When involved in a growing organisation, leading a business, or starting out as an entrepreneur, the portrayal of oneself is as important to the organisation, as it is to themselves, individually. Most people understand brands as a company’s logo, motto, product, or service, but don’t see themselves as one. Some, outright deny that they can even “brand” themselves. But ‘Personal Branding’ exists, and it is extremely helpful in a unique way.
One of the first steps someone would take when they hear of you, is to look you up online. What they see, could be a first impression, long before you have met them (if you ever meet them). But this impression could last.
Now the question that arises is – how do you want people to see you? Just the way it is right now, or in a refined manner where you have them see what you want them to see?
This is what personal branding can do for you.
What is Personal Branding?
Your ability to promote yourself – a fusion of passion, skills, personality, in a manner that you would like to be seen as, is what Personal Branding is described as. It is a story of your experiences, in a way.
Professionally, it can be how you are perceived – your personal self, blended with your skills and achievements. In the online era, most information about people is available online and can determine how others may perceive you at first.
When conducted right, it can add incredible value to your organisation or business. Branding allows you to showcase your strengths and ensures that people view you in just the way you would like them to.
Most people, tend to feel connected to someone when they know a little about them, in contrast to someone who is a mystery.
How does Personal Branding help entrepreneurs or businessmen?
When an entrepreneur or a business leader is visible, it garners the attention of an audience, which comprises of potential clients, and possibly, investors too. Visibility allows them to feel like they know you. This gives your business an edge over the others that are purely trying to sell their products.
An audience relates more to a person than a product or brand. Use this human characteristic to shape your public image. It helps in differentiating from others in your field. When you are seen and heard, you set your position in your field. As you grow, so does this position in the field.
Entrepreneurs can use the power of branding to promote themselves as a leader, sharing their views on why they started the venture. This will work in two ways:
- The entrepreneur will be perceived as an industry expert, attracting potential clients and future employees, and
- Promote the business to possible investors, who would have faith in your confidence to put yourself out there (and ultimately, confidence in your business)
One of the most important steps, for personal branding, is to understand yourself. This comprises of the “personal” part of the term. It takes thorough introspection to know ourselves, which then, makes it easier to portray our strengths. Simply put, it is easier to show others what we want them to see, once we know ourselves for who we are.
How to build and manage yourself as a personal brand
There are some pointers to remember when crafting your personal brand.
It is as important to pay attention to the process, as it is to attain the desired result.
- Social Media Presence: It is generally assumed that one displays their true, personal self on social media. While this may be true to some extent, it always essential to maintain a healthy image on your social media handles. This is generally among the first things to pop up when someone searches you on Google. Align your social media with your organisation or business’ theme and display what is necessary to be viewed by audience you expect to attract. Furthermore, staying updated with social media also allows you to stay connected with your network.
- Business Cards: Old School, but it works. Business cards are a classic way to present yourself as a professional, and always sets a positive impression on the receiver. Keep in mind, to align your business card with the theme and fonts of your business. This resonates authenticity and uniformity, which further adds value to your personal and professional brand.
- Appearance matters: Can you imagine a politician being seen at a rally in a jogging suit? It would surely raise some eyebrows, but we can’t say the same for their votes! How you dress and present yourself, matters in affecting the perception of the audience. Understanding the occasion and complementing it with your personal style, can leave a lasting impression.
- Events and occasions: Attending events is tricky. It can work wonders when you attend the right ones and seem unfruitful when you don’t. As an example, a professional surfer attending an IT conference would seem odd and wouldn’t really help build his personal brand. But the same person attending a sports meet could definitely work in their favour – meet fellow athletes, maybe sponsors, and of course fans.
- Behaviour: An individual’s behaviour comprises of their personality and how they act and react to situations and people. One needs to be careful of their emotions, voice, and opinions. Speak when necessary. Remember, behave how you would want others to behave with you.
- Be real: most people will spot a fake, sooner or later. So, in order to portray your best self, do not pose as something you are not in reality. Rather, if you can imbibe it into your true character, only then can you showcase it. A few tweaks to yourself, to match the expectations of your potential audience, is alright. But under no circumstances should you fake anything. It could do more harm to your personal brand.
Effects on Organisations or Businesses
Some effects Personal Branding can have on your organisation or business, are:
- The audience to your personal brand, will consist of potential clients and/or investors and business partners
- It adds credibility to your business – people trust your product or service because they trust you
- You become an ambassador to your business or company – your business is visible along with you, and vice versa, from then on
- The stronger your personal brand’s presence, greater are the chances of growing your network, and ultimately the business
Personal Branding is an art. Yes, it really is. And just like any other art, it has a process. It takes time. And patience. Most importantly, it needs consistency in efforts.
Wondering if you must brand yourself?
Why not contact us and book an assessment session?
