Elevate Yourself into Icons

In today’s digital age, personal branding has become more important than ever. Gone are the days when individuals could rely solely on their qualifications and experience to stand out in a crowded job market or competitive industry. Now, with social media platforms and online networking opportunities at our fingertips, it is crucial to carefully craft and manage our personal brand.

But what exactly is personal branding?

In simplest terms, it is the process of developing a unique identity and image that sets us apart from others. It involves showcasing our skills, expertise, values, and personality in a way that resonates with our target audience – whether that be employers, clients, or peers.

Personal branding is different from Influencer, in which I will cover in another blog (stay tuned).

Why is personal branding important?

In today’s hyper competitive job market and freelance economy, personal branding has become more crucial than ever. It is no longer sufficient to simply have a good resume and a stellar education; employers are now looking for candidates who can differentiate themselves from the crowd.

This is where personal branding comes into play. By developing and promoting your personal brand, you can showcase your unique skills, experiences, and attributes that set you apart from other candidates.

Personal branding not only helps you stand out in the job market but also allows you to establish yourself as an expert in your field. When you have a strong personal brand, people associate your name with specific knowledge or expertise. This recognition can lead to valuable opportunities such as speaking engagements, collaborations with industry leaders, and even media appearances.

How do you build your personal brand online?

Firstly, it’s crucial to define your unique value proposition – what sets you apart from others in your field (if any)? This requires you to look introspective in anything from your specific expertise and experience to your distinct personality or innovative ideas.

Once you identified your unique value proposition, the next step is to create consistent and cohesive branding across all online platforms (e.g., FaceBook, LinkedIn, Instagram) Start by selecting a professional profile picture that best reflects who you are as a person and aligns with the image you want to portray professionally. If you do not have a professional profile picture *ahem {hire me} to help you create one.

Additionally, craft a captivating bio that clearly communicates who you are and what you do in a concise yet engaging manner. Employers will scour the internet to learn about job candidates, and it is important to curate what you put out on the internet. In other words, control the narrative by stating your accomplishments, skills, and goals to start. The Washington Post has an article on how to craft one.

Leveraging social media for personal branding

With billions of people actively using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, individuals now have the opportunity to create and promote their own personal brand online. Leveraging social media for personal branding allows you to showcase your skills, expertise, and unique qualities to a global audience.

One of the key benefits of using social media for personal branding is the ability to establish yourself as an authority in your field. Are you an expert in cooking? Display your cooking prowess in several recipe books or images of your cooking. Are you an expert in project management? Educate the masses on the any of the multitude of project management frameworks that exists (e.g., PRINCE2, CCPM).

By consistently sharing valuable content related to your industry or interests, you can position yourself as a thought leader and gain credibility among your followers. This can open up doors for new opportunities such as speaking engagements, collaborations with other professionals, or even job offers.

Showcasing your expertise and skills

Whether you are a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional looking for new opportunities, highlighting your strengths can make all the difference in landing your dream job. One way to do this is by creating a comprehensive and well-organized resume that emphasizes your accomplishments and qualifications.

Another powerful tool for showcasing your expertise is through online platforms such as LinkedIn or personal websites. These platforms allow you to create an online presence where you can display your work experience, projects, and even recommendations from colleagues or clients. It provides employers with a visual representation of what you bring to the table and allows them to assess if you are the right fit for their organization.

Apart from traditional resumes and online platforms, another way to exhibit your skills is through networking events, conferences, or seminars related to your industry. I’m sure there are industry organizations that exist that would love to you present your findings and experiences to help elevate the industry.

Networking and building relationships for personal branding

Aside from the many things I stated earlier, of upmost importance is to possess a robust network of connections that can vouch your abilities and character. That can be in a form of a friend, family member that worked with you on projects, coworker, or clients. Building these relationships requires time, effort, and the genuine interests in others (hence networking).

When people know you personally or have heard positive things about you from mutual contacts, they are more likely to view you as a reliable and trustworthy person right off the bat. This can open doors for you and help you expand your reach beyond your immediate circle.

By connecting with professionals from different industries or backgrounds, one can gain valuable insights and perspectives that can help shape your personal brand.

And finally, networking provides opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and possible lead to new business ventures or career advancements.

Seek your own personal brand

Personal branding is a vital aspect of building a successful career and reputation. By defining and showcasing your unique skills, strengths, and values, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and attract opportunities that align with your goals. It is important to consistently maintain and evolve your personal brand, adapting to changes in the industry and staying authentic to who you are.

With the right strategies and platforms, you have the power to shape how others perceive you and create valuable connections that can lead to professional growth. Start investing in your personal brand today and take control of your professional journey. Remember, your personal brand is not just about what you do, but also about who you are.