How To Make Your Personal Brand “Sizzle”
A personal brand is a set of characteristics, experiences, values and beliefs that shapes who you are as an individual. The greatest thing about branding yourself is that you have the power to shape it any way that makes you feel proud. Below are six steps to help make your personal brand “sizzle” and help it stand out in the workplace:
1) Be Authentic - Be true to who you are and what inspires you. You know who you are. No one else does.
2) Be Yourself - Be real. Speak your truth and be comfortable with who you are.
3) Know Your Strengths - Everyone has strengths but what defines a strength is how we demonstrate it in the workplace? By identifying and understanding your strengths, we can become more valuable to potential employers.
4) Develop a Personal Mission Statement - Think about what you wish to accomplish in the workplace and put it down on paper so that everyone knows exactly where each member of your team stands personally as well as professionally.
5) Develop a Personal Branding Strategy - It is essential to have a way of connecting with people. The personal branding strategy is how you do this.
6) Ask For Feedback - If it isn't going well, don't be afraid to ask for feedback. Ask someone you trust – relatives, friends or colleagues – for feedback.
Below are some tools that can help you build your personal brand:
1) Website - A website is an excellent way to allow others to view who you are and what you stand for as well as showcase some of your skills and get others interested in learning more about your ideas and talents.
2) Social Media – The Internet is a wonderful place to showcase your personal brand. Use your personal Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to share with whoever will listen about who you are and what you stand for.
3) Personal Branding - It is important to be authentic, be yourself and develop a personal mission statement in order to strengthen your personal brand, keep it consistent and grow.
4) Public Speaking - If you have an amazing sales story or strategy that will help other professionals make a positive impact on their companies, then give a public presentation on the topic at an area conference or in front of an audience to other professionals.
5) Networking - Network with individuals in your field of work, business or education.
6) Business Cards - Business cards are an excellent way to show your personal brand – but only if the cards are done properly. Go to a high quality printer for the best results.
One successful method of making your personal brand “sizzle” is through advertising that you currently have available and booking appointments with individuals who would be interested in learning more about you. You can then set up a meeting by calling or emailing the individual. Or, you can meet them at their place of business.
When you take the time to create and maintain your personal brand, it can mean everything in getting hired and keeping a job when you've been let go for any number of reasons.
Here are some best practices:
1) Do Your Research - Before you start advertising, research to ensure that you are making the right call. Is this a person who would be interested in what you have to offer? Will they be able to see how your offering will benefit them?
2) Know What You Have To Offer - Take time to get to know the individual before meeting with them. Ask questions about their background, skills and experiences so that you can make a better judgement about whether or not it is a good fit for them.
3) Beware of Faux – It is important to use your personal brand wisely. Look out for individuals who are using your personal brand name or logo without authorization and then try to contact you to let you know about it. If they run a different business, chances are it is a scam.
4) Be Careful When Referring - You don't have to be rude or act like you are doing them a favor by referring someone you think will benefit them, but be careful who you do or do not refer someone to. If the individual is not worth the time and effort, they may start sending you work that they want paid for in advance as well as other information that could potentially jeopardize your own personal branding.
Take the time to develop your personal brand, be consistent, stay positive and keep working on it.
The Return on Investment you get from having a strong personal brand can be tenfold.
If you take the time to make your personal brand “sizzle”, then others will see your value and reward you for it.
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Conclusion
According to the article, “ The World's Most Successful Negotiators,” (http://www.fastcompany.com/article/the-worlds-most-successful-negotiators) in Fast Company Magazine, reading and writing are two of the most important skills you can pick up early on in life.
I felt that the article by Paul Jarvis was helpful because it provided some useful tips that I could put into practice. It was a good start and a reminder to me that I can do this! However, I feel as though I have a ways to go before I am ready for the next step – having my own business.
I think this is something that will come with time and experience.