In a previous post, I wrote about branding in general, but there are a number of elements within branding worth considering as well.
Here, we cannot ignore personal branding, but what exactly does this entail?
Let’s take a closer look below!
What is Personal Branding?
Personal branding, as the name suggests, is a form of self-presentation.
It is a process where you look inward and assess yourself: what character traits define you, what skills can you contribute, what values do you hold, and what are your visions for the future?
Personal branding can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:
- Job searching and career development.
- Increasing awareness of your own business.
- Social settings.
In reality, personal branding is something we all actively engage in through our profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
Here, we share a version of ourselves that we want to present to the world.
However, when we talk about personal branding, it is with a specific purpose.
Let’s explore some of these purposes below.
Personal Branding as an Entrepreneur
Imagine you have your own business and want to increase its visibility through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Personal branding is a strategy that helps put you and your business on the map by creating a more personal connection with consumers.
This falls under what is known as relationship marketing, which aims to build loyal customers rather than just one-time conversions.
In other words, businesses seek to earn consumers’ trust, and this is effectively achieved by forming a connection with them.
How to Differentiate Yourself from Competitors
Personal branding can be a valuable strategy to incorporate because it helps you stand out from your competitors.
In other words, your personality becomes part of the selling point.
Your personal brand is unique, even if your product is not.
By actively showing that there is a real person behind the product, with a vision of making a difference for consumers, you will stand out from the crowd.
- Behind-the-scenes videos (production, packaging orders, new products).
- A day in your life as an entrepreneur.
- Creative processes leading to new product launches.
- Your vision for your business.
These are just a few examples of how posts, stories, and videos can actively create a relationship with consumers.
Once this relationship is established, consumers will have a clearer idea of your business and brand, and as a result, credibility will inevitably increase.
Personal Branding as a Job Seeker
As a job seeker, LinkedIn is the platform where you should shine.
It offers a great opportunity to build a strong profile, share personal experiences, insights, and expertise, and create a solid network.
Before diving in, you should be clear on the purpose of your personal branding on the platform—what kind of job are you looking for, what type of network will help you move forward, etc.
The key to personal branding on LinkedIn is consistency and authenticity.
You are not the only one using personal storytelling on the platform, so standing out is essential.
This could be achieved through:
- Your language style.
- Authentic topics that interest you.
- Interactive content with your network.
- Valuable and inspiring advice.
Personality vs. Privacy
Personal branding does not necessarily mean exposing your private life—like showing an overflowing trash can, a pile of dirty dishes after a family dinner, or an unmade bed 80% of the time.
Leave that to influencers who have built a following based on their authentic self-presentation.
For you, it doesn’t have to be that personal.
You can showcase your personality through content related to your visions, values, work in your business, or something entirely different.
Your personality will naturally shine through when you share personal experiences that align with your goals for personal branding.
Benefits of Personal Branding
Depending on the purpose behind your personal branding, there will be various benefits.
In general, by showcasing your personality, you also distinguish yourself from the crowd—you differentiate yourself or your business through your unique traits.
This will likely lead to greater visibility, a larger network, more customers, and a certain level of credibility surrounding your brand.
Comments