Your personal brand story is more than just a summary of your skills and achievements. It's a way to communicate your leadership values and vision to your audience, whether they are potential employers, clients, or collaborators. In this article, you'll learn how to craft a compelling personal brand story that showcases your leadership style, goals, and impact.
Before you start writing your personal brand story, you need to know who you are writing for. What are their needs, challenges, and aspirations? How can you help them solve their problems or achieve their goals? How can you connect with them emotionally and intellectually? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message, tone, and examples to resonate with them.
The DNA story isn't always about everything being beautiful, how great you are, or how exceptional your company is. It's a story about one of your key values being put to the test. But somehow, you managed to handle that test. Or it's about how things didn't work out, but that bitter pill turned out to be a valuable life and business lesson. And that's the power of the DNA narrative. When you give it the right structure and tell it skillfully, something extraordinary happens. Your customers suddenly stop talking about costs, organization, and logistics. They start asking about something entirely different. Chemistry forms between you, and your listeners feel an irresistible desire to do business with you.
The attention game and economy are getting wildly tougher day by day, and nothing shoots you in the leg like when you don't even know the audience you are trying to address their pain points, you achieve a lot on the internet when your brand builds a cult following and without a personal brand there's no way that can happen push ads and aggressive Direct marketing are dying down quickly, so it will be a fool's errand to avoid knowing your audience deeply
Let's say you're a fitness coach looking to create your personal brand story. If you identify that your target audience consists of professionals in their 30s&40s who struggle to find time for exercise due to their demanding careers, you can tailor your brand story accordingly. -emphasize how you understand the challenges of juggling work and health, having been in a similar situation yourself. -Share anecdotes of how you overcame similar obstacles could create an emotional connection. -revolve around offering time-efficient workout solutions and stress the importance of self-care This approach will likely resonate with your audience's needs and aspirations, making your personal brand story more compelling to them.
How to get started writing your personal brand story: 1. Define 3-5 personas, so your messaging is hyper-targeted. Ex: recent college grads looking for jobs in tech + experienced tech professionals looking to pursue another degree. 2. Make a Venn diagram of well-researched phrases, keywords, and #s related to the above. Identify the overlapping areas and you've got your custom word bank. Ex: mentor, career, interview, apply. 3. Build a slogan or tagline incorporating ideas from your word bank. Think of your slogan like a job title—clear, concise, consistent. Ex: I mentor tech professionals along every stage of their career journey, from application to acceptance.
Understanding your audience isn't just about demographics; it's about diving into their world and empathising with their needs, desires, and pain points. Just like a conductor in a symphony, crafting a resonant personal brand story requires tuning into the emotional frequencies that strike a chord with them. By addressing their concerns and aspirations, your story can transcend the ordinary and become a powerful instrument of connection.
Your values and vision are the core of your leadership identity. They reflect what you stand for, what you believe in, and what you want to accomplish. They also guide your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. To define your values and vision, ask yourself questions like: What are the principles that drive you? What are the causes that matter to you? What are the changes that you want to see in the world? What are the qualities that you admire in other leaders?
The most important thing with value storytelling is to be able to demonstrate that you followed the value and remained true to it even when it was hard to do so. Many make a mistake of crafting a value story like … our value is to - integrity.. and here is the story of how we lived it . I think you have to look at it different- our value is integrity . … here is the story of how we lived it .. even when it was so hard to remain true to it
An example I have seen is a tech entrepreneur who founded a company with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Their core values centered around innovation, ethical business practices, and a commitment to reducing the company's carbon footprint. Their vision was to create products that not only met market demands but also contributed positively to the environment. These values and vision guided their decisions, such as using eco-friendly materials and investing in renewable energy sources for their operations. This leadership identity not only attracted like-minded employees but also resonated well with environmentally conscious customers, ultimately leading to the company's success.
The DNA story shows who you and your company or brand are. It presents your unique value proposition. It's like a strand of hair or a piece of nail that's enough to reveal your "internal composition." The DNA narrative works exactly the same way. You present your authentic value, something in which you're unique, considering whether it's also important for your customers or employees. The goal is to have two values align in this narrative – yours and the person listening to you.
The process of defining values and vision is akin to sculpting the foundation of your personal brand story. It's not about dictating what you stand for, but about inviting your audience to embark on a journey that mirrors their own aspirations. Much like a captivating novel, weaving these elements into your story adds depth and authenticity. Your leadership identity should be a beacon, guiding your audience through uncharted waters and inspiring them to navigate their own. More importantly is the realisation that organisational values are similar to what we hold true and believe in our individual and collective lives. It's what we stand for and believe in. Often, these should form the foundation and cornerstone of good branding.
Your vision is your 10,000-foot view, your 10-year goal for your life and the world around you. Like any business, you should have a vision statement. Start here: 1. Project: What long-term change or impact are you working towards? Describe the ideal outcome in detail, and quantify where possible. 2. Assess: Why are you invested in this outcome? 3. Invest: What actions do you take on a regular basis to create this reality? Now, work backwards to craft a narrative. Ex: I share free weekly career advice to support tech professionals along their career journeys. With women representing only about 30% of tech workers, I aim to fast-track the careers of hundreds of young women and double that figure within my community by 2033.
Your story is how you illustrate your values and vision in action. It's how you demonstrate your leadership skills, experience, and impact. It's also how you engage your audience and make them care about you and your work. To share your story, use the following elements: A hook that captures attention and interest; A challenge that shows the problem or opportunity that you faced or created; A solution that shows how you applied your values and vision to overcome or seize the challenge; A result that shows the outcome or impact of your solution; A lesson that shows what you learned or how you grew from the experience.
