The brand of YOU

We’re surrounded by branding every day, and whether you realize it or not, you are a brand, too!

Personal branding is an intentional, strategic practice in which you define and express your own value proposition. Your brand is your reputation and how others see you. It tells people what they can expect from you. And, it’s often the secret to professional success. A strong personal brand can help you expand your network, increase your visibility, attract new opportunities, and advance your career.

Creating your brand

The first step in building your personal brand is to understand how others currently perceive you. What kind of reputation do you have? Then, consider how you want to be remembered. Is that how others already think of you? If not, you have some work to do on your personal brand. Here are some tips to help you create a brand that reflects your value.

• Be authentic. Your brand should reflect the real you and the unique qualities you bring to the table. Identify your core values and make sure what you say and do is consistent with those values. Avoid trying to portray yourself as something you’re not. People can spot insincerity, and that can damage your brand. Instead, focus on showcasing the genuine qualities and strengths that set you apart.
• Craft your value proposition. You need a quick way to explain what you stand for, what you believe in, and the value you provide. Write a simple sentence that clearly describes who you are and what you offer — this will be your value proposition. For example: “I’m an experienced social media manager in the athletic wear industry who loves helping my team succeed.” Try out different versions until you find one that feels authentic and impactful.
• Make emotional connections. Research shows that emotional attachment is the biggest driver of business value. Branding is all about feelings! That’s why it’s important to build emotional connections with your target audience. Understand their needs, goals, and pain points to tailor your messaging effectively. Share genuine stories that reflect your brand values and mission. Avoid overly promotional content and focus on having meaningful conversations that resonate with your audience.
• Maintain a strong online presence. When was the last time you Googled yourself to see how you appear online or updated your LinkedIn profile? Your online presence is a big part of your personal brand, and it needs to make you look professional. That means using high-quality photography, filling in your profiles with compelling details, and regularly sharing your insights and knowledge. And if you don’t have a website for yourself, consider creating one. It’s an instant brand booster.
• Embody your brand. You are the face of your brand in every social interaction, so be mindful of the message you’re sending. Your words, actions, appearance, and behavior should all align with your desired brand image. Treat each interaction as an opportunity to show who you are and demonstrate your positivity, productivity, and eagerness to learn.
• Reevaluate and adjust. Personal branding isn’t a one-time thing. Like you, your personal brand is a work in progress and will evolve alongside your career. Regularly assess how others perceive you and modify your brand strategy as needed to ensure it still reflects your values and goals. It's also important to keep your brand relevant over time. Stay informed about the latest industry news and trends, develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and share your insights with others.
   

By taking these steps to build a personal brand, you’ll have a much better chance of achieving your professional goals. Start building your brand today!