A recent survey found that a whopping 74% of people in the US will choose to trust someone with an established personal brand. I am sure that is true for New Zealand too.

Personal branding has become crucial for both personal and professional success. Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking a promotion, or looking to grow your business, your personal brand significantly influences others’ perceptions of you. It’s not just what you say about yourself but what people say about you when you’re not around.

Developing and managing your personal brand is essential to ensure that the narrative created about you accurately reflects your true value and differentiates you from others.

Building a strong personal brand has numerous benefits. It increases your visibility among the people who matter to you and your goals. It helps you expand your network and attract new opportunities. Moreover, personal branding allows you to discover, celebrate, and share your unique abilities with the world.

 

Here are seven steps to help you build an effective personal brand:

 

1. Clarify your value
Establish a long-term vision and mission. Identify the difference you want to make personally and professionally. Craft a personal value proposition that outlines your target audience, unique value, competitive landscape, and distinctive capabilities.

2. Review your brand
Assess your existing brand by cataloguing your credentials, social connections, and cultural capital. Identify adjectives that describe the real you and evaluate how well your self-assessment aligns with your desired brand identity. Seek feedback from trusted individuals, including those who barely know you and those who have rejected you.

3. Create your best story
Craft meaningful stories that illustrate your brand. Share experiences where you felt authentic and made a difference. These stories will effectively communicate your personal value proposition.

4. Be your brand
Recognize that every social interaction contributes to your personal brand. Be mindful of the messages you convey verbally and non-verbally. Respond intentionally, focusing on your positive attributes and reinforcing appealing aspects of your brand.

5. Share your story
Develop a media plan to convey your brand through owned, earned, and paid media. Leverage social media, personal websites, and content creation to increase the discoverability and awareness of your brand.

6. Get Social
Seek the support of gatekeepers, influencers, promoters, and personal brand communities. Build relationships and ask for assistance when appropriate. Identify individuals who can help you reach new audiences and open doors for you.

7. Rinse and repeat
Personal branding is an ongoing process. Conduct regular audits to identify areas for improvement and leverage your strengths. Seek feedback from trusted sources to ensure your brand aligns with your goals and make adjustments accordingly.

If you are not already building your brand, I encourage you to jump in and start doing it. Just take the first step you never know where it might lead you.