If you have followed my blog postings over the years, you will know that I am a big proponent of creating and maintaining a personal brand. Your personal brand is the image you create in the mind of the consumer. It is important to be sure that you are creating a clear and consistent picture of your personal brand. The question today, however, is no longer IF you have a personal brand but rather if you cultivate your own brand or if you let it be defined for you.
Before you share your personal brand with others, you must clearly develop it for yourself. Think about your personal values and build your brand around an authentic you. Differentiate yourself from your peers and find what makes you relevant and compelling to your target audience. If you begin to express your personal brand before you are crystal clean on who you are, it is a waste of time and can be harmful in the future.
In order to define your personal brand, consider these questions:
- How do I make a unique contribution that adds value?
- Have I done something to make my business, my Board or my CEO more successful?
- Do I praise others for their contribution?
- Can I share knowledge that benefits others?
- Do I consistently deliver on my promises?
- Do I try my best in every task I undertake?
Once you have purposefully and succinctly defined your personal band, you now are ready to cultivate that brand. Here are several useful ways to think about building your personal brand.
Secure a personal website.
A very simple, two or three page website with your personal statement, a brief bio and links to your social platforms is a great investment. A personal website allows you to publicize your personal brand and is one of the best ways to for your name to gain popularity on search engines.
Be purposeful in what you share online.
Remember that every update, picture or article you share on social media is a reflection of your personal brand. Find ways to add value to your audience by creating content that is both useful to them and that’s in line with your brand.
Be mindful whom you associate with.
Your personal brand is strengthened or weakened by your connection to other brands. Find and leverage strong brands that can elevate your own personal brand. Consider joining associations, editing professional newsletters or contributing a blog article to connect to your brand.
Audit your online presence.
You cant build you personal brand without first understanding your current status. Google yourself on a regular basis – what is being said about you online? If you have a common name, consider using your middle name or initial to differentiated.
Don’t be afraid to promote your personal story.
If you think about celebrities who have a strong personal brand – Martha Stewart or Richard Branson come to mind – they have a clear brand based on their personal story. In many cases, a strong personal narrative leads to, and is in fact crucial, to a strong personal brand.
Make connections using LinkedIn.
According to a national study, a quarter of respondents use LinkedIn as a way to make business connections. Before building your presence on LinkedIn, make sure your reasons for using social media are well defined, you know the audience you want to reach and how you are going to follow-up with your new connections.
In today’s ever-changing environment, it is critical that you define your own personal brand. If you need help in defining and solidifying your brand, don’t be afraid to contact us at DeSantis Trusted Advisors.