Personal Branding is essentially the ongoing process to establish a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others. It is the conscious and intentional effort we need to take to create and influence public perception of our ourselves. It is positioning yourself as an authority in your industry, elevating your credibility and differentiating themselves from the competition, to ultimately advance your business/career and to increase your influence and impact.
It is the practise of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. Personal branding is what shapes the perception of an individual in the eyes of the public.
Some describe it as self-packaging.
There are various mistakes we could all be making, whilst cultivating our personal brands.
I’ve put the seven key areas I believe can make that huge difference.
1. Lack of Clarity
Imagine walking into a company and you can’t describe why you would be the best person for the job? Imagine the perception of you if you couldn’t sum up what you want from this career?
What would that say about you. Clarity is an absolute must! What are you trying to achieve? Why are you trying to achieve it? What can you bring to the table? What is your niche? These are just some of the questions you should be able to answer with clarity and confidence.
If you haven’t got clarity on what your brand is about and what you’re trying to do, then simply put, neither will anybody else.
2. Lack of Vision
Another big reason many people fail with their personal brands is that they don’t have a big view of the big picture — they do not have a vision and a direction that they’re heading towards.
3. Inconsistency
Showing up for today and then disappearing for two months will no longer cut it. The world moves on and you have to be consistent to stay relevant. When trying to become an authority in your field or a thought leader in your industry, consistency is major keys. Create a habit of consistency in your message and delivery. You need to be able to build the KLT factor (know, like and trust.)
4. Bad profiles and invisibility on line
Just because you are online and using majority of the social networks, it doesn’t mean people can see you or acknowledge you, amongst a sea of people online constantly promoting themselves or their products/services.
It’s super important to keep our profiles updated and relevant. It doesn’t matter if you have reached your “follower” goal, it doesn’t mean there aren’t higher levels to unlock. When using sites such as LinkedIn become visible by commenting on relevant topics. Perhaps right a piece about a topic in your industry. Get involved and stay on top of your social profiles.
5. Swearing online/menacing behaviour
Sometimes we get pissed off by a comment online or a topic of discussion, ensure you take your feelings offline and always keep it professional and polite. In a day and age where everything about you is a few clicks away on any device — do not risk your persona being destroyed by a foolish moment. Don’t use it as a place to vent about work, colleagues, associates etc. Just remember, the internet never forgets. And it isn’t very forgiving.
6. Story telling
Zero storytelling, or no digital footprints does not work anymore when trying to build a following for your brand or when trying to be seen as an authority figure in your field. Create a system of
storytelling so that people know who you are. Your digital footprints are part of your storytelling features, ensure you don’t keep your achievements hidden.
7. Lack of knowledge
Are you at the top of your game? Are you competent enough in your field? What new skills are you learning. Life evolves at a rate we cannot control and there is constant innovation, so we must ensure we continue educating ourselves within our field, even if we feel we know the majority of it. Keep educating yourself.
What is your personal growth plan? How can you get better? Remember, the world moves fast and we have to find ways to keep up with all the constant evolution.
8. Not building your network
Don’t assume people know you. Work hard at building a network. Be very intentional about the network you want to build. Build a network of people who know, trust and like you. People who will support you in your journey. Network well. Ensure your relationships are mutually beneficial and not just you, taking from them.
The more people in your network the more impact you can make.
Until the next time Rebels, remember Personal branding is key to growing your business — how you portray yourself online and offline is the perception people will have of you and your business essentially.
