How to create your personal brand (and why it matters).
What sets you apart?
If you’re in an industry where competition is fierce and impressions are everything, one crucial element often separates the successful from the overlooked: personal branding. Your professional identity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s the cornerstone of your business. (Your branding also affects your pricing structure, too.)
What is personal branding? At its core, personal branding is about defining who you are, what you stand for, and the value bring to the table. It’s not just about having a catchy logo, it’s about cultivating a reputation that precedes you or your business - one that represents your expertise, integrity, and authenticity.
Why does personal branding matter? In today’s hyper-connected world, your personal brand is your unique identity. Whether you’re trying to create new contacts, seeking new opportunities for growth, or trying to grow your sales, your personal brand plays a pivotal role in how others perceive and engage with you.
Differentiation: A strong personal brand sets you apart from the crowd and helps people relate to you immediately. It highlights what makes you unique and positions you as an expert in your field. For example, I am childfree-by-choice, so when I meet a new clients who has also chosen to forego motherhood, we have an opportunity to connect immediately on topics specific to our situation.
Credibility: A well-crafted and authentic personal brand establishes credibility and trust. It signals to others that you’re not just competent, but also confident and reliable - invaluable assets for any business relationships.
Opportunities: A compelling personal brand attracts opportunities. Whether it’s lucrative partnerships, speaking engagements, or media features, a strong brand can open a multitude of doors for you.
Let’s delve into how you can create your personal brand.
(1) Define your brand. Start by reflecting on your values, passions, and strengths. What do you want to be known for? What sets you apart from others? Not sure where to start? Try taking a Myers Briggs test (or a knock-off version). I also love having clients create their “celebrity bio” where they write an article about themselves in the future and what they are known for - it’s a powerful exercise for sparking motivation and helping define your brand!
(2) Be consistent. Your personal brand should be consistent across all of your marketing, social media profiles, and networking interactions. Consistency breeds familiarity and reinforces your brand. Ask yourself whether something is in-line with your brand before any public appearances or posting.
(3) Tell your story. Your personal brand isn’t just about what you do - it’s about who you are. Share your journey, experiences, and lessons learned. Authentic storytelling humanizes your brands and creates connections with your audience.
(4) Showcase your expertise. This is not a time to be shy about your accomplishments. Position yourself as a thought leader in your industry by sharing valuable insights, tips, and advice. This can be through social media, articles, books, podcasts, blogs, speaking engagements, and networking. Be wary of imposter syndrome sneaking in to stop you from sharing your expertise.
(5) Engage and network. Building a strong personal brand is also about getting out there and meeting new people. Engage with your audience, participate in local and/or industry events, and nurture meaningful relationships with mentors and peers. Networking will revolutionize your business and personal brand.
Creating or reinforcing your personal brand is an often overlooked part of being a business owner. By creating a compelling brand, you not only differentiate yourself from the competition, but you will attract new opportunities, and build stronger connections with your audience and clients. Remember, your branding is more than just your logo - it’s your legacy.
-Valerie