Here's how you can strengthen your professional network through personal branding.

I have found it helpful to do a self assessment and identification of values to help clarify the goal setting process. Getting feedback from trusted sources is also helpful. Following the SMART steps to creating goals provides a structures approach to help ensure success. SMART = Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time specific

This is one of the most common mistakes made in a personal branding strategy! The first step, defining the objectives, is often skipped or only dealt with briefly. This results in content that is not specific to the target group. Defining the goals is the first important step in building the strategy.

Every road to success begins with a clear destination, followed by a detailed map. If you just tell your GPS to take you some place you'll love, its directions will probably give you numerous detours, leading you nowhere in particular. As in business or with your career, be clear on what you want to attain, both long-term and with each step of the way. This clarity will help you decide on the best actions to achieve each step, leading you to your final destination: your goal/success.

Identifying objectives is very crucial. It helps to know what you are aiming for. Sharing quality content consistently is very important. Engaging in others posts can help you build connections with them. Networking by attending events, webinars, and conferences can help in building genuine connections.

First off, show your stuff—share your expertise, insights, and wins on platforms like LinkedIn or through blogs and articles. People love to connect with someone who knows their stuff! Next, don't be shy about reaching out to others in your industry or field. Send a friendly message, comment on their posts, or even ask for advice—it's all about making those connections. And hey, don't forget to give back! Share useful content, offer help or advice, and be genuinely interested in others' success. Building a strong network is all about give and take. Lastly, keep it real. Authenticity is key, so don't try to be someone you're not. Show your personality, quirks and all, and let people see the real you.

In my experience, aligning my online personal brand with my offline presence has been key to building credibility and trust in my professional network. For example, I ensure that my LinkedIn profile features a professional headshot and a well-written bio that highlights my skills and achievements. When attending industry events or networking meetings, I strive to engage authentically and showcase my expertise in person. By maintaining consistency between my online persona and real-life interactions, I've been able to strengthen relationships and foster genuine connections with colleagues and potential clients. This approach signals to others that I am serious about my professional life and committed to building meaningful relationships

The colors are important! Use consistent designs and colors on your websites, your LinkedIn profile and your posts. You can also integrate certain things into your personal brand that you want to be associated with. For me, for example, it's the bee. You see the bee on my profile, my pictures, my website. That’s branding! When people see a bee somewhere, they might connect it with me.

Successful companies spend millions paying experts to come up with the right images to represent them. Why? They know that their logos, colors, and other images play an enormous role in attracting the right audience. Job seekers should be doing the same. Without spending millions, professionals can use the same strategy to attract the audience they want. Sadly, most don't do this. Their LinkedIn profiles are barren of images, professional head shots, and often missing a background image. Humans are visual creatures, and that includes recruiters and hiring managers. If your resume claims you are an organized, meticulous person, yet your online presence looks the opposite, this gives conflicting messages, damaging your credibility.

When you have a great image, others will flock to you. The image should be based in reality though. If you're faking it, people will leave your network.

In my experience your personal and professional image speaks louder than the words that come out of your mouth. Yes, it is one aspect of your personal brand but an important one. What makes you different than anyone else that does the same thing you do? Buy aligning yourself with the words that represent how you want to be perceived will help with how you dress each day. Online is also crucial, being behind the camera is not a free pass to dress as if you don’t care. This is part of your customer experience. What do you want your first impression to say about you the first time they encounter your presence? Looking credible builds trust in your customers.

LinkedIn is a social network! If not, then it's the most social there is! There are two ways to build your personal brand and establish yourself as a thought leader. The first is 1. through content 2. through comments Interactions are extremely important and should not be neglected.

LinkedIn, and other social platforms, are not meant to be directories. If you simply create your profile "listing" and expect to get results, it's not going to happen. LinkedIn is a network. A very active network that requires you to keep moving around and interacting with other members. This is the only way you will benefit from what it has to offer. By moving around (posting, sharing your expertise), you will attract the right attention from other members. And by consistent posting and sharing, you will attract attention from the right members.

I have found LinkedIn to be the most powerful valuable online tool I use. Anyone building their network can benefit from LinkedIn. Once you know who your audience is and where they hang out and how to add value, you will see an increase in you engagements. What you post on LinkedIn may not be what you post on FB or IG as they seem to be more social sharing about family, friends, keeping in touch with people you know. I prefer LinkedIn over FB or IG. I get more engagement than the other platforms that just like your posts.

The online world is a bustling networking hub. Actively participate in relevant online communities, industry forums, or social media groups. Share insightful content, participate in discussions, and connect with professionals who share your interests and goals.

- Attend in-person or virtual networking events to connect with potential contacts. - Reach out to people in your industry or field of interest and suggest meeting for a coffee or virtual chat. - Offer to help or provide value to your contacts, as this can strengthen existing relationships. - Follow up with new connections and maintain regular communication to keep the relationship active.

In my experience it took me awhile to understand that I should have a goal before walking out the door to an event. Without a goal you end up with a pile of cards you throw away when you get home. Being intentional helps your efforts go much smoother and enjoyable, along with creating loyal connections. Building rapport will also strengthen your connections.

Networking isn't a numbers game. Focus on building quality connections. Research potential connections in advance, attend industry events with a clear purpose, and strike up conversations with people who can genuinely add value to your network and vice versa.

Before you can take something, you have to offer added value. This can be done in various ways - award free guides - offer free calls - pass on knowledge as a document These are all ways in which you can build a relationship and trust with your readership. Trust is the first step towards someone wanting to buy something from you. ????

Great networks are built on reciprocity. Don't be afraid to offer your knowledge, expertise, or connections to others. Help others in your network whenever possible, and you'll establish yourself as a valuable resource, attracting even stronger connections.

Building a personal brand is a step-by-step process. Nothing happens overnight. It is a long-term strategy. ?? There are several touchpoints that are needed until you are consciously in the minds of your readers. You also need branding that stands out and sets you apart from the competition.

Continuously refine and improve your personal brand: - Monitor your online presence and reputation, and address any issues or negative feedback. - Regularly review and update your branding materials (e.g., website, social media profiles) to ensure they reflect your current goals and achievements. - Seek feedback from trusted contacts and mentors to identify areas for improvement in your personal branding efforts.

Building a strong network takes time and dedication. Regularly engage with your online communities, attend industry events, and nurture your connections. Consistency allows you to stay top-of-mind and build trust with your network over time.

Sometimes they shrug their shoulders about me...I hum the song" be yourself no matter what they say ?? Thank you for inviting

Be yourself! People don't follow you because you tell the same story as other people. They follow you because you are you. & you are unique!

Remember, building a strong network takes time and effort. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in nurturing your connections, and your personal branding efforts will contribute to a robust and valuable network.

Be authentic and genuine. Ultimately, the most effective personal branding strategy is to be authentic and genuine. Build relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual benefits. Be yourself and let your unique personality shine through in your interactions and communications.