The Power and Purpose of Your Personal Brand — Madeleine A. Cohen
Branding, once the domain of corporations, has become an indispensable tool for professionals striving for success. The digital era has redefined how we engage and conduct business, making promoting a clear and consistent personal brand online essential. Kara Dennison’s Forbes article, “Why Personal Branding Is Important And How To Build Yours,” eloquently underscores this shift. Once confined within traditional boundaries, personal branding has now become a prerequisite for thriving in the dynamic job market of our time.
“Social media has forever changed the way we interact and conduct business.”
Even if you’ve bypassed LinkedIn optimization or are not engaged on social platforms, you’re still shaping your online personal brand, even if it is done unintentionally. Whether by commission or omission, this subtle branding conveys a potent message about your commitment and involvement in your industry.
“Your brand isn’t just your image but your story and position within your industry. It tells your audience about your values and beliefs.”
Your personal brand is definitely more than just your profile picture and your career history; it’s about you and your experiences, as well as your expertise. It’s a deliberate marketing tool, but it must be authentic. Careful brand curation involves a commitment to remaining true to oneself. Moreover, it should reflect what differentiates you from your colleagues.
Once clearly defined, you should ensure that your personal brand extends beyond social media profiles and websites. It should be reflected in every interaction. Consistency across all communication platforms is key in maintaining a cohesive image.
Ms. Dennison’s article highlights five compelling benefits of personal branding:
1. “Authenticity”: By showcasing both successes and setbacks, you signal to potential employers that you’re genuine and can embrace vulnerability.
2. “Trust”: A well-crafted personal brand lets people get to know you. It establishes you as an industry authority and a trustworthy source of knowledge and experience.
3. “Credibility”: By consistently publishing content that supports your personal brand you prove your professional credibility, setting you apart from competitors.
4. “Oversight”: Managing your personal brand provides control over your image and messaging in an unpredictable social media landscape.
5. “Opportunities”: Personal branding opens doors to career growth, industry connections, and community impact, inspiring others to follow your lead.
She then points out five strategic steps involved in identifying and implementing your personal brand:
1. “Define Your Values”: Be honest about your motivations, expertise, and core values, anchoring your brand in authenticity.
2. “Establish Your Audience”: Identify who you are trying to reach and tailor your content and messaging to resonate with them.
3. “Decide How to Brand Yourself”: Your personal brand encompasses your expertise and experiences. It allows you to distinguish yourself.
4. “Network, Network, Network”: Engage with other professionals. Create and share content to expand your brand’s reach and impact.
5. “Get Feedback From Peers”: Make certain that the external perception of your brand aligns with yours. If not, you may need to tweak your communication topics to better reflect your goals.
Consistency is essential as you move forward with your personal brand. Maintain the energy, tone, and storytelling you’ve established to make an enduring impact. By staying current and relevant, you can stand out, effect change, and inspire others to follow your path.
Read the original Forbes article here
A marketing and communications strategist, Madeleine A. Cohen has produced global trade shows and conferences from ideation to execution, and has extensive experience as an editor and writer. At Signitt, she leverages her expertise to help women and diverse business leaders best tell their stories in order to achieve their next professional goal.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
