What is a Personal Brand?

Whether we work for ourselves or a company, we all have a personal brand. It’s our reputation. It’s how people perceive us based on our actions, how we dress and act, what we do for a living, etc.

Your personal brand allows you to be seen as an expert and trustworthy authority. By taking control of your personal brand and shaping it intentionally, you can build the narrative you want people to associate you with. Being intentional in crafting your personal brand gives you some control and helps you create the right impression.

How do you communicate your personal brand?

You communicate your personal brand through written, verbal, and visual messaging. This conveys who you are, what you do, and what you value. It’s important to be authentic, especially when trying to appeal to your target audience. People do business with people/businesses they know, like, and trust, and if they sense that you are not being honest or pretending to be something you are not, you will not earn their loyalty and trust, which could cause severe damage to your reputation.

The Benefits of Personal Branding:

• Visibility: Being known and remembered in your field can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships that wouldn't otherwise be available.

• Credibility: A consistent personal brand can position you as an expert in your niche, opening doors to speaking engagements, interviews, and thought leadership opportunities.

• Connection: In a digital age, authenticity matters. A genuine personal brand can foster deeper connections with peers, customers, and industry leaders.

• Legacy: Your personal brand is also your legacy. It's the footprint you leave in the digital sand, shaping how current and future generations perceive you.

• Opportunity: A robust personal brand often leads to opportunities beyond one's immediate industry or profession, including consulting gigs, book deals, and more.

How to Build Your Personal Brand:

Below, I have provided seven steps to help you create a strong foundation, giving you a framework for authenticity and consistency.

1. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE: Why do you do what you do? Knowing your why and being passionate about it is what makes you unique.

2. KNOW YOUR VOICE: Are you serious, educational, or more light-hearted? What is your unique way of expressing yourself and communicating with potential clients?

3. KNOW YOUR IDEAL CLIENT: Who are they? Where do they live? How old are they? What keeps them up at night? Knowing this helps you create content that appeals to and attracts them.

4. KNOW YOUR IDEAL CLIENT’S PROBLEM AND HOW TO SOLVE IT.
   Identifying their problem and how you can solve it helps you communicate your services. It shows your audience that you understand them and can guide them to the answer that will improve their lives.

5. CREATE A VISUAL IDENTITY: Communicate your brand and message with images that evoke feelings. Think about how you want your clients to feel when they see your images. Create images that incorporate your brand colors, show your services, and peek into your personal life to show more of who you are.

6. SHARE MORE OF YOUR STORY: Clients who see more of you also want to learn more about you. Share your story so potential clients can relate to you more easily. This helps to create a connection.

7. STAY CONSISTENT: Be consistent with how you show up online—visually, vocally, and in how often you post. When you are consistent, your clients will get to know you, trust you, and want to work with you.

If you need help creating your personal brand, please schedule a consultation.