Branding is vital component of success in today's digital world. Think of some of the most recognizable companies; from Apple to the Kardashians, everyone is familiar with the brands they created.
While in the past, the term branding was only used for businesses, today, building your personal brand is just as important. Consumers want to connect with their products and services through stories. They want to hear your background, struggles, and success. This means positioning yourself with the same strategies that you would use to market a business.
Here are seven tips to help you create a strong personal brand this year.
1. Be visible
Whether through personal interaction or digital interaction, make yourself visible and accessible. Online, make your social media profiles open to the public, post regularly, and interact with your followers. Be consistent with your online visibility. In person, attend social and industry events to maximize networking.
2. Be real
Use social media as a chance not only to market but to show the real you. If you come across as unauthentic, you will turn people off. Consumers love to see "behind the scenes"-what you do on weekends, what you eat. This makes you appear more human, which attracts people to you.
4. Be reciprocal
A lot of people network the wrong way, focusing on their own personal benefit, while ignoring the desires of the other person. Focus on reciprocal networking, giving the other person an opportunity to benefit from the relationship as well. This will help you build more connections and opportunities, which will help to strengthen your personal brand.
5. Maintain your contacts
As your personal brand grows, so will your list of contacts. It’s important that you keep a detailed list of who the person is, where you connected, potential opportunities and how you can help them. This can be a great resource to reference when you need something or have an opportunity. It is important to approach a contact with an opportunity that helps them without always asking for something in return. This will build credibility for your brand.
6. Be a trusted source
You know your personal brand is strong when you become a source of information. Position yourself to be the go-to person for media and journalists to contact when they need expert advice or information. Share news and information that is useful and brand-relevant on social media. This can also help to build your following, leading to people viewing you as a trusted authority in your area.
7. Give back
It is my philosophy that in today's global economy, everyone has the obligation to give back. Giving should be a fundamental part of your branding and business plan. Not only does this benefit the world around you, but it positions you as a person who is not just a taker, but someone who cares about giving back to improve the quality of life around them.
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