Most of us hear ‘Personal Branding’ and think it doesn’t apply to them. Like you need to be a self-employed business or even a celebrity figure in media. But mastering our Personal Branding is (to put it simply) a reflection of us.
Whether you’re applying for a job, starting up a company, or entering the dating scene, having a strong Personal Brand is essential in squeezing the absolute best out of every situation you’re in. It can make or break your chances of success. So, what is Personal Branding and how can you ensure you’ve got one? (and a strong one at that!)
Personal Branding is the process of creating a unique identity that distinguishes you from others. It's a way of marketing yourself and showcasing your skills, values and personality. A strong Personal Brand helps you build trust and establish credibility.
There’s a guy called Tim Salau, who works with college students to help build brands that gets them hired. He makes a valid point saying; “Your Personal Brand should follow you everywhere you go. It needs to be an authentic manifestation of who you are and amplify what you believe.”
So, how can you build a solid Personal Brand? Here are my quick tips to consider on the daily…
Be Focused | Your voice should be clear.
It’s important to know exactly who you are and what you stand for. Your brand should reflect your values, beliefs, desires, as well as pains and frustrations. Are you really into Figure Skating? Do you believe the Winter Olympics are unrepresented? Should snow cones be a thing in the United Kingdom? (not sure why this example has a ‘cold’ theme - I must be chilly writing this!) We’re not saying you must debate the ideals you have. Just merely be clear about the person you are and empathetic to the situational room. Ask yourself, what do you want to be known for? Now focus on that.
Be Authentic | Don't shy away from being you.
Being authentic is critical to building a defined Personal Brand. If you know me, you could have guessed this one was coming! It's all about being true to yourself and not pretending to be someone else. People notice immediately when someone’s not being genuine. This is the most believable trait we can show someone. Embrace your quirks, flaws and non-understandings, just the same as you embrace your strengths. Authenticity builds trust and trust is the foundation of any successful relationship.
Be Consistent | Live your brand.
Consistency is key. I’m pretty sure that’s the phrase what people say. You should be consistent in your message, tone and appearance. I’ve followed a Content Creator closely because I liked the person they portrayed themselves as. Then meet them at an event, to learn the influencer personality was not the same in real life. No continuity in character. Your brand should be evident in everything you do, from your social media presence to your uncanny (real) laugh.
Be Impactful | Leave behind a positive reputation.
Your brand should leave a lasting impression on others. And this is far easier to achieve when the brand is purely you. The comfortability in our own skin is felt and warmly received. But I should say, it's not just about what you do, it's also about how you make people feel. Kindness is a mutual gratifying quality, the giver and receiver both feel a sense of personal achievement. Leave others with positive feelings, and they will remember you for it.
The sooner you start building, the more self-belief you'll have; in any given situation. Owning your Personal Brand creates unique self-conviction that's both inviting and memorable. By following these pointers, you'll be well on your way to becoming someone who deserves to be recognised.