Your personal brand is the face you wear for the whole world to see. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that it is strong and radiant, and stands out loud and proud. You want people to equate the service you deliver with your name, so it’s important to set out to make your mark from day one.
So how do you become synonymous with the service or product you’re offering? Here are a few ways to get started.
Be Genuine
If you’re trying to be what you’re selling, the worst thing you could do is try to deliver a fake image. You might slip up and lose the trust of your clients and customers if they discover your ruse, and it is frankly exhausting to keep up a facade. Your brand should mirror your true essence, your beliefs, and convictions. You have to know what your strengths and weaknesses are to put your best foot forward.
It’s human nature to connect and become attached to people they can relate to. If you’re
not genuine, it will make people uncomfortable and wary. Even if you did manage to build upon a facade, it would be a disaster for your brand if you were to suddenly be exposed by a slip-up.
So be you! Understand who you are, and share it with the world, and the world will share what they have with you in return.
Be Heard
People like to engage with businesses that know what they’re doing. The best way to prove that you’re the expert in your field is to share how knowledgeable you are about your product, on a regular basis. Blending this with being your genuine and unique self, per my previous point, will only help to make your communication make the best possible impact.
Speak from the place of confidence from which you decided to build a brand in the first place. People feel secure enlisting a company that knows that it knows what it’s doing. Show your wealth of knowledge and firm standing with your product.
You may receive negative feedback, and that’s okay. Show you’re listening by expressing interest in what they have to say, acknowledging their thoughts, and using their concerns to improve your brand. Thank them for listening. Let people on the same page know that you see and appreciate them, too.
Speaking engagements at events and conferences are fantastic opportunities. Ensure listeners that you are the best value out there, and that you will do the utmost to make- and keep- them happy.
Write Articles and Answer Questions
Let your voice stretch further by writing articles displaying your proficiency in your field, and become more personable and knowledgeable through sitting for interviews. You want to show your authority in your realm of business, and you want to show that you know what the customer wants from a company. Take even the smallest opportunities to fall into the spotlight. If you keep up at it, soon the masses will know your name.
Becoming known in the media can take a while, and the efforts can be taxing. But it is the best way to build momentum toward being a known brand. Every opportunity is a step in the right direction.
Your Online Presence Is Your Best Friend
It’s important to be aware of how you’re coming across on the Internet. It’s even more vital to monitor this religiously and improve upon it at every possible convenience.
Build up your social media presence. Ensure that your visible information is thorough, your image is professional yet personable, your photos are high-quality, and your interaction leaves your fans feeling attended to and cared about.
Ensure that your Web site (you do have one, right?) is coming up high in search results. Google Analytics is a fantastic tool for making your presence well known. Google yourself regularly and see what comes up. Your Web site puts far more control and customization of your image in your hands. It can display anything you want it to. Keep it fresh and update it regularly.
Check online reviews by Googling yourself, as well, and make sure that your client base is being heard and that they know it.
Never Stop Learning
The greatest experts and brands are always open to learning how to do what they do, better. Things are changing faster and faster all the time, and your brand longevity depends on your ability to keep up with the times.
After all that work building your personal brand, it would be a shame for it to become all for naught if it’s not keeping with current trends. Keep up on books, news, and other media to stay “with it”.
As your brand grows, you will as well, and great opportunities and ideas will fall into your lap. People will see your expertise, and they will respect your name as The Name. You will be invited to speak at public events, and interview with publications.
Don’t forget, as well, that it is so cool and important that you have built something for YOU! Don’t worry about what you haven’t done. This will take away from your confidence and brand. Just weave it into future plans. Be open about your failures, weaknesses, and setbacks. This will show your humility.Æand your humanity.
