We’ve all heard about personal branding. But what is it exactly and what does it do?
Let’s see what it takes to create a powerful and indistinguishable personal brand:
There are many entrepreneurs, speakers, marketers, businesses or financial consultants.
What makes some of them stand out from the rest is the ability to put an emphasis on who they are rather than what they have to offer.
Keep in mind that people gravitate towards other people. Even if your services are impeccable, if you’re not being yourself, potential customers and clients will pick up on that.
As it turns out, your voice is one of the most powerful tools you could use in order to build a unique personal brand.
How you choose to express it is totally up to you. And it differs from one niche to another. Taking into account what is it that you do.
If you are a writer, your voice is expressed through writing.
If you are a musician, your voice is expressed through the music your create.
If you are a model, your voice is expressed through the eyes. (Or something along those lines)
If you are an entrepreneur or speaker, your voice is expressed by… voice
You get the point. Your voice is expressed by whatever it is that you are doing. So if you’re aiming to create a memorable personal brand, you don’t need a great voice. You don’t even need a good voice. All you need is to use your own voice, and don’t try to be somebody you are not.
A unique voice, like all of us have, is always memorable.
Depending on how you present yourself, is how people will view you at first glance.
And when it comes to your small business, it’s all about how you style your establishment and products.
Steve Jobs had a black turtleneck. This became his trademark.
Apple has its logo and the stylish design which no other smartphone could adopt.
Speaking of logos, if you’re looking for a professionally made PhotoLogo, feel free to check out their website.
You can recognize an iPhone without its logo and you could associate a turtleneck which Steve Jobs without him even wearing it.
This is the power of creating a personal, unique style, that you love, and sticking with it.
It is all about being in tune with who you are and in balance with your values. Maybe your style is to wear a bow tie all the time.
Maybe it's training pants and loose shirts.
What makes you comfortable is for you. And what makes your business a part of your personality, is what you should aim for.
A part that is left out when building a personal brand are manners.
Although, manners say more about you than the things you actually say. They are vital when creating strong connections with people. Think about the following.
Do you have a strong or soft handshake?
Do you maintain eye contact or do you quickly look elsewhere?
Do you keep the door open for the one behind you?
Do you swear in various circumstances or do you censor yourself?
Do you look at the phone every 5 minutes or are you present with the person you are with?
All such details contribute to your overall picture, and should not be forgotten.
You can learn a lot about a person when you meet their friends.
The people you associate with have a greater impact than you think when it comes to your image and brand.
You always hear in the news about an incident that happened with a certain celebrity. They did something wrong. Something that goes against moral values. And before you know it, the brand that they represented, decides to drop them.
A large part of the growth of the Personal Brand depends on the people you collaborate with, with whom you work and who finally receive your approval and time.
You are the product of the 5 people you spend the most time with. For the simple reason of developing positively, pay attention to the people you give your time to.
Don't let a single success define your personal brand.
A single victory is not a long-term strategy.
People are excited about a victory over a defined period of time.
What do you do every day?
What do you do every morning?
How do you start your day at the office?
How do you solve the problems that arise?
What inspires you? How do you develop?
Our habits are what build us as human beings. All habits are vital when creating a strong and meaningful Personal Brand. If you want your audience, customers or clients to stay with you for a long time, don't rely on a single victory. Build on your old habits and aim to adopt new, healthy habits.
Whatever your goal for building your personal brand is, you need to realize that what makes you unique is based on you as a person.
That means that whatever you say, you have to back it up. Don’t just talk the talk.
You have to believe in what you say and see it through each time.
If you say you're going to do something for your client. Do it.
If you promise something, keep your promise.
Your connection with the people who work with you comes down to honesty, integrity and loyalty.
Keep your word, whatever it may be.
People are attracted to good vibes and an honest smile like you wouldn’t believe. Be positive and you’ll be sure that people will be more inclined to trust you and your services.
Also, always keep your door open. And by that, we mean that you should always make time for a client, no matter the issue he’s facing. You’ll find out that if you lend your ear for a couple of minutes, you’ll gain trust.
Don't let a single success define your personal brand.
A single victory is not a long-term strategy.
People are excited about a victory over a defined period of time.
What do you do every day?
What do you do every morning?
How do you start your day at the office?
How do you solve the problems that arise?
What inspires you? How do you develop?
Our habits are what build us as human beings. All habits are vital when creating a strong and meaningful Personal Brand. If you want your audience, customers or clients to stay with you for a long time, don't rely on a single victory. Build on your old habits and aim to adopt new, healthy habits.
You must stick with your beliefs and if you’re true to yourself, other will see that and they will not hesitate to collaborate with you. We, as human beings, have a sixth sense when we see something fake. Be it a lie or even be it a false demeanor.
You will have to embrace yourself, and don’t worry about what other people will say about you. Insecurities have no place when it comes to creating a personal brand.
In conclusion, be yourself, work on your image and above all else work on yourself before you will start to work with others.
