What are the best practices for creating and maintaining a personal brand as a leader?

It's a delicate balance to tailor your own brand identity, whilst focusing on others in the process. True leaders are not self-centred. They are curious and interested in others. Their image and identity is unique to them, consistent and reliable, but is also built around a purpose that is inclusive. The word authenticity is maybe over-used these days, but that is because the word resonates. To be authentic, you need to be uncomplicated. Not interested in your own perfection but comfortable with your imperfection, because you are consistent in your support of the growth of others.

Always have a good knowledge of your TAM, SOM & SOM because that only will give you the vision and data to move forward, then always have a story telling factor in your brand by which I mean your brand must have a story which resonates with it and guess what it grabs more attention and create a trust among people and lastly I would say always stay curious and adaptable to the nature because it's a fast paced world out there and you need to keep the momentum to last longer.

Personal Branding as a leader is the foundation for which your team and organization can build upon. How you represent your values, goals, and beliefs through your actions and words becomes the example your organization falls back upon in times of uncertainty, stress, strife, and hardship. Your brand conveys the way that you serve those around you and shows others that you are not just a person in a position of authority but a leader. A personal brand is also a way to hold ourselves as leaders accountable to what we “say” we believe in. Your personal brand always precedes you and forces you to be authentically you at all times or the leader that people meet will always fall short of their expectations.

A personal Brand is quite essential for leaders in this digital era. It establishes your credibility and trust which not only sets you apart in the crowded market but also opens doors of opportunities for future collaborations and partnerships. Leaders can influence and inspire others by consistently communicating their values, vision and what they stand for. This is not about self promotion but about connecting with others on a deeper level, sharing your journey and building a community around your vision. Personal branding is an investment that enhances the influence of leaders in their industry. It also leaves a lasting impact on those you lead.

While personal brand is a valuable tool for building trust and credibility, it should always be grounded on delivering real value to stakeholders. Actions should align with words. A leader's reputation is a form of currency.

Show up! Choose to lead. Be deliberate in your thoughts and actions. Give your people what they need in regard to leadership attention and direction. Do these things and you will establish the "brand" that others want to follow -- even if you don't choose to be a "glory hound" and post every whim you have ever had. Though, speaking of dogs, people seem to be attracted to posts that feature puppies...Just saying!

Defining a personal brand is developed over time. It's not taking an assessment. As a legal, political and cultural analyst for television and radio, I wanted to be seen as available, reliable, knowledgeable, flexible, and ultimately the person producers wanted to work with on segments or programs. I developed an attitude of "never say no" unless I was booked with a network. Once I said "yes", I would not cancel one hit to take a "better" one. I can be counted on to be there, and eliminating that problem off the worry list. I am always prepared and know more than I need to know. I try to make my answers like fruit, heavy for size. If I was bumped by a couple hours, no worries-flexibility helps. I make it easy. Over time, it became my brand.

Defining your personal brand as a leader involves identifying your core strengths and values, understanding your audience, and clearly communicating your unique leadership style. Craft a narrative that resonates, ensuring your actions align with your brand promise. Leverage platforms for visibility and engage with your community to refine your brand. It’s about authenticity, impact, and evolving with feedback to inspire trust and drive engagement.

It can feel vulnerable but share your personal brand ambitions with as many people as you can. The more you talk about it, the more you share it, the more you’re helping to influence how others see you. Pro tip: make sure to tell those who LOVE working with you (you know who they are) what you aspire to be known for and ask for their help in representing you. This is getting free PR for your brand! In fact, I ask my mentees what they want to be known for so I can represent them as I talk about them to others. Your mentors and sponsors WANT this information. They are your biggest supporters!

When thinking about showing up as a personal brand think like a business. Here are some quick tips: - Create colors and graphics that are consistent. - Be authentic. Speak in your voice which helps you attract the right people. - Always remember you are the brand so however you show up is how the brand shows. - Have fun. Branding as a leader should be fun.

A song by Porcelain Black and Lil Wayne has a hook, "you wanna talk the talk, get up and show me the walk." Demonstrate your brand with actions that can be perceived by the senses. An effective brand is not told, but shown. It depends on consistency and details. If you want to be known as knowledgeable, you can't be unprepared. Reliable? Don't cancel. Easy to work with? Don't be a demanding prima donna. Elegant? Edgy? Traditional? Does your wardrobe, perfume, and makeup reflect what you see as part of your brand? How do you speak? Are you cool under pressure? What words do you use? Do you drop the F bomb ever, often, occasionally? Like Georges Seurat, each small detail contributes to a picture and that picture communicates a message.

Defining your personal brand as a leader involves introspection and outward expression. Start by pinpointing what sets you apart: your unique blend of skills, passions, and experiences. Craft a narrative that authentically reflects these elements, and let this story guide your interactions and decisions. Visibility is key—share your insights and victories, but also your challenges and learnings, across platforms where your voice can reach and resonate with your intended audience. Engage with your community, offering value and fostering connections. Consistency in your message and actions reinforces your brand, establishing you as a thought leader in your sphere. Remember, your personal brand is your professional promise.

View every single interaction you have with other people as an opportunity to strengthen or weaken your personal brand. You may only interact with some people once, so whatever you project in that interaction will define what they think you are. Realize that every meeting you attend, speech you give, email you write, etc. will be a time when people are forming an impression of you. Keep your desired brand image in mind and live up to it whenever you are making those impressions.

Building a personal brand is only part of the journey. When you maintain it, you are living the words, you are walking the walk not just talking the talk.

Maintaining your personal brand as a leader requires consistency, authenticity, and engagement. Consistently demonstrate your core values and strengths in every action and interaction. Be authentic; your personal brand should be a true reflection of who you are and what you stand for. Engage regularly with your audience through meaningful content, conversations, and community involvement. Stay abreast of industry trends and adapt your brand as necessary, ensuring it remains relevant and resonant. Remember, your personal brand is a powerful tool in your leadership arsenal—nurture it with intention and integrity.

Each of us have a brand. Personal branding is the process of figuring out a way to mesh or marry your passions, personal and professional life in a way that helps you to leverage your talents stand out from the crowd.

Humility and gratitude are essential because you can be knowledgeable but if you aren’t humble and gracious then the reputation quickly turns to “I’m better than you.” No one wants that.

There quite a few conflicting opinions about whether personal branding is actually a good thing. This article (https://bigthink.com/the-learning-curve/personal-brand-trap/) does a nice job summarizing some of the perspectives and lists out 6 humanizing principles to ensure personal branding is truly personal. 1. Be genuine 2. Be focused 3. Be mindful 4. Be open 5. Be positive 6. Be willing to fail

Avoiding personal branding pitfalls as a leader involves strategic authenticity, consistency, and responsiveness. Be true to your values and expertise—don't stretch your brand to fit fleeting trends. Consistency in your communication and actions builds trust; your brand should reflect the same values online and offline. Listen and adapt; feedback is a gift that can refine your brand. Avoid overselling; focus on adding value and fostering genuine connections. Finally, stay informed and proactive about your digital footprint. A mindful approach ensures your personal brand remains a true and positive reflection of your leadership.