Let’s think about some of the people you follow online as a quick exercise. There’s that finance expert on Instagram and the political podcaster who also fundraises for good causes. Having a personal brand means being seen as knowledgeable – or at least passionate – about something.
So, why might you need to consider personal branding? Well, what are your goals? Even if you’re madly in love with your current role, consider the following. Award-winning journalists who also establish personal brands get book deals. Powerhouse Executives who also build engaging personal brands are offered top-notch speaking opportunities. And of course, a vibrant personal brand is extremely helpful leverage when navigating big career moves.
So, where do you start?
Here are some helpful questions to think about when you’re getting started:
- Who is your audience?
- What is your expertise?
- How are you different from others with similar expertise?
A catchy color scheme is helpful but having a good handle on the questions above is foundational. Build your brand around something you can talk about all the time. That’s precisely what you’ll be doing as you establish expertise and reach more people as your audience grows.
Comment and let me know if there is any way that I can help you think through how to best use a personal brand in pursuit of your career and life goals.