Personal Branding (Part 1)

Personal brand: It is a strategy that focuses on your most crucial product – YOU!
It is how you project yourself to the world so that your audience knows who you are and what you stand for. It’s what people can expect from you. It is what people say about you when you are not in the room!

Personal branding is not just about marketing but about being your marketer. It’s about promoting yourself with credibility and passion; both online and in person.

Why is personal branding so important:
In an era where people’s attention spans are getting shorter by the minute, the need to make an impression is more important than ever. The best way to do this is by creating a solid and
memorable brand identity.

Brand identity that; Makes you stand out from the crowd, Opens up opportunities, Earns you trust/builds trust with those around you and Helps you overcome imposter syndrome.

Steps to establish & improve your personal brand

1. Carry out a self-analysis & identify your;
   (a). Values
   (b). Passion/Interests
   (c). Strengths
   (d). Personality Attributes
   (e). Goals
   A self-analysis will allow you to ask yourself what you want to be known for. Every step, choice, career and business decision will move your towards your desired reputation.
2. Get 360-degree feedback from those around you; family, friends, and colleagues.
   How are you perceived by others? Take control of your reputation – take stock and plan going forward.

3. Identify your target audience. Who do you have an easy time working with/ or
   are insync with? Look at the universe of audiences and narrow down to the people
   who are looking for your specific traits, values, skills etc.
   What do they need (functional) and what do they need to feel (emotional need)?
   How do they line up with your self-analysis. Do you need to hone your skills?
   Learn new ones that fit into the brand you desire and the audience you have identified?
4. Remember to create a personal branding strategy using the 3Cs of branding;
   clarity, consistency (online and in person) & constancy.
   It will be key to have tangible metrics to met the personal goals for your brand
   that you have set eg. Goal: To be included in the important conversations that
   management is having. Action: Speak up more, Participate in the Company Blog,
   Network Internally to Build Influence.
5. Don’t underestimate;
   • That your personal image plays to your brand.
   • The power of nonverbal communication (body language): 90% of communication
     is communicated via nonverbal communication (eye contact, hand gestures, posture).
   • That being authentic doesn’t mean not self-editing. Always keep in mind
     what is appropriate, and when to reserve judgment or opinion.

If this article was helpful do make sure to comment share and read part 2.