Creating a personal brand in today’s world is not fashion any more, it’s actually a necessity. Especially for small business owners who have ambitious plans to grow and get more customers.
So what is Personal Branding? It was first introduced in 1937 in the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, who writes in chapter 6 “It should be encouraging to know that practically all the great fortunes began in the form of compensation for personal services, or from the sale of ideas.“
In a narrow, marketing meaning, personal branding is how you are perceived by other people. Jeff Bezoes CEO Amazon said “It’s what people say about you when you are not in the room”.In a wider meaning as Dr M. Grzesiak writes in his book “Personal branding, how to effectively build an authentic personal brand”, that actually it’s your own perception of yourself – the picture which you create yourself. This picture is based on your own beliefs and thoughts about yourself and signals which other people send to you. How you perceive yourself has a key impact on your behaviour and in consequence on the quality of your life. Because, if you believe you are intelligent, you will behave like an intelligent person. For example, you will be confident to take up new challenges, because you trust in your abilities!
Personal branding gained significance in the time of internet and social media. Years ago, we were building our reputation through networking. It was good to come to a few networking meetings, show up yourself in the best way and meet some new people who could potentially become your customers or bring you customers. Networking is still a good option, although now in COVID-19 time, when I write this article, it’s not…
Internet created a Global Market and that’s why we need to work on our Global Relationships! How to build global relationships? By building our Personal Brand! In the tones of social media business accounts, standing out is the only option to be visible. You need to show your face, show your environment, tell your followers some secrets about you.
The more you engage, the more you are known by your audience and the easier it is to create a relationship. Give your audience the opportunity to get to know you and maybe later like you and trust you. Once they trust you, you will have a better chance that they will buy from you. Seth Godin, an entrepreneur and author of many bestselling books said ,”People only buy from you for two reasons. They know you exist, and they trust you. Awareness and trust, that’s all.”
the 5 reasons why a personal brand should be the most important brand in your life?
- Differentiation and Competitive Advantage: In today’s highly connected and competitive world, it is crucial to stand out from the crowd. Building a personal brand allows you to differentiate yourself from others by showcasing your unique combination of skills, experiences, and values. * It helps you develop a distinct identity and creates a competitive advantage, whether you’re seeking job opportunities, clients for your business, or professional advancement.
Online Reputation Management: In the digital age, people often form opinions about you based on what they find online. When someone searches for your name, the search results contribute to their perception of you. Having a strong personal brand allows you to control the narrative and shape how others perceive you. By actively managing your online presence, you can ensure that the information available about you aligns with your desired image and values.
Building Trust and Credibility: A well-crafted personal brand helps you establish trust and credibility with others, whether it’s potential employers, clients, colleagues, or industry peers. When you consistently present yourself in a professional and authentic manner, people are more likely to view you as reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. This can lead to better career opportunities, partnerships, and networking connections.
Career Advancement: Building a strong personal brand enhances your visibility and increases your chances of career advancement. When decision-makers are aware of your brand and what you stand for, they are more likely to consider you for promotions, leadership roles, or other opportunities within your organization. A solid personal brand also positions you as an industry expert or thought leader, opening doors to speaking engagements, media interviews, and collaboration opportunities.
Adaptability and Future-Proofing: In an ever-changing professional landscape, where job security is no longer guaranteed, having a strong personal brand can provide stability and adaptability. By clearly communicating your skills, expertise, and values, you become more resilient to economic shifts and industry changes. A well-established personal brand makes it easier to transition between jobs, industries, or even pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
To summarise, having a personal brand have a lot of benefits. It determines not only how our clients, employees and colleagues perceive us, but also what we do and how much we earn. We also have a higher credit of trust in the eyes of our customer. We don’t have to prove that we have know-how in our area. It builds great comfort for both, the client and us. Having a personal brand empowers us to define how we want to be perceived, differentiate ourselves from others, and create valuable opportunities for growth and success.
Kasia Giska