Introduction
As human beings we desire relationships created around trust and mutual connection. For this exact reason, people do not do business with just companies, they do business with people they have a connection with, the one’s they like. Companies of all shapes and sizes consist of people whose personalities are used to enhance the brand’s mission. If you are a small business owner, then you very well could be the “persona” of your company. On the other hand, let’s say you work at a company as an employee, there is still absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t begin building your own personal brand. The strong bonds humans create with one another can’t ever be overestimated.
What is Personal branding, and Why Does it Matter?
Personal branding can be interpreted in many ways, though most commonly known as a relationship with you, an individual who exists separately from your company. Personal branding is a process for finding your uniqueness, building a reputation off the things you want to be known for then allowing yourself to be known for those things. The goal is to create something that sends a message to other individuals that explains who you are and what you stand for. Larry Winget, a member of the international Speaker Hall of Fame and bestselling author said, “You have to find your uniqueness and exploit it in the services of others.”
How to Begin Developing Your Personal Brand
1. Defining Your Message and the Media
The very first thing one must do to begin building your personal brand is to define your message. As simple as it sounds this is what most people seem to struggle with the most. Once you have found your message the next step is to define which media you will choose to communicate your personal brand. Then you can now choose the methods in which you will monetize your personal brand. Let’s not forget that there is many media, modes, and methods to choose from. Creating a personal brand doesn’t mean you have to be an author or become a speaker, while all these things are possible, a personal brand is simply driving awareness to the things you love or already do every day – workout, math, bake, music, marketing, etc.
2. Defining the Problem, You Solve
What problem do you solve? The idea behind personal brand is to be able to answer this one question with one word. Though, one could easily write an entire book it is much harder to explain your answer in one word. It is very hard work, but it is also an important exercise to describe yourself to the world. Personal branding goes beyond the idea of having an overly obsessive infatuation with yourself. It’s meant to show your life’s purpose and demonstrate what it means to live well. In other words, it is what you were put on this earth to do, it is your calling. Once the problem you’re looking for becomes clear, everything else will begin to fall into place.
Social Media Examiner mentions that personal branding is similar to what a company might have as a mission statement.
3. Amplify the Problem
Roy Vaden wrote a book called “Take the Stairs” which was a prime example of defining the problem and making it the center of your marketing. There have been millions of books written about hard work and the term is as unoriginal as possible for a book. The difference is that Roy’s book focused on the problem rather than the solution. He wanted to promote, celebrate, highlight, and amplify the problem. People don’t buy luxuries; they tend to buy solutions to the problems. This allows you to tap into a buyer’s emotions and responses to talking about their problem. Allowing you to stronger position yourself to be the best solution.
Closing
Take some time to slow down and reflect on your life and where you are today. When thinking about the way other’s view you, are all the best thoughts coming to mind? Do you feel as if the ones around you truly understand who you are and what you stand for? Does it feel as if a new person came across your profile on any media platform, would they know who you are and what you want to be known for? It is important one practices personal branding no matter the position you hold.
Key Takeaways:
· Find out more about Rory Vaden on his site.
· Read Take the Stairs and Procrastinate on Purpose.
· Find out more about Larry Winget.
Comments