*Written by Dr Laide Okubena*
This might be you.
If you're like most people you may ask yourself “Why do I need to build my personal brand when my business or employer has a brand?”
Well, let me break the news — building your personal brand is more important than your business brand or your employer's brand. And I'll tell you why in a moment… just follow me.
I want to quickly paint a realistic scenario for you, and I pray you get the point. Here we go:
So, meet Sarah and Jane, two marketing professionals who have worked in the same company for five solid years. But Sarah has been actively building her personal brand in the industry from day one.
She has a popular blog where she shares her insights on marketing trends and a strong social media presence, and she has even been invited to speak at major industry conferences.
Here's the best part: she has been recognized and nominated for strategic awards due to her work in the industry.
Jane, on the other hand, has not been as active in building her personal brand. Although she does her work diligently and meets targets, she doesn't have a strong online presence or any notable recognition in the industry.
When a promotion opportunity arises in the marketing department, the management team starts considering the candidates. Who do you think is more likely to get a promotion?
“Sarah!” you got the answer.
The management will review the performance metrics of both Sarah and Jane, and although Jane has been a reliable and diligent employee, they'll find Sarah more appealing for the promotion because she stands out due to her strong personal brand and industry recognition.
The management team is not stupid. They understand that Sarah's personal brand not only reflects positively on herself but also on the company. They know that promoting Sarah will help elevate the company's reputation and image in the industry, and they're confident that she'll represent the company well in any external-facing roles.
And this is the reality.
The employee with more popularity, credibility, and status is offered the bigger and juicier job role!
And you can switch this up to the business world too. It's practically the same thing.
With a strong personal brand, you attract more opportunities, get to work with only quality clients, get excellent collaborations, partnerships, speaking engagements, and so much more… the possibilities are limitless.
With a strong personal brand, you become a thought leader in your industry, and people begin to seek you out for your knowledge and expertise.
Building a personal brand as an entrepreneur is crucial because it establishes trust, credibility, and recognition. A strong personal brand can differentiate you from competitors, attract opportunities, and foster connections with your audience. It humanizes your business, making it more relatable and compelling to potential clients, partners, and investors. Additionally, a well-crafted personal brand can weather business changes, ensuring a consistent and positive image in the long run.
4 tips to Help Build Your Personal Brand either as an Entrepreneur or Employee
Authenticity is Key: Be genuine and authentic in your online and offline presence. Share your unique story, values, and perspectives. Authenticity builds trust and connection, making your personal brand more relatable and memorable.
Consistent Messaging: Ensure a consistent message across platforms. Whether it's your LinkedIn profile, social media accounts, or in-person interactions, maintain a cohesive narrative that reflects your expertise, values, and the image you want to project. Consistency reinforces your brand identity.
Showcase Expertise: Demonstrate your expertise by sharing valuable content related to your field. Write articles, create videos, or engage in discussions that highlight your knowledge and passion. Position yourself as a thought leader to enhance your credibility and attract opportunities.
Engage with Your Audience: Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and networking within your industry. Building relationships fosters a positive reputation and can lead to collaboration, partnerships, or business opportunities. Genuine engagement strengthens your personal brand over time.
Now, I'll leave you to choose between being mediocre in your industry and being the expert and thought leader people seek out for knowledge, expertise, or advice.
Here's your chance to prove your worth and build a personal brand that singles you out from the multitude by taking time to work on your personal brand even if you are working with a team.
Thanks for your attention and please enjoy your day.
*Dr Laide Okubena*
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