Like it or not, everyone has a brand. Most people think of a brand as a recognizable business that sells good or services such like Yeti or Starbucks. Think of your personal brand as your social marketing profile. It’s how you want others to perceive and recognize your value. You’re already marketing your brand when you are applying for job, asking for promotion or on a date. Building a personal brand is a continuing effort, we hope this guidance will help you achieve your mission.
Personal Brand
Even if you don’t own a business or use social media you still have a personal brand. Your brand is what others think and talk about you when you’re not in the room. It’s a living resume about you which is strategically built overtime to help you further your professional and personal life.
Branding is a well-managed practice that intentionally builds personal talent, trust, core values, attitude, and integrity for public persona and social media. It increases your visibility, especially among those closest to you and to your goals. Eventually, all the strategic work you put into building your brand will pay off by expanding your network and opening new opportunities.
Start Building
How do you start building an image, acquiring the skills, and behavior that defines your unique identity? Here are 5 essential components for building your personal brand.
1. Your Goals
What do you want to accomplish? Identify your short-term and long-term goals and mission both professionally and personally. Your brand needs to reflect a unique skill set and wow people. Sit down and write out the goals on paper along with action steps to be taken and knowledge points. It needs to be specific and clear for the desired outcome. This will be your plan to reach those goals.
2. Known For
How do you want to be known for? This is where you dig deep to answer what, who, and why about yourself. Make sure it’s solid and easy to remember. Think of it as an ‘elevator speech’ about yourself. Make it standout for industry but relatable. Don’t give yourself a title that nobody understands.
What are the things that make you unique? Again, sit down and make list of the skills you’ve acquired that makes you standout in your profession. Identify and exploit your strengths.
3. Audience
Your personal brand is for the people you want impress with your skills, knowledge, and value you will provide. Focus on people that meet your brand goals and those that benefit from your talents.
4. Personal Mission Statement
Since you have completed all the above tasks, it’s time to create a personal mission statement. The statement needs to answer the following:
• Who you are
• What you do
• Who you do it for
• The transformation you create
For example, ‘My name is Joe Smith. I’m a Program Manager for an electric vehicle company. I work with large teams across different departments to plan, forecast and lead projects that designs and sustains the luxury line of vehicles that builds brand loyalty.’
5. Online Personal Brand
Social media platforms are a great way to share your personal brand. Don’t worry about being on every platform, find a platform that best matches your goals. If you are a photographer, then Instagram might be best for you. For corporate minded goals then LinkedIn would be best suited for you. Share articles that a relevant to your goals and industry. Keep all pictures, post, and comments PG. According to an Upwork survey, 70% of candidates have been rejected because of something that was found online. Engage with content that reinforces your brand while bring value to others.
Final Thoughts
Personal branding is a tool that makes you more marketable professionally and personally. Gives you the opportunity to show others your skillset and strengths. It must be attention grabbing, relative to your goals, and tells your story. Your voice and core values will grow an audience of like-minded colleagues and friends that trust you. With a strong personal brand, you will lead more, you win more, and you will earn more.
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