How to Build a Successful Personal Brand
Branding has always been essential for businesses. From McDonald’s golden arches to the omnipresent Nike tick, branding makes companies stand out and shows customers what they’re all about. But in such a saturated market, it is becoming increasingly difficult for small businesses and entrepreneurs to rise above the competition.
It may seem counterintuitive in such a technologically-driven world, but customers are increasingly looking for human interactions. They would rather speak to a person than an intelligent robot and demand fast and responsive customer service. With this in mind, it is more important than ever to think about building your personal brand.
A personal brand separates you, the person, from the business or company you represent. It shows that your customers can get more just a faceless service, and gives potential employers a rounded picture of who they are hiring. Personal relationships are crucial for succeeding in today’s business environment. They can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, expand your professional network, and establish you as a thought leader in your industry.
If you’re unsure where to begin in building your personal brand, here are a few tips to get you started.
Define who you are
You can’t build a personal brand without first identifying what this brand constitutes. What are your goals, your passions, your values, and your beliefs? What image do you want to portray to your audience? What skills and services do you have to offer?
Before actively starting work on your brand, you should take some time to identify precisely who you are. This definition will be the foundation of everything you do. You should be authentic and honest about what your brand entails, and consistent across your entire online and offline presence.
Identify your target audience
Now you have figured out who you are, it’s time to work out exactly who you are preaching to. Whether you are targeting potential clients for your business, looking to grow your business network, or find a job, work out who you want to speak to and go after them. It may be tempting to opt for a one-size-fits-all approach. After all, who doesn’t want to be liked by everyone? But this will attract no one. You must find a niche and be discriminating if you’re going to stand out. Think about what your target audience looks like. Try to pinpoint their demographic, their lifestyle, their pain points, and desires.
Build your online presence
The next step is to start actively building up your online presence. You want to get as many eyes as possible on your brand, so think about all the channels your target audience will be using. Social media is essential, and the specific platforms you use will depend on your brand and consumer base. Facebook and Instagram are perfect for more casual, consumer-based posts, while LinkedIn is a more serious, professional network suited to building your network and seeking employment. A strong LinkedIn profile is more or less essential, and there are plenty of LinkedIn profile tips that can help you get started.
You may want to think about creating a website and creating and sharing content such as blogs and videos to establish yourself as a thought leader. Whatever methods you use, as long as your stay authentic and true to your personal brand, you will see success in all your endeavors.
