Branding Yourself!
A strong brand influences and commands a target audience. At this point I am starting to understand the value of branding myself and would love to share with you lessons learned. I am gearing and preparing myself to explore some personal interests. I am not officially an entrepreneur but I think at some point in the near future I may finally tackle my dream of starting a small business. Self-branding is very important to the success of a small business brand in the development stage.
How well are you branding yourself? Sure you have 1,000+ friends on Facebook. Here’s a reality check: NOT EVERYONE, or the essential people necessary, KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Below is a helpful walkthrough of tips and suggestions to execute a successful self-branding campaign to help you get discovered!
Five Self-Branding Tips
You’re Creative! Yes you have an incredible ability to think outside of the box. In addition, your knowledge of technology and design gives an edge to your branding strategy. These qualities allow you to build a unique brand which displays characteristics of your personality and your passions.
- You aren’t afraid to take risks. Hey the daredevil in you can actually have a positive approach in your branding strategy. Notice all the funky stuff others are doing online. You study it and have a slight desire to make it your own. Now is your chance to replicate and make it unique to your personality and style. In addition, since you’re more likely to discover the latest social media platforms and experiment you have a competitive edge and ability that is able to get you easily discovered.
- You’re a Social Media Guru! Social Media is your most important and essential tool for personal branding. Maximize it to its best potential. Here’s some ideas create a personal website to market your personal brand on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google +. If you don’t have a Google+ account, get hip and get one ASAP!
- Network, Network, Network: We are masters of networking. It’s true. How the heck did you get all 1,000+ of your Facebook friends? At some point you had at least a brief direct or indirect interaction with the “Friend Requester”. The more friends, the more opportunities for discovery and it really helps to increase your digital footprint.
- Write the vision. And make it plain…Sorry for getting a little biblical (FYI: Habakkuk 2:2) but it is true. What do you want? Who are you trying to be? What are your dreams and aspirations? Write down the top five dreams you’d like to accomplish right now on a Post-It. Write a description of how you’d like to accomplish these dreams on single Post-It’s. Now stick them on your mirror or window or something you interact with daily. Let this serve as a daily reminder and an affirmation to getting one step closer to your dreams.
- Use your personal brand to get to your dreams!
