Start by thinking about personal brand as your identity… everyone has one. It’s what you are known for, what people can expect from you, and what separates you from everyone else. It’s what positions you as a thought leader in your field and helps you to establish credibility.
By defining and managing your personal brand, you can create real connections and build relationships with all kinds of different people. Use the below steps to help cultivate and promote your personal brand.
1. Define yourself and your personal brand
The first step is to define your personal brand. Take out a piece of paper and start by asking yourself the below questions. This activity will help you to define your personal brand which will also help you to write the perfect summary (a summary you can use on your LinkedIn profile, for example).
What are your passions? Your passions tell others something about you. What kind of work do you find meaningful or what are some topics you can talk endlessly about (both professionally and personally)?
What are your values? Your values are your anchor and they drive you when things get tough. They help you establish your sense of purpose and are the core principles that give meaning to your life.
What is your purpose? Identify what you want to pursue and the lasting impact you desire to create in your career.
What are your strengths? Your talent, skills, and experiences are the immediate value that you bring to the table.
What is your superpower? Your superpowers are the things you do better than anyone else. Which skills are you most proud of or what do you continuously get compliments for?
Now pull the answers to these questions together and create a social bio that includes who you are and what you do. Try to keep it around 60 words or 400 characters.
2. Consider your legacy and set your goals
Now that you have defined your personal brand, it’s time to outline what you want to accomplish with your personal brand and then set goals on how you want to move forward. Consider your purpose, the positive impact you want to create, and how you can put your natural strengths to good use. Always seek to add value and be purposeful in what you share. Think about how your background, skills, or passion can help people.
3. Always remain curious
No matter how well you know your industry or area of expertise, remember that things are changing at a faster rate than ever before. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and always reinvent. A strong personal brand should always be evolving.
4. Broadcast your personal brand
Use a personal website or social media platforms, like LinkedIn, to promote your personal brand. For example, use the social bio you created earlier as your LinkedIn summary. This will help you to build your online presence, connect with others, and deliver your message.
5. Associate with other strong brands
Find and leverage strong brands which can elevate your own personal brand and then follow, share, and engage with them online. Start with the three C’s:
Company: Be passionate about your profession and your company. This will give you greater credibility and distinguish you as a trusted industry leader.
Comforts: Follow your school, philanthropies, or other interests. Remember to always be your true, authentic self and engage with things that are interesting to you.
Community: Follow inspirational leaders and see what they’re doing to stay relevant. Engage in meaningful dialogue with thought leaders, colleagues, and influencers by liking and commenting on their content.
6. Build and manage your online presence
Managing your personal brand is a never-ending journey of trial and error. Begin thinking like an entrepreneur who is constantly in search of their impact and influence. You'll have a tough time building a great personal brand without making a real effort to monitor and tweak it.
Do you know how you're appearing and coming across online? Try googling yourself.
Make sure you are consistent with your brand - Consistent image, message, and name.
Audit your online presence regularly. Make sure it represents the brand you want to portray, both personally and professionally.
Remember, your personal brand is who you are, what you can offer to others, and what you aspire to create in the world. Your personal brand should always be a reflection of who YOU are and an understanding of your true self. By remaining honest and true to yourself about who you are and what you represent, it’ll come naturally.