We should all have our own personal brand. Especially with the tremendous amount of competition that exists today in practically all sectors and niches. It’s important to learn how to build a personal brand in 7 steps.
Why should you build your personal brand?
Building a recognizable personal brand opens professional opportunities, helps you stand out, and give value to others.
Building a personal brand means providing a ton of value for one or more niches. This will help people begin to associate your name with the idea of what it means to be successful in that industry.
You become a thought leader, an influencer and the key person of influence.
Building a personal brand takes a lot of work.
Learning to position yourself as an expert in something or as a reference in some sectors is key to personal and professional growth. If you manage to work on your personal brand it will be easier for your clients to find and choose you.
Cool Examples of Personal Brands That Give Back
Did you know the following (famous) people have given amazing value to others by simply building their personal brand?
- Tim Ferriss — the author of the well-known book The 4 Hour Work Week, he changes the way people are productive through time-management, and more.
- Seth Godin — the author of many bestsellers on marketing and his blog is one of the most popular due to his influential marketing expertise and wisdom.
- Oprah Winfrey — her first name alone sets her at the top of the personal-branding mountain. She has managed to capitalize on her brand in more than one way. This has helped her live her dream life, and get paid to do it.
- Ellen DeGeneres — not only is she a standup comedian and an actress, but she also has her own TV show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” which she builds her personal brand from to help give back.
- Lady Gaga — she’s a talented musician and is a creative force which has catapulted her personal branding
These are just to name a few. But remember, you don’t have to be a celebrity or millionaire to start.
They’ve all provided their knowledge and expertise to help others win in life and in business. That’s the main goal.
Building a personal brand takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Follow these 7 steps to get started and to learn how to build a personal brand.
1. Remember: the “idea” is just the beginning
Your business idea is the link that will allow you to connect with entrepreneurs, cofounders, investors, clients, and business partners.
Your ability to promote yourself and learn from them will determine the success of that idea.
Remember, you are the image of the project, you embody the spirit of those you intend to help.
2. Discover your values and develop the skills
Identify your strengths and what makes you unique. Ask the questions: Who you are? What do you offer? What will be your contribution to the market? What makes you different?
These are the questions that an entrepreneur must ask to build their personal brand and thus define the values that make it relevant and different from the rest.
Start with making a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Once you define these, it’s time to learn all that you can and become an expert in that area.
You can never stop learning. Read, absorb, and teach.
Overall, commit to becoming a thought leader in the thing you love doing.
3. Networking and more networking
Be visible, if you don’t go out to promote your idea, it will die on your desk.
When you startup, your main support will be your network of contacts and there may be influencers and specialist you might need to solve a problem, or to help you connect with a company. Having good friends does help!
Attending events, workshops, seminars, and conversations are ideal to be seen, while you meet colleagues and professionals in the area.
Another way of networking is to act as a hinge of your network of contacts. You can do some favors or supporting someone in an altruistic way. This always an important factor to help strengthen your personal brand.
4. Take care of your reputation
The trust you generate in people is your greatest asset.
You are the image of your startup. This is why it is essential to know how to convey credibility, coherence, security and build a transparent discourse that builds trust.
The way you relate, responsibility, alliances you create, who you know, who knows you and the environment that surrounds you are vital.
The impression that causes and what they think of you will be your best business card.
“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
5. Build your website and email list
It’s time to build your website. Start with grabbing your domain and set it up on a WordPress site (it’s the best way to go for long term site development).
Your website should be the ultimate value add to readers. You attract their attention on social media, and you give them all the value on your website.
It’s smart to offer lead magnets or specialized content in exchange for their email–a free download, a free copy of your ebook, etc.
Something that will provide them value, and give you the ability to give them even more value over the long term.
6. Launch your own products
If your product doesn’t solve a problem, you’ve got a potential problem of your own — consumers aren’t as likely to buy it.
We all like to imagine people buying something just because they like it, but in reality, people are more likely to buy things that solve problems. Make sure what you are selling solves a real problem that your customers face.
Here is everything you need to know about launching your product.
7. Think beyond your startup
It is obvious that a startup must generate income and consolidate itself as a large company, but you must also see beyond.
Generate an impact on society and be a reference as a responsible and committed entrepreneur.
Therefore, you must be faithful to what you preach, to the mission, vision, and objectives of your startup.
In short, keep a firm course and defend your principles. No doubt this will result in your personal brand!
Personal Branding is something no one can take away from you, and it can follow you throughout your career. It’s a win for your success and overall legacy!!
Go build your personal brand and enjoy the journey —it’s worth it!
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