We’ve all heard of those big-name brands that infiltrate every aspect of our everyday lives, but did you know that there’s another kind of brand that’s worthy of your attention? It’s called your personal brand, and if you want to get the most out of your professional and even your personal life, it’s essential that you promote it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Know What You Bring to the Table
Think about what sets you apart from your coworkers and colleagues. What strengths do you have to offer? What are you passionate about? What goals do you have for yourself? All of these are important things to consider and an essential part of knowing yourself as a person.
2. Write Out Your Goals
The whole idea behind having a personal brand is that it’s supposed to help you reach your goals, but obviously before you can reach your goals, you have to know what they are. Think about where you want to be in 6 months, a year, five and ten years down the road. Then come up with an action plan to get there.
3. Know the Audience You’re Targeting
Nike targets athletes. Krispy Kreme targets doughnut lovers. Construction software companies target construction workers. When it comes to your personal brand, you have to know who you’re targeting if you want to reach them effectively.
4. Advocate for Yourself
Obviously, you should still care about the company as a whole and your coworkers, but you also need to advocate for your own needs and what’s in your best interest.
5. Remember the Difference is in the Details
All that you say and do becomes a part of your personal brand. Once you have clearly established your brand, pay attention to the little things such as attire, body language, behavior, spoken and written communication. While these things might seem small, they can have huge impacts on your personal brand.
6. Revamp Your Resume
Review your resume and make sure that your objectives, experience, and honors/awards show clear alignment with the personal brand that you’re trying to project.
7. Develop a Website to Showcase Your Brand
A website allows you to broadcast who you are to the world, which makes it an excellent tool to use for personal branding. On your website, you should mention skills you possess, work-related accomplishments, and your own personal values.
8. Keep a Blog
With the popularity of blogs at an all-time high, why not use them to your advantage and create one to promote your personal brand? Be sure to post regularly (at least a few times each week) about topics that will engage and educate your audience while at the same time highlighting your own strengths and skills.
9. Make it in Print
Nothing gives you expert status in a field like getting something published. Whether it’s making a contribution to a publication, writing a book, or updating material on your website, being published is an excellent way to convey your expertise.
10. Interact in Person
While cultivating an online presence is important, it’s important to promote your brand offline, too. Join professional organizations, speak at workshops and conferences, and take on projects that will allow you to display your talents and strengths.
Creating your own personal brand isn’t something that happens overnight — it takes time, patience, discipline and hard work. But it’s worth every minute and every effort you put toward it. So don’t put it off any longer. Get started today. You have nothing to lose, and a world of incredible opportunities to gain.
