With our lives so intrinsically linked to social media, developing a personal brand is more important than ever.
Social media has become a reflection of who we are, and with nearly everyone maintaining an online presence, the question arises: What does your profile truly say about you?
You may be surprised to know that your audience extends far beyond friends and family. A study has shown that brand messages achieve 561% more reach when shared through employees’ personal accounts than through the company brand account. Additionally, such messages are reshared 24 times more frequently when posted by employees, versus the brand’s social media channels. The power of personal branding amplifies not only your voice but the organisations you represent.
The question is no longer whether you need a personal brand but how to create one that stands out amongst the competition.
What is Personal Branding?
Personal branding is far more than an excellent CV or a list of accomplishments. It’s a strategic approach to present yourself — your skills, your background, and your values. At its core, personal branding is about positioning yourself as a credible, trustworthy figure in your field. By highlighting your professional expertise, experience, and personal attributes, you can create a brand that resonates with your audience. A strong personal brand not only boosts your visibility and trustworthiness, it also paves the way for professional growth, career opportunities, and can help you build those meaningful connections.
Why is Personal Branding important?
Personal branding helps you to showcase your Unique Value Proposition (UVP), where you can demonstrate the clear benefits, you provide and how you deliver them. It’s what makes you memorable and gives you an edge.
Here’s why building your personal brand should be a priority:
Reasons for Personal Branding
Today’s job market is extremely competitive. Not only are we competing with those in the same area as us, but the rise of remote working means that we are up against top talent from across the world. Building a personal brand is therefore the key to distinguishing yourself.
Here are some of our top reasons to invest in your personal brand
1. Control Your Image: Your online presence is often the first impression people have of you. By growing and shaping your personal brand, you can ensure that the image you project aligns with your goals and values and helps to further trust and credibility.
2. Make Yourself Relatable: People don’t just buy into products or services; they connect with stories, values, and authenticity. A convincing personal brand humanises your professional persona, making you relatable and approachable to others. By highlighting your unique insights, expertise and commitment to delivering value, you can garner trust and respect—opening the door to important relationships.
3. Open Doors to New Opportunities: A strong personal brand can attract new opportunities. Whether you’re seeking to widen your professional network, seeking new partnerships, or looking to land your dream job, your personal brand makes you more visible to clients and employers. It showcases your unique value and helps align you with opportunities that match your goals and values.
4. Increase Your Earning Potential: Whether it’s negotiating a raise or securing better job offers, a strong personal brand enhances not only your visibility but also your perceived value and long-term credibility. As you establish yourself as a trusted expert, your credibility grows, and so will your ability to command a better pay and benefits package. Employers and clients are willing to invest more in someone whose personal brand demonstrates expertise, reliability, and delivers a positive impact.
5. Personal and Professional Growth: Building a personal brand is an ongoing process, but by continuously refining your skills, knowledge, and sharing your journey, you not only grow as a professional but also as an individual.
How to Build Your Personal Brand
To build a personal brand, you will need to look at your strengths, weaknesses, and what gives you an edge over the competition. You will also need to look at why people should come to you – what are your values, what feedback have you received in the past, and how has it influenced you today? Understanding these key areas will help you to successfully define the key messages you want to convey through your brand. Consistency builds trust and credibility, which are essential components of a strong brand.
Crafting a personal brand requires thoughtful introspection and deliberate action. Here’s how to get started:
- Play to your strengths: Identify what makes you unique. What skills, experiences, or qualities set you apart from others in your field? Reflect on past feedback from colleagues or peers to understand how you’re perceived and use this insight to position yourself effectively.
- Be Consistent: Consistency is the foundation of a strong, trusted, personal brand. From your LinkedIn profile to your email signature, every touchpoint should highlight your fundamental message and values. Align your online persona with how you present yourself offline to build trust and authenticity.
- Reliable Messaging: Your personal brand should have a clear and consistent message that aligns with your goals and values. Whether it’s expertise in a niche area or a commitment to innovation, this message should guide how you present yourself across platforms.
- Use Social Media Tools: Professional platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable tools for building your brand. Share industry-leading content, highlight your achievements, and engage with others in your industry. Your activity should reflect the expertise and persona you want to display.
- Embrace Networking: Networking—both online and in person—is vital for growing your personal brand. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and work with like-minded individuals. Networking isn’t just about expanding your contact list; it’s about building trust and authority in your field.
- Welcome Feedback: Document all your challenges, successes and lessons learned throughout your journey. Receive feedback and regularly assess whether your personal brand aligns with your goals and adjust as needed.
Building a Legacy
In today’s competitive landscape, standing out has become increasingly challenging. Your personal brand is your greatest asset! It’s the unique fusion of your skills, experience, and values forming your unique value proposition. Your personal brand tells the world not just what you do, but who you are and what you stand for.
Building a personal brand requires time, effort, and a strategic planning, but the rewards are limitless. It will improve your professional reputation, broadens your position, and opens doors to exciting personal and career opportunities.
Take the first step today – whether by creating your brand or improving your existing one – let it support your journey towards reaching your long-term goals.