In the realm of storytelling, the real magic lies in vulnerability. Just as a well-crafted plot unfolds through moments of tension and resolution, your personal brand story should be a canvas painted with shades of your triumphs and tribulations. Embrace the chapters where you stumbled, learned, and ultimately triumphed. By sharing these pivotal moments, you transform from a narrator to a mentor, illuminating a path for others while showcasing your authenticity as a leader. Be open and honest. Keep it raw and real. It's your story. No one can contest it. And make it a story worth remembering.
Your brand is ultimately a narration of your life story. Nothing is more authentic than delivering from your real-life experiences. Think for yourself - When you were in the corporate world, what did you like? Not like? What did you see missing? What did you wish for? Was there respect for diversity? Was there an appreciation for heterogeneity? Did that translate well into creative expression? Was there enough psychological safety? If not, is that an ideology you'd like to introduce through your brand? Being #TheSmilingStrategist, I lead by creating brave works, respecting diversity and just spreading joy by smiling more as I see that missing in our industry. That's my story. What's yours?
A couple of things stand out about using my personal story... 1. Someone else can see themselves in my story so it creates resonance. 2. It helps me illustrate things better and gives hope that they can overcome. Vulnerability is one of the greatest super powers we have to really connect with our audiences in a transformational manner.
An example I have seen is a non-profit founder who wanted to provide education to underprivileged children in remote areas. In their personal brand story, they began with a powerful hook about the stark educational disparities around the world. Challenge -lack of access to quality education for children in these regions. They then described how they applied their values and vision by mobilizing volunteers, using innovative teaching methods, and collaborating with local communities. Solution-significant increase in student enrollment and improved academic performance. By sharing this comprehensive story, they engaged their audience emotionally, showcased their leadership skills, and inspired others to support their cause.
What is the last movie that moved you? Like a well-crafted blockbuster, your story should be multidimensional. Try this: 1. Make an exhaustive list of achievements and challenges that showcase your values. 2. Highlight 3 examples that will surprise and delight. You are expected to show leadership as CEO; find anecdotes from when you were an intern. 3. Season generously with numbers, colors, sounds, and textures to transplant the audience. Ex: Like a romantic drama, my love affair with tech began on false pretenses. It was my first, nervous day of middle school. I jumped to see Keyboard on my syllabus. Ready to unleash my inner musical prodigy, I unsuspectingly approached the classroom filled with desktop computers and timed typing tests.
Your personal brand story should be authentic and consistent with your leadership style and personality. Don't try to copy someone else's story or pretend to be someone you're not. Be honest, humble, and confident in your own voice and perspective. Also, make sure that your personal brand story aligns with your online and offline presence. Your website, social media, resume, portfolio, and interactions should reflect and reinforce your personal brand story.
When it comes to personal brand storytelling in photography, authenticity is key. Don't try to mimic someone else's story or pretend to be someone you're not. Don't become a cheap version of another photographer's style! Create a personal brand story that aligns with your online and offline presence. Maintain a consistent tone, style, and message that resonates with your values and vision. Consistency builds trust.
Authenticity can be your North Star in the constellation of personal branding. It's not about mimicking someone else's journey; it's about owning your narrative with unapologetic sincerity. Much like a seasoned actor immerses themselves in a role, immerse yourself in your personal brand story. Let it radiate through your online presence, resonate in your offline interactions, and stand as a testament to your unwavering character. Authenticity breeds trust, and trust is the cornerstone of genuine connection. Never apologise for being you.
Authentic conversations are the ultimate connector. The old English saying that "a picture is worth 1000 words," comes to mind. Often, sharing photos of the things you are seeing in real time speaks louder and clearer than whole paragraphs. This is one tool I love to use and encourage others to do the same.
The old adage is true, 'write what you know,' and can spotlight your authenticity. Be vulnerable and open about what you have experienced, how it has shaped you, and what others can learn from you. Use language that is inclusive, and shows your empathy, while sharing your story to help connect with your audience.
Your personal brand story is not a static document that you write once and forget. It's a dynamic and evolving narrative that reflects your growth and development as a leader. As you gain new skills, experiences, and insights, you should update and refine your story accordingly. You should also seek feedback from others who know you well or who are in your target audience. They can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
An example I have seen is a marketing professional who initially shared a personal brand story focused on their journey from entry-level to a mid-level manager. As they progressed, they regularly updated their story to incorporate new achievements, challenges, and skills . When they took on a leadership role, they revised their brand story to emphasize team management and collaboration. They sought feedback from colleagues and mentors, which allowed them to highlight their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and learning along. As a result, their personal brand story became a living narrative that showcased their continuous growth and development as a leader, resonating more deeply with their evolving professional identity.
Growth is the heartbeat of leadership, and your personal brand story should echo this rhythm. It's not etched in stone but is rather a living testament to your evolution. Just as an artist layers strokes on a canvas, layer your narrative with new skills, experiences, and perspectives. Seeking feedback is akin to inviting art critics to your gallery; it refines your masterpiece. Let your story evolve as you do, turning each chapter into a tapestry of continuous transformation. As leaders, we're not just crafting stories; we're architecting experiences that leave an indelible imprint. Our stories should be the compass that guides, the light that inspires, and the bridge that connects us with the hearts of our audience. #Word
When we showcase our brand story and journey from the realtime challenges experience it easily catches and captivates our audiences attention, drawing them in, showcasing some of their own challenges and how they can fix them while it truly resonates deeper into giving them course corrections and routes to take to speedy success, learning from someone elses experience is really the best teacher!!!!!