Here's how you can establish a powerful personal brand as an IT entrepreneur.

First things first, you need to figure out who you are and what makes you different. What's your USP, you know? Are you a problem-solver, a tech wizard, or a leadership guru? Start with your online presence - website, social media. Make sure it reflects your personality and shows off your skills. Don't be shy to share your knowledge, whether it's through blog posts, videos, or speaking at events. Networking is also key. Attend industry events, connect with people, and build relationships. Remember, it's not just about what you know, but who you know. And most importantly, be consistent. Keep posting, keep engaging, and keep building your brand. It takes time.

Define Your Brand Identity: ? Core Values: Identify the values that guide your work and decision-making. These should align with the image you want to project. ? Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine what sets you apart from other IT entrepreneurs. This could be your innovative approach, deep industry knowledge, or a specific niche you excel in.

A book I will recommend for personal branding is "STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST" Have a set goals on how to achieve your plans to building a reputable brand, either building online, hosting workshops, involving in speaking engagement or being a thought leader. You must set out plan that aligns with your strengths and how you intend to get there.

Narrowing your focus allows you to tailor your message and become the go-to person in a specific area. This will make it easier for others to define your identity according to the field you focus on.

There is a lot of niche for an IT industry entrepreneur, from automation, to cybersecurity, health and tech, business and tech and much more. Discover with resonates with you, get industry knowledge, share information and keeping learning.

Thought Leadership: ? Guest Blogging and Media Contributions: Write for industry publications, or offer insights to media outlets. Getting featured in reputable sources can significantly boost your credibility. ? Podcasting and Webinars: Host or guest on podcasts and webinars to reach a broader audience. Sharing your experiences and insights helps reinforce your brand.

LinkedIn is one of the best places to build online, another tool is Substack to help send newsletters to your audience. Building online requires consistency in showing up every day with new ideas and information for your audience. The bigger your audience, the better your brand.

Build an Online Presence: ? Professional Website: Create a website that serves as a central hub for your brand. It should include your bio, portfolio, blog, and contact information. ? Social Media: Actively engage on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and GitHub, where IT professionals and industry leaders are present. Share insights, articles, and updates to demonstrate your expertise. ? Content Creation: Regularly publish blogs, articles, or videos that showcase your knowledge. This content can help position you as a thought leader in your field.

Emphasise the added value that your brand creates. A large network is not always decisive. If you are networked with the wrong people, it won't do you any good. Offer real added value that stands out from the rest. Your KPI must be defined. This will create the right environment and the right network.