Pepsi, Pizza Hut, BMW, Disney, Amazon, Netflix, Burberry, Silky Tots… we recognize these businesses instantly because they are some of the most famous brands of our times… Branding is very important for creating a successful business.
It helps you build customer recognition and loyalty, makes advertising more effective, lowers the price sensitivity, and helps you introduce new products.
In the long-term a brand that is well-recognized will always be more successful.
What Is a Personal Brand?
Brands are not just for businesses. We all have a personal brand. It relates to what people think of us when they hear our name.
Have you ever searched your name on Google? Try doing this and see what comes up.
Your personal brand also includes the presence you have on social media and its interpretation – what you have posted, your likes and dislikes, and such others.
Your personal branding will depend on how you have promoted yourself. It is a unique combination of your personality, skills, experiences that you are sharing with the world. It tells your story.
The brand reflects your behavior, attitudes, conduct, and words. It is the image formed by what people see and perceive.
It is important to create a personal brand strategy that will advance your professional career and life.
If you do this efficiently, it will then open doors to new connections and opportunities.
Your personal brand differentiates you from others. You may even tie your personal brand with your business.
It can be any business, whether you are selling clothing, kids home gym accessories by fitnesskid, jewelry, or whatever else.
Before the internet, personal branding was merely your business card. Very few people would have known you unless, of course, you are a celebrity.
In today’s world, each small action can be discussed in detail on social media. Nobody can be anonymous now.
Build a Personal Brand
A personal brand offers many benefits.
- It gives you visibility
- Showcases your skills and expertise
- Helps you make connections and build partnerships
- Improves your credibility
- Helps you network with likeminded people
How to Build a Personal Brand?
Here are the steps to build your brand –
1. Decide What You Want to Achieve
Your brand should reflect who you are, your skills, and your aspirations. Ask yourself the following questions –
- Where do I excel?
- What are the things I like and dislike doing?
- What are the industries I find interesting?
- What do I want to be remembered for?
Some of these answers can change with time. This is okay because your personal brand will also evolve. You can also approach your friends, family, and colleagues for inputs.
This is always a good idea because others may see you differently, which will help you gain better insights.
You can start building a personal brand once you have the answers.
2. Determine Your Unique Value Proposition
All of us are different, though we often don’t realize this. If you cannot find out what makes you special, then you won’t be able to create a personal brand.
Everyone remembers those who stand out.
Remember to do the following while determining your unique value proposition –
- Your strengths – Analyze and find out the areas where you are strong. Consider what you are praised for. Find out everything you do better than most people. You can also approach others and ask them to say three positive things about yourself. Approach five people and prepare a list of all the common things they say.
- Talk about your strengths – Create your brand around your strengths. Highlight all achievements. Share your knowledge. This will establish trust and build credibility. Apply your strengths and you will certainly begin to get noticed.
3. Market Research
You will certainly do market research while preparing the marketing strategy for your business. Do this for your personal brand as well.
Look at some very good examples of personal branding. Make an analysis of how they are marketing themselves.
A look at the competitors will give you an idea of their strategies. You will then be better positioned.
4. Qualities and Values
Now, start thinking of yourself. consider your values and main qualities and how they connect with your company’s values.
A business should always be the reflection of your own personal beliefs and likes. Your qualities will determine what you do.
It will be an extension of your personal brand. And your values will decide how you want to create and promote yourself personally and your business.
5. Define Your Audience
No personal brand or business can appeal to everyone. This is why the market is always divided into segments.
You must determine the niche where you are likely to appeal the most. You have to know who is likely to be your customer and then do everything you can to reach that base.
Both your personal and business niche needs to be well-aligned.
The niche has to be specific. But begin with a broad category of interest, like marketing or sales, for example. Narrow down from here.
6. Optimize Your Social Media Profiles
On social media, there are two ways for branding – LinkedIn, Facebook, and Podcasting.
- LinkedIn – LinkedIn is much more than just a place to upload your resume. Every important businessperson will have a profile here. It’s a wonderful platform to network and grow connections. Join a group, comment on blogs, begin a debate… You will be able to showcase your skills and emerge as an expert in your field, which will give you more business, promote your brand, or you can get a new job offer… whatever you are looking for. You will also find influencers on LinkedIn who can help you immensely.
- Facebook – This is also a very good platform to reach your target audience and drive engagement. You can advertise, launch new products/services, make announcements, and even sell on the marketplace. The new connections can be for a lifetime. Facebook advertising is also much cheaper than Google AdWords. Make sure to appear professional. Remove everything that doesn’t represent you anymore.
Also, consider optimizing your website. Get one if you don’t have it already. Make sure that the website represents you and your business.
It should have your business logo, color themes, and links to your social media channels. Upload testimonials, achievements, and rewards.
Branding is very important, both at the personal and business level. Done correctly, it is sure to help you achieve personal recognition, improve brand recognition, and sales.
