You are your brand. What do you think when you hear that phrase? Twenty years ago this would likely not have been a question anyone would consider unless they owned a company. They would have thought their company had a brand, an identity, but that it was not necessarily tied to them personally.
When I googled "definition of personal brand" I got this answer from AI: "A personal brand is a widely-recognized impression of someone based on their actions, achievements, expertise, and experience in a community, industry, or marketplace. It's a conscious crafting of a person's public identity, which includes their image, story, and position within certain communities." I think this definition is a good starting point but we need to look a little deeper to really understand the impact of personal branding and why it should matter to you. An article published by Harvard Business Review talks about the difference between personal brand and reputation: "Your personal brand, on the other hand, is much more intentional. It is how you want people to see you. Whereas reputation is about credibility, your personal brand is about visibility and the values that you outwardly represent."
Who do people see when they meet you in person or online? When we meet someone in real life and are representing ourselves in an environment such as an office, networking event, or our community we need to be intentional about how we present ourselves to others. And I'd venture to say that most of us have a social media presence of some kind. Whether you enjoy Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, if you're online then everything you post gives your friends, family, followers, or fans an impression of you.
Maybe you're an entrepreneur or have spent many years building a successful career so you consider this often. Or maybe you think that having a brand only applies to business owners and it doesn't matter what you post, like, or comment on social media. I would argue that it does. I don't see the internet or social media going away in our lifetime and so it's important to think how everything we do online is fair game for others to see and judge. Whether you're trying to grow a business, get a new job, run for office, start a non-profit, or looking for a new relationship through an online profile your online "brand" matters.
Because of my personal experience over the last 28 years I want to talk a little more about branding related to the direct sales and/or network marketing community. If you represent a direct sales model you may think that your brand is only the company you represent. Unfortunately, I have seen quite a few direct sales companies go out of business or change their business model over the last few years. In that case all of those consultants have had to pivot to a new strategy. This is where having a unique brand identity is a huge asset. Do your customers buy the product you're selling because of the product itself, the company you represent, or is it because they love YOU? When you become a master in building a brand identity that is centered on you - what makes you different, what skills, talents, and unique value that you bring to your clients they will be loyal. And when you find yourself in a position where you want to change, grow, or start something new, they will follow you.
Building a personal brand consists of many different factors. First and foremost you'll need to determine what your brand represents. Why do you do what you do? Who are the clients you want to serve? What is the value that you bring? Especially in regards to how it makes you different and sets you apart from others in the same industry. Do you know how to look your best in social media posts and videos? Are you wearing your best colors? Do you know how to style your hair, what makeup techniques look best on camera, and how to accessorize an outfit for impact? Do you know how to set up equipment and lighting to make the best videos and/or take great photos? Have you considered your branding colors?
I have successfully built an online brand that encompasses the many different ways in which I serve my clients. Whether I am helping a woman discover her best colors, sharing makeup tips, or helping her streamline her wardrobe, my goal is to help her develop greater self confidence. And to do it in a way that is encouraging, authentic, and edifying.
Now I am ready to show you exactly how to do the same. I am starting a brand new series on my YouTube channel focused on personal branding. Make sure you're subscribed to my channel so you don't miss out on any of the videos. I will also be launching a 12-week one-on-one coaching course to help female entrepreneurs build their personal brand from the ground up. If you'd like to join the wait list click here.
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