What are some effective ways to use visual metaphors for your unique value proposition?

They create an experience with the author They create recognition They bring closer It's a new way how people can connect with you, what you have to say in a more meaningful way. We are living in a digital era, so it's more important then ever to not only craft your writing but polish your visual creation skills too.

A picture is worth a thousand words. A visual metaphor in personal branding involves using symbolic images or elements to convey a deeper meaning about your brand. Choose an image you like and identify what resonates with you. This is the starting point of your unique story.

Ensure that you are choosing visual metaphors that mean something to you and that you are going to feel good about displaying. Do not feel obliged to use something that does not feel on brand to you because it will come across when you try to present or explain it.

Choose an image that is comfortable to discuss and easily understandable for your audience. Opt for visuals that are inclusive and show respect toward your audience. While a mild element of surprise is acceptable, exercise caution to ensure that the image does not inadvertently communicate a lack of regard for humanity.

The most commonly used visual metaphors are a compass, an open book, a bridge, a tree, a lighthouse, a puzzle piece or a ship. You want to stand out and be unique. So, look for inspiring but unusual images from your family photos, covers from books you appreciate, artwork from your fave artist, a sculpture you saw on a trip, your grandmother's handwritten recipe, a tombstone, a bridge plaque commemorating a historical event, or a drawing that your child made for you.

A good place to start with the foundation of visual metaphors are colours and fonts. These can be consistently presented and are memorable. Think about Billie Eilish handwritten scribbles that speak to their song writing abilities or Shaun White, the snowboarder often having his surname in white or having white backdrops on his Instagram posts.

The challenge with visual metaphors is your first thoughts will already be in use. How many brands have you seen using some variation of a jigsaw puzzle? It's really easy to fall into cliché territory and that is the OPPOSITE of effective branding, which is about being distinctive.

Once you have the image selected, write a few words that describe why this is important to you. Look for meanings and attributes that align with your values, skills, experiences, perspectives, ethics, and vision. Example: Image of your grandmother's handwritten pesto sauce recipe UVP: Respecting heritage, finest ingredients, quality, harmony, precision and commitment to my work. Story: "This image of my grandmother's pesto sauce recipe is not just a culinary snapshot; it's a visual representation of my dedication to crafting meaningful connections, blending skills harmoniously, and creating a professional journey that leaves a lasting and flavorful impression."

Take some time to understand your brand attributes. These are the words that others use to describe you. There will be a set of rational attributes - for example an accountant may have accurate as an attribute. Whilst we expect that of accountants it is hard to use it visually and be unique because many other accountants will claim the same attribute. But if you are a fun accountant that is a differentiating emotional attribute and could be something you can use as a visual metaphor.