A personal brand is who you are, what you stand for, the values you embrace, and the way in which you express those values.
Personal branding requires you to take an active role in creating your desired reputation. Your personal brand is how you promote yourself. It is the unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you want colleges, employers, and others to see. It is the telling of your story, and the impression people gain from your online and offline reputation.
Personal branding is important in today's economy because you are the most important selling point of your service/product. This is a powerful statement, but true. People trust people, and they are looking for someone they can proudly recommend and advocate for.
Personal Branding Benefits
1. People trust you more
Your personal brand explains the “why” you do what you do – in other words, what drives and motivates you. This makes people more comfortable working with you. Your intentions are genuine and clear. This fosters trust. People feel more comfortable when they think they can predict what you will do. When people know the source of your career energy, they feel better about putting you in charge of their needs.
2. You have a much higher perceived value
As your personal brand develops, people will start thinking about you on an emotional level (as a brand), not simply an intellectual level (as a job title). People will connect more deeply with your brand, increasing your value to them and allowing you to charge more for your services.
3. You are differentiated from the competition
Your personal brand is a competitive edge that separates you from your competition in the minds of potential employers and customers. The more you build your brand, the more you elevate yourself above your peers, and the less you have to work to convince people you are the solution to their problems.
4. You are always 100% authentic
Your personal brand is built upon your values, goals, skills and passions. It comes directly from your quest for meaning and fulfillment. It grows from what you stand for. It is one hundred percent you, and nobody else. You never have put on a fake persona or a contrived voice that isn’t genuinely you. Being totally authentic in all that you do makes life much easier and more fulfilling. Your work life will revolve around your deepest priorities and take advantage of your talents in a way that brings you joy.
5. You attract ideal opportunities
Since your brand is totally authentic and deeply rooted in your search for meaning, it will attract similar-minded people with the same values and goals. Employers and/or customers will connect on a higher level because they will understand why you do what you do, not just what you do. In the same vein, your personal brand will repel opportunities that don’t fit well with your life’s purpose. You won’t get offers that distract you from your mission in life, and you’ll get more fulfilling offers that connect with the “why” you do what you do. Without working any harder, you’ll attract more career options.
What do you want to be known for?
Your 3 Word Self
Write down the answers to these two questions:
- What 3 words would I use to describe myself?
- What 3 words do others use to describe me? Get input from family members, friends, and/or co-workers.
Compare and contrast your answers.
- Do they match?
- What’s different?
- Why?
Choose 3 adjectives that you wish to portray, whether they match or not with your above list. They shouldn’t be too far off, because they should represent you. For example, if you’re shy, you won’t suddenly be outgoing. Then watch this video and do the bullseye activity with each one.
The first step to building your personal brand is knowing yourself and your personality.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses–and your 3 word self—allows you to start building your personal brand. Whenever you tweet, post, write, or introduce yourself with your 30 second pitch, think about those three words and what they mean to you and to someone else.
Tips for building your personal brand
Reflect after watching the video:
- What are your top three values?
- What two social media platforms would you utilize?
- Who do you want to be?
- Who do you want to appeal to?
- How will you walk the walk?
- What's most important for everyone else to know about your authentic self?
YOUR BRAND IS WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU WHEN YOU'RE NOT IN THE ROOM. - JEFF BEZOS
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