Whether you’re applying for jobs or starting a company, you’ve probably been told to “define your personal brand.” But what does that mean? Building your personal brand may seem like a mystical task; It can be hard to know how to even start.
But defining your personal brand isn’t all that complicated. It’s all about narrowing your focus to ensure you understand your value and can communicate that to others.
We’ve created this step-by-step guide to defining your personal brand.
Define your personal brand
1. Determine your emotional appeal
-How do people describe you?
-What do people like about working with you?
2. Establish your function
-What are my skills?
-What service do I provide?
3. Identify your point of difference
-What sets you apart from other people in your field?
-What do you have to offer that others don’t?
Put it together
Look at your answers and refine them into one to two sentences. This is the definition for your personal brand. It should be simple to understand and clearly communicate who you are.
Pro Tips
Want to make your personal brand shine? Here’s some advice from people who are rocking their personal brands.
Stay authentic
Head of marketing at Popular Demand, Monica Lin experienced a huge amount of growth for her brand when she started personally engaging with her audience on Twitter. She said, “People can see right through a disingenuous act.” And what’s more, it takes a lot more work to manage a brand that’s not true to you. Be yourself.
Tell a story
If you want your brand to resonate with others, build an emotional connection with a story. Allen Gannett, chief strategy officer at Skyword and author of The Creative Curve said, “The most effective personal branding strategy these days is to build a true narrative – single character monologues are boring in Tinseltown, and even more boring for your personal brand.”
Be consistent
Make sure you stay true to your brand in every medium. Director and leadership coach, Fyiona Yong said, “You have to demonstrate consistency across your communication, gravitas, and appearance. Don’t underestimate how tiny inconsistencies can derail personal brand effectiveness.”
Have a signature
Give people something to associate with you and your brand. CyreneQ, a top storyteller on Snapchat said, “Something unique that people can associate with your brand and know it’s you. For example, a sidekick mascot or having a catchphrase you say after every video – something people can fall in love with.” Determine what your calling card is to set yourself apart and be memorable.