You probably think you’re already doing a good job at this personal branding stuff.
You’re blabbing your accomplishments. You’re posting awesome pics of yourself wearing fierce #girlboss heels.
But are you really communicating your personal branding effectively?
A personal brand (to get back to basics) is the way you present and market your talents and value to the professional world. It will vary based on your personality, strengths, life experiences, worldview and skills. As tempting as it may be to copy and paste someone else’s personal brand (especially a successful someone), personal branding must be individualized to be effective.
Calling yourself a ‘Hard working, motivated millennial entrepreneur’ is not telling us anything unique. But referring to yourself as a ‘Tech-obsessed young entrepreneur with an interest in ________”? That’s something. You’ve communicated your interests, skills, and niche.
A personal brand is the way you present and market your talents and value to the professional world
As painful as it might be, being super specific is essential to defining your personal brand. It sets you apart from the ‘boss babes’, ‘entrepreneurs’ and ‘experts’ of the world. It tells people what they can expect from you and gives you more authenticity. When I see Instagram or twitter profile bios that read ‘a passionate entrepreneur and future millionaire who wants to change the world with her dreams’, I roll my eyes and click away. Do me a favour and say something about yourself that a billion other people aren’t already saying. Okay?
Once you’ve gotten specific, you’ll want to make sure your personal brand is indeed ‘personal’. You have a unique personality that can enhance and define your personal brand. You want to be as authentic as possible so that people will trust you enough to hire or work with you.
As painful as it might be, being super specific is essential to defining your personal brand. It sets you apart from the ‘boss babes’, ‘entrepreneurs’ and ‘experts’ of the world
Ever get the feeling that you’re talking to a big phoney? Their sleaziness makes you run the other way and that’s the last reaction you want to elicit in others. So go ahead; let your hair down a little. Put some jokes on your personal website. Talk about your family when meeting a prospect for coffee. Spice your previously boring email signature with a thought-provoking quote. Be quirky. Be funny. Be honest. It might be scary at first, but it will draw others closer to you as they feel they can trust you. As long as you are still professional in general, you can still have some fun with your personal branding.
So STAY SPECIFIC and STAY REAL. You’re already on your way to building a personal brand that others will find impressive and authentic.
