Branding doesn’t just impact organizations, however. Individuals need to have positive brands associated with themselves, as well.
Unfortunately, you don’t have the vast resources that a company has at their disposal. A well-placed sign can expose local consumers to a company’s brand about 60 times per month, but you can’t just walk around with a sign promoting your personal brand. Or, at least, you shouldn’t.
Here are some great tips for improving and strengthening your personal brand:
- Utilize Social Media — In order to have a successful personal and professional brand image, you need to be active on social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram might seem like time wasters, but if you handle them correctly you can actually craft a positive image. LinkedIn is excellent for building your professional portfolio, as well. You have to be careful on social media, however. Even posting great content too often can cause some problems. You might have plenty of wonderful things to say and share, but not everybody who follows your various social media accounts wants to see them all the time. Post engaging and positive content, sure, but in moderation.
- Google Yourself — It feels weird, and try not to be the person who does this all the time, but searching yourself online can help you stay on track of your brand. There might not be anything other than your social media profiles, which is fine, but if you have a website, have published anything, or have any other links that could boost your image, try and get them higher up on Google just in case other people are searching for you.
- Network with other positive people — Whether you’re attempting to promote your personal brand for professional success or just feel better about yourself, socializing and networking with other positive and creative people can be great. Find people who have excellent personal brands that are in your field and other careers, as well.
Keep in mind, while you’re focusing all this energy on strengthening your brand and image, you have to make sure that it’s your authentic voice. People can see through a fake image, so you have to stay true to yourself.