9 Strategies for Shaping Your Personal Brand
There’s been much talk lately about “building a personal brand.”
So, what’s the deal? Do you need one? And, if so, why?!
I know, I know. The idea feels smarmy a little bit, doesn’t it? Kinda like that whole “networking” thing.
But don’t let it be off-putting! Getting your name out there is crucial to a successful job search.
“Ok, Nicole. So why is building a solid, robust, and ever-evolving personal brand crucial for my success professionally?”
To be honest? It’s your ticket to set you apart from the crowd. Plain and simple.
I can personally attest: In the beginning, it’ll be hard, and it’ll be uncomfortable.
But the truth is, if you’re not uncomfortable, then you’re probably playing it too safe. And, as my client and friend Briana reminded me, “You have to do something different if you want something different.”
And she was right. I loved watching her post while she was job searching, growing her audience and inevitably building her program management expertise. She now has an engaged community and a killer new job she loves.
You gotta put in the work to reap the reward.
Here are 6 reasons why you should be developing your personal brand:
Strengthen your digital handshake.
First impressions matter. Your online presence is the first point of contact colleagues, recruiters, and hiring managers have with you. Your online presence is your digital handshake to the world! It’s here on the World Wide Web - and LinkedIn specifically - colleagues, recruiters, and hiring managers have their first point of contact with you.
A well-crafted personal brand ensures your first impression is positive and memorable and will build an easy foundation for building successful and authentic connections.
Differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace.
Figure out your differentiating factor. The market is crowded and increasingly competitive no matter what industry you’re vying for. Your personal brand is your unique value proposition, defining what sets you apart from the competition.
You create a lasting impression that will resonate with your target audience by showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and personality in a true-to-you way.
Build trust and credibility.
As with any relationship, building trust is vital. As you invest in building a solid personal brand, you establish your credibility by highlighting your expertise and proving your skills and reliability. This ultimately makes others more likely to trust and invest in your abilities.
Amplify your networking.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth! A solid personal brand amplifies all the ways you’re pursuing networking, whether in-person or online.
When your brand is clear, consistent, and compelling, it becomes a magnet for those who are like-minded to you, creating opportunities for collaboration, engagement, and career advancement.
Win-win!
Adapt to an ever-evolving landscape.
We’ve all seen how the market has been in constant flux over the last few years - from layoffs to the rapid rise of cognitive AI. In response, your adaptability is key to success.
A well-defined personal brand isn’t rigid; it evolves with you and your career pivots, allowing you to navigate changes with ease and confidence.
Whether exploring new opportunities, transitioning careers, or embracing leadership roles, your brand is a reliable compass for you and those in your professional sphere.
Invest in long-term success.
Consider your personal brand as a long-term investment in your professional success. It’s not just about quick wins; it’s about cultivating a reputation that withstands the test of time.
As you build out your career portfolio, climb the ladder, and take conscious time off, your personal brand becomes an asset that will continue to open doors and foster sustained growth.
Like networking, the importance of crafting a true-to-you personal brand can’t be overstated.
And it isn’t a one-size-fits-all venture. It’s a dynamic process that requires introspection, strategic planning, and continuous refinement. As you set out on this exciting (and, yes, at times frustrating and laborious) journey to design your personal brand, remember that it’s not just a reflection of your skills but a powerful tool that accelerates you toward your goals.
How do you do it?
9 Strategies for Shaping Your Professional Brand
Know yourself.
First, and you can read through this more in the Goal-setting post, you want to begin by doing some self-reflection.
Deeply knowing who you are allows you to put your most authentic self forward and out into the world!
You want to identify your skills, strengths, and passions. Define your goals and what you stand for - both personally and professionally. Consider feedback from peers, friends, and past experiences to ensure you’re looking at yourself holistically and being honest about how you lead the pack and your opportunities for growth.
Define your unique value proposition (UVP).
What sets you apart from others in your field? What have you learned throughout your career and life experiences you can share with the world? Craft a clear and concise statement that communicates your unique value, focusing on how your skills solve problems or fulfill needs in your industry.
I’ve learned you just need to be 10% ahead of those you’re talking to to add value to their journey or experience.
Here’s an example: have you been looking for a job for a few months and have some tips to share? Don’t hold back! Someone else who just entered the fray will learn from you because they haven’t yet gotten to where you are.
Develop a consistent online presence.
I know this is where I’ll lose a lot of people, but it’s true! Engagement is a huge piece of job searching success, and having a personal brand helps keep you sticky in people’s minds.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile with an eye-grabbing, compelling headline, detailed work experience, and a professional (but approachable!) photo.
Want to bump it up a notch? Develop a professional and cohesive visual identity with consistent colors, fonts, and imagery.
Ohhh, that’ll get ‘em.
Create content to share your knowledge.
And while we’re talking about developing a consistent online presence, yes! You need to create content consistently.
Start a blog, contribute articles, or share insights on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. Comment on posts from people in your field to build your writing chops and credibility. You’ll also see your connections grow, and you’ll learn new things!
As Amy Porterfield says, there is power in taking imperfect action. You’ve got to start somewhere.
And, as you participate in relevant conversations, forums, and industry events, you’ll be positioning yourself as a go-to expert in your field.
Build meaningful connections.
Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions. I suggest you attend one big event a year, preferably in person. There’s something about meeting people, shaking their hands (or giving a fist bump), and talking over a coffee or convention luncheon. There’s nothing like it!
Even if you can’t get to a live industry event every year, you can still connect with colleagues in your field in virtual events, meet-ups, classes, and on social media. Actively engage in these conversations, ask questions where you need more clarity, and offer your insights.
People want to hear what you have to say!
Grow your skills.
Continuous learning and skill development will also improve your brand. To share relevant information, you need to stay updated on industry trends!
Pursuing certifications and additional training keeps you aware of movements in your industry and the market and demonstrates a commitment to yourself and your ongoing professional development.
Seek and implement feedback.
When did you last solicit honest feedback from colleagues, mentors, and peers outside of a performance review? I know it’s scary and one of our least favorite things - mine included! But you must also seek and leverage feedback to refine and improve your personal brand.
It’s a sign of maturity to show a willingness to learn and adapt based on the feedback we receive when we ask for it. People see so much more than we do, and we never want to let a blind spot inhibit our ability to grow and be better.
Be authentically true to yourself.
While people will always be open with their opinions, you need to be able to sift the gold from the chaff. Ultimately, be true to yourself! Authenticity is critical to building trust and credibility.
Know who you are (remember those values we keep talking about?!) and be genuine in your interactions and communication. The most essential component of your personal brand is YOU! So, let your personality shine through.
Keep consistent.
Finally, and this is a big one I’m continuously learning as I work to build my brand: Consistency is key.
No matter the platform, and I would focus on one or two, maintain consistency in your messaging, visual elements, and interactions. Regularly update your online profiles to reflect your current accomplishments and goals, ensuring your personal brand aligns with where you want to go professionally.
It’s important to remember building a professional brand is an ongoing process that evolves with your career. Stay adaptable, be open to new opportunities, and continually refine your brand as you grow professionally.
Whew! That was a boatload of information, wasn’t it? Hopefully you’re well on your way with thoughts, ideas, and dreams on how to build your own personal brand. There aren’t any shortcuts, and the journey is slow and steady, but you will learn so much as you go and grow!
Need someone to help suss out your UVP? Let’s chat in a free coaching consult. Are you ready to go all in to the career you’ve been dreaming of? Let’s do it, together!
Dreaming alongside of you,
🥂 nicole:)
