Personal brandingis the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others about an individual.
Personal branding is the art of creating and maintaining a distinct identity, with the aim of setting oneself apart from the competition and positively influencing public perception. This involves establishing credibility and trust among those who are exposed to it, through a consistent, memorable message. Through personal branding, individuals can create an authentic presence in their industry or field that resonates with their target audience.
Consider why you visit some websites or blogs more than others. Or why you feel compelled to reach out to some experts when conducting research.
Our perceptions of others and what they stand for have always been important – it’s just that now, we have a name for it.
Building your own personal brandcorrectly is important because you have to know and articulate what value you bring to the marketplace to stand out in a sea of other contenders.
Wouldn’t you want a potential employer to say upon meeting you “wow, they understand our industry and have the insight and experience that’s perfect for this role?”
Personal Brands are for everyone, not just for celebrities or entrepreneurs who own their own businesses. They can be the secret sauce that makes you stand out in a stack of resumes. If you don’t develop your own personal brand, others will do it for you. Developing your personal brand is the proactive way of controlling your career development and how you are perceived in the marketplace.
A strong personal brand impacts your ability to get the right jobs or promotions and increases your ability to attract talent and capital.
Finding Your Brand
Identify your strengths and what makes you unique. Think about the characteristics and strengths you’ve built in your career. If you are stuck, think about that one area where everyone says you excel. If you’re still stuck, ask others to give you an honest assessment of what they think of when they think of you.
