Building a Personal Brand: How to Position Yourself as a Rising Leader

Let's be real—personal branding is no longer just a fancy term tossed around by marketers and influencers. In today’s world, it’s essential if you want to get ahead, whether you’re eyeing that next big promotion, starting your own business, or just trying to make a name for yourself in your industry. But how exactly do you build a personal brand that positions you as a rising leader? Let's break it down.

What Exactly is Personal Branding?

Before we jump into the how-to's, let's get clear on what personal branding actually means. Think of your personal brand as your public persona—how you present yourself to the world, both online and offline. It’s a mix of your skills, experiences, and values, all wrapped up in how you communicate them to others.

But here's the thing: it's not just about what you do; it’s also about how people perceive you. Are you the go-to person in your field? Do people turn to you for advice? That’s your personal brand in action.

Why Should You Care About Personal Branding?

So, why should you put time and effort into building your personal brand? Picture this: you're in a room full of people who do what you do. How do you make sure you're the one they remember? That's where personal branding comes in. Here’s why it’s a big deal:

Visibility: A strong personal brand makes sure people notice you in your industry.

Credibility: It helps you build trust and be seen as an expert.

Opportunities: From job offers to speaking gigs, a solid brand can open a lot of doors.

Control: You get to shape how people see you—your reputation is in your hands.

Now that we've covered why personal branding matters, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to build one that sets you apart as a leader.

Step 1: Figure Out What Makes You Unique

First up, what makes you, you? Your unique value proposition (UVP) is the cornerstone of your personal brand. It's that special combo of skills, experiences, and perspectives that only you bring to the table.

How to Identify Your UVP:

Play to your strengths: What are you naturally good at? What do people always compliment you on?

Look at your experiences: What unique experiences have shaped your career and life?

Follow your passions: What topics or causes get you fired up?

Get feedback: Sometimes it’s hard to see ourselves clearly. Ask friends, colleagues, or mentors what they think makes you stand out.

Once you nail down your UVP, make sure you can explain it clearly. This is what’s going to make you memorable—and different from everyone else.

Step 2: Know Who You’re Talking To

Who are you trying to impress or influence? Whether it’s potential employers, industry peers, or a broader audience, knowing your target audience is key. It’ll help you tailