We all know companies and businesses need to package themselves in a way that they become easily recognizable by customers. There are not many people who wouldn’t correlate the Golden Arches with being able to purchase a Big Mac and fries, even if the word “McDonalds” wasn’t on the sign.
But since the rise of the online world, we’ve also seen the rise of the personal brand.
But what exactly is a personal brand? Is it what you wear? Your branding colours? According to Jeff Bezos, the Founder of Amazon:
“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
Here’s why developing you personal brand is more important than ever:
1. You need to make a good first impression.
And it’s not just employers who are doing this. Your potential clients and partners are checking out your online profiles whilst they are researching whether they want to pursue working with you. So if you want to make a good impression, conduct an audit of your social media profiles, blogs, and other online channels.
2. It adds authority and credibility.
Your perceived positioning will either detract or enhance your credibility. Your personal brand can say a lot about you, your skills, attitude, and expertise. Your prospects will feel more confident if they see you as a good role model and thought leader in your field or niche.
Establishing a well thought out personal brand will build a ‘know, love and trust’ factor with your audience, and will make it easier to build your professional network.
3. It sets you apart.
Your personal brand sets you apart from your competitors.
Just take a look at the smartphone industry – the leading Android phones are Samsung and Huawei. Sure, they all carry the same Android OS, but there are certain attributes in each brand that makes them preferable in a customer’s mind.
In the case of celebrities, you can look at Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Both are talented action stars with very athletic builds, but Dwayne Johnson has a more family-friendly image than Vin Diesel. This is because Johnson cultivates a different image by choosing to star in action-adventure movies that are family friendly.
Another notable example is Oprah Winfrey. Her personal brand is all about inspiring others to grow and explore their ultimate potential, and through sharing her message, has grown her audience and built a multi-billion dollar empire.
4. It builds reputation.
Creating an authentic personal brand means your message, advocacies, and actions are aligned.
The key is to cultivate a personal brand that will make a good impression among potential clients, partners and prospects, whilst staying true to your values and beliefs. Whether you are starting a business or positioning yourself as a thought leader, your personal brand can connect you with the people who are also aligned with your brand. Like-minded companies and individuals will be drawn to you if they see your mission and values are on a similar path.
Many people think it’s too late to develop their personal brand, because they’re comparing themselves to well established brands like Richard Branson, Gary Vee or Ariana Huffington.
But as long as you’re consistent, your patience will pay off in spades. Maintaining consistency is easy (and a no-brainer) if you are true to your personal brand and be transparent and continually show up in a way that’s authentic. Just do you!
Are you ready to position yourself as the trusted authority in your niche, and be seen as the ‘go-to’ expert in your industry? Discover the main principles to building an influential profile in The Thought Leaders Positioning Checklist™, and build an audience of raving fans. Click here to download your free copy.
