Ever looked up your own name on Google? The fact that other people might happen to share your name is obvious. However, do the things that mention you reflect the image you would like the world to see? Or should you polish your online profile to improve its acceptability and give you a more positive impression? For that matter, how do people perceive you offline? Do they link you and your values to your company and the values it represents?
People frequently express a desire to build personal brand. Whenever we talk about influencer marketing, we always refer to brands, so you must be familiar with the concept. However, you likely do not give much thought to developing your own brand. The term “personal branding” is foreign to the majority of individuals. However, in the current digital age, where information can be found indefinitely on the internet, personal branding is more significant than ever.
What is personal branding?
What is self branding all about? The way you market yourself is known as your personal brand. Your particular combination of abilities, knowledge, and personality shapes how you want the world to see you. The telling of your story, as well as the manner in which it reflects your actions, behaviour, words spoken and unspoken, and attitudes, should be considered.
To set yourself apart from the competition, you should work on your personal branding. When executed properly, personal branding allows you to integrate your business with your identity in ways that corporate branding simply cannot.
Professionally, your personal brand is the image that others have of you. Public perception, media coverage, and online information are just a few of the variables that can affect it. Each of these elements can contribute to how others perceive you.
Either you do nothing and let your personal brand grow (hopefully in a disorderly fashion) without your intervention, or you actively work to shape your brand so that it represents the ideal version of yourself.
Your personal brand back in the day was essentially your business card because there was no internet. Few would have heard of you unless you were a prominent figure in the media or a prominent advertising face. Nowadays, your every move is scrutinised on social media, making you appear far less anonymous in our very public world.
How can personal branding benefit you?
The way you build personal brand is very important to your career. It is how you show yourself to clients and people who might become clients. In this way, you can make sure that people see you the way you want them to, not in a random way that could be bad for you.
You can showcase your passions and strengths in this way. A person’s level of trust in another person—even a public figure they have never met in person—is directly correlated to how well they believe they know them.
For example, This is especially clear when elections are coming up. A lot of people want to know what candidates think about issues that are important to them, but some voters are not as interested in the process. They choose a name they know instead. It should not be a surprise that a strong personal brand helps candidates win elections, no matter what their political views are. No matter what you think about Donald Trump as a former president, you can not deny that he has built a strong personal brand that has helped a lot of people vote for him.
In order to stand out and attract people who could be interested in employing you, working with you, or being a part of your team, personal branding requires time and effort. Here are a handful of the many reasons why you should go on this journey:
• It’s a great tool for discovering your “Why”
You have strong convictions, principles, and interests that drive your actions. You have found your “why.” Along with being one of a billion other individuals in the globe, that is also what sets you apart.
Putting your fundamental principles on paper should be your first step in developing your own brand. Some examples of fundamental principles include being dependable, honest, creative, optimistic, and selfless.
Discovering your life’s purpose is the second stage. Try to identify your passions, both in and out of the workplace. You can direct your energy and discover your bearings by adhering to these two guidelines.
2. It allows you to connect with others.
Building a strong personal brand is about understanding your audience just as much as it is about you. Who you want to connect with, professionally and personally, is something you should give serious consideration to. Never forget that no one needs you to be perfect. You can not create a personal brand that caters to and satisfies every single customer.
Feel free to open up about the parts of yourself that are more vulnerable or the ways in which your mistakes have moulded you into the person you are today. Stay true to yourself and do not try to be perfect by trying to imitate other people or hiding your imperfections. People are more likely to connect with you and trust you when you are genuine about who you are. Being honest about who you are helps people relate to you and builds trust between you and your audience.
3. It aids you in reaching your goals.
Interviews, promotions, and new business customers are all within your reach when you build a solid and genuine personal brand.
First impressions matter a great deal in the modern corporate environment. You only get seven seconds to make a good impression on a new acquaintance, whether you are meeting them in person or online.
To make a lasting impression in any professional setting, be it an interview, a business meeting, you must be flawless. Building a personal brand allows you to highlight your best qualities and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
4. It gives you the power to manage your digital footprint
The role of social media in building a reputation for one’s own brand is crucial. Clearing your current digital footprint should be an integral part of your brand building process. Take note of any images, comments, or posts that violate your personal brand standards; be brutal.
After conducting an audit of your digital footprint, the next step is to fix the issues you found. Removing old comments that do not match your brand’s values, asking friends to remove inappropriate posts or photos, or adjusting your privacy settings are all examples of what this might entail.
5. Your visual reputation is bolstered
No matter what business you are in, how you look is important. This is not about going gaga over designer clothing or trying to keep up with the newest trends. It is about being consistent with the messages you want to send through your attire, speech, and demeanour.
If you put in the time, you can get a one-of-a-kind style that will look great in your office. Make an effort to look your best by giving careful consideration to your accessory choices and personal hygiene routine. Making an effort to present yourself in a certain way will help build your brand identity since first impressions are lasting impressions.
6. To keep at the top of mind
Your visibility and this go hand in hand. This is why huge companies pour billions into advertising: to remain prominent. However, lavish advertising budgets are unnecessary. You will reach your destination with a powerful and purposeful personal brand. If your niche is extremely competitive, building a personal brand might mean the difference between landing the deal and losing out to a more well-known competitor.
7. To increase your authority
Visibility is key, but it is insufficient. People choose you over another provider of the same services because of your authority. Being an authority in your field sets you apart from the competition, and your personal brand is a way to define that authority. When you are in a position of authority, you can command premium pricing and bring in more money.
8. A Personal Brand Gives You Confidence
When you are in the middle of a job hunt or trying to make a career change, it can be especially challenging to have faith in your skills and experience. You may feel more confident, but did you know that creating a personal brand can help you do that?
A strong personal brand lets you know what you are good at, how much you are worth, and what your career goals are. You are aware of what you bring to the table and can tell others about it well. Having a strong sense of self-worth can give you a sense of direction and purpose, which can boost your confidence.
Always keep this in mind while building your personal brand:
Building your personal brand can help you get to where you want to be in your career and become a well-known expert in your field. You are investing in your own success and the success of the future.
Personal branding can help you succeed in your career and in your personal life in the long run. As you learn more about yourself and grow, you may find career opportunities that are both fulfilling and rewarding. Do not forget to be honest, consistent, and kind to yourself. Let your personal brand shine because it shows what makes you unique.
