If you feel it’s time to change jobs or build a better presence but are still unsure on where to get started, you’ve come to the right place! Here are the 10 things that will make your personal brand a complete success.
1. Find what makes you unique
The key is to find that thing that you already have that makes you stand out from the rest. Everyone has something unique that can be enhanced and broadcasted to the world. Just like clothes don’t have to be uncomfortable to be pretty the best way to shine is by being authentic.
2. Build an image online and offline
It’s very important that you think of how you want to be perceived as a professional and which values and even style you want to portray. Make profiles on social media that display your qualifications, use a design tool to choose consistent colours and fonts for everything, and drive to the nearest Harrods to reinvent your style.
3. Focus on WHY and HOW
When describing the job you do and the problems you are able to solve, focus especially on why you do what you do, and how you do it, in your own unique way. This will bring you closer to the audience by showing that you are clear about your goals and intentions as well as you are genuine.
4. Back it up with real examples
Remember that examples are the best explanations! What is a piece of work that has had better reviews or response? Was there a job or endeavour that seemed particularly challenging or new to you but you managed to solve it by adding your own uniqueness?
5. Know your competition
Once you have a clear idea of who you are and what you want your personal brand to be, don’t forget to take a closer look at your competition. This will help define your audience better and, at the same time, it will tell you if you have to tweak a few things in order to reinforce how you are different from the rest.
6. Be consistent
Once everything is set up, you have to consistently keep up to date. Update your social media, be online, and remember to keep a strong offline image as well! Set up goals and do your best to meet them so you keep building your brand.
7. Who can help you broadcast your work?
Both on and off the internet, think of who (from friends to colleagues to your favourite podcast) can help you promote your brand. Go on interviews, seek features in magazines or online publications, and tell your acquaintances to tell theirs about your work!
8. Create related content
That’s right! You can write, design, create your own podcast or videos that put out content that is related to the work you do, so people get to know everything about it.
9. Build a network
We often forget about this one. Your brand is not built by your image in isolation: engage your audience, go to meetings and events, even host your own. Get to know lots of people so your network gets wider and wider.
10. Keep reinventing yourself
We all change! As long as you stay true to who you are and the essence of your brand, be sure to let everyone know how much you have improved in a certain area every time you do.
