As in your company’s brand, your personal brand is equally valuable.
If you are not doing anything to build it, it will be done for you, good or bad.
So whether you think you have a brand or not, it is created for you in everything you do. And we all need our brand to reflect who we are positively.
Why do we want to build a personal brand?
It is important for our customers to see us as allies. We need to mold perception and build trust, respect, understanding, insight, rapport, value and memorability so we can serve customers needs best.
How do we do this?
- Who are you to your customers?
Define the attributes you have and want revealed to customers. Are you a trusted partner? Are you a valued resource? What is your value-added? Think like your customer for a moment and list the things you think they most value in you. Or better yet, ask them! - Take these attributes and think of ways you can offer them everyday to the world. Think about the things you say and do that help instill these attributes.
- Find ways of distinguishing yourself.
What are some things you can do to support these characteristics? - Be genuine, never contrived.
You can only build a personal brand successfully if it is truly who you are. - Keep it simple.
Simplify complex concepts reducing them to their essence. It will make it easier for you and others to embrace them. Remember, the answers lie within YOU!
Lastly, believe your strong personal brand and live it everyday, in everything you do. Remember, you bring it with you everywhere you go.