As much as entrepreneurs need business skills, they also need personal branding skills. Entrepreneurs are now expected to be the front faces of their companies. In today's business world, every person has a personal brand or reputation that precedes them and speaks to their abilities.
What exactly is a personal brand? Personal branding encompasses everything about you that makes you unique and relatable (or at least memorable). It also encompasses the way you make and keep connections with others. Personal branding includes your name, your face, social media accounts, personal website or blog, content marketing strategy, and even a catchy slogan.
A unique value proposition is what makes you stand out over everyone else in your marketplace and differentiates you from the rest of the pack. Your unique value proposition is what motivates people to choose you instead of the competition. What is your unique value proposition? Think about the people you spend your time with. What makes them attractive to others? Are they fun-loving and friendly? Do they always have a smile on their faces and seem to be having a good time? Are they energetic and excited about what they do each day? These are some of the qualities your brand should reflect.
When you create a personal brand, a logo is the visual representation of that brand. It should be small but impactful. There is no one-size-fits-all logo for everyone. Your logo should represent your goals, values, and personality. It should mirror your personality and appeal to others' personalities. That's why it's important to be very creative with personalized branding services if you want something that will really stand out from the crowd.
If you are organizing an event or business, your name is the most important thing you can do. Your name should be something that is easily recognizable so others can refer to you. It should be memorable. Your name should make people feel as if they know you or say your name out loud because they know they will "hear" it. Your name is also an opportunity to choose a nickname that is more creative and creative nicknames are what you should use when you establish your personal brand.
While it's important to know your value proposition, it also helps to be confident and engaging with others. It is important to be likable, but you don't want people to stop in the middle of a conversation and asking you about your life story. Keeping a sense of humor and having a good time with others helps make you memorable so others carry the message of your brand with them on their own journey towards success.
The more you put yourself out there relative to your industry, the more likely it is that someone will come across your personal brand. One of the best ways to join a community is to take on a leadership role within an organization such as an association or chamber of commerce. This allows you to connect with people looking for ways to grow their businesses and help them be successful in their own journeys.
Maintain a sense of humility about yourself in your public and professional life. Be genuine and don't be fake. It will allow people to see themselves in you, which makes them more likely to want to follow on your journey.
When it's done right, branding is about creating a memorable image of yourself that is easily identified by the public. Your personal brand is crucial to help develop your image in the business arena and will be key to your success. It's not a choice anymore; it's a requirement for success.
