you.
The right connections can solidify the personal brand you are trying to build. Put yourself out there and network, network, network!
Final Words
Developing a personal brand is a process that requires a lot of introspection, hard work, and persistence. But once it’s built, the opportunities that await are well worth it.
Good luck, and leave a comment below if you have any questions!
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