Successful businesses understand why having a brand is essential. However, as an individual, did you know that personal brand is equally critical? In this ultra-competitive world, having a personal brand identity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
What is a Personal Brand?
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, explains personal brand perfectly:
“Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room.”
Businesses use branding primarily to market their products, services, or companies. In personal branding, you are doing the same. Developing your personal brand means creating assets that will describe how people will see and respond to you. Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, and Gary Vaynerchuk are some examples of public figures who have mastered the art of personal branding.
Reasons to Develop Your Personal Brand
Creating a personal brand is the best way to get yourself to stand out from the crowd. It is also a great way to attract potential clients, employers, and collaborators. If you’re still in doubt, here are the best reasons to develop your personal brand:
It Gets Your Message Across
Personal branding helps you define your “why.” This is the set of beliefs, core values, and passions that motivates, drive you, and ultimately you live by.
It Helps Build Connections
By creating a personal brand, you’re improving your visibility, whether online or otherwise. Doing so will help you build connections with the ideal people, both individual and business levels.
It Helps You Achieve Goals
A solid personal brand, especially when done with authenticity in mind, helps you reach your goals. It will boost your chances of getting better job offers, gaining more clients, or getting promoted.
It Lets You Control How People Perceive You
With personal branding, you have complete control of how people see you. You set your tone of voice, your personality, and the strengths and weaknesses you’re willing to share. Without it, people will form opinions about you that can lead to difficulties relating with them.
How to Build Your Personal Brand
Whether you’re an employee or an entrepreneur, here are a few effective ways to build your personal brand:
Know Thyself
Figuring out who you are is the first step in building your personal brand. Determine your talents, skills, and everything else that can help identify you.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Know what your strengths are in relation to the niche you’re in. Learn what your weaknesses are for authenticity and transparency. Uncover all the traits that you want people to know and remember you with.
Grow Your Online Presence
Choose your platforms and let your presence grow. Get your story out there for hiring managers, potential business partners, and clients so they can see the real you.
The more you understand and know yourself, the more people will be aware of what to say about you when you’re not in the same room with them. Remember that a personal brand isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s also for your personal growth and success.
