In business, we used to call it a reputation. Today, it’s a personal brand. But whatever word you want to use, it’s essential in getting noticed and making an impression.
Have you ever commented on how incestuous an industry is? You might run into the same speakers, the same people being interviewed, the same experts being quoted and same content sources being shared. This can be frustrating, and yet empowering, because once you break into that anointed circle, once your personal brand is known, it’s easy to become one of them. Once you do, it can mean wonders for your business with tons of social shares and invitations to present or give input. Here’s how to improve or grow your personal brand:
- Be yourself. Building a personal brand should not be a charade or you pretending to be someone else. In the beginning, you may be unsure of yourself and need to build your confidence, but you should never be something you’re not just for the market’s sake. For instance, don’t try to be a gluten-avoiding health coach just because that’s all the rage these days. In fact, you’re better off becoming an expert in things where the field isn’t as crowded.
- Get yourself and your opinions out there. You can’t build a personal brand and become an industry expert by merely parroting what everyone else says and does. Think about your unique message or a new way of saying something and find a way to get it out there—speaking engagements, blogging and guest blogging, writing thought leadership articles and sharing them with the industry, podcasting, or doing video are all good options.
- Build your social footprint. It’s difficult to build a personal brand without an online following. Get on the internet and start connecting with people, building those relationships. Once the relationships are established, share your information and insights where they fit.
Keep in mind, building your personal brand as an employee or business owner is not all sunshine and flowers. If your personal brand starts to overshadow your company, you’ll find it difficult to sell your business in the future. After all, while it may still be lucrative what is Virgin without Richard Branson. Profitable, yes, but becoming larger than your company can lead to sales trouble down the line. Instead, grow them both.
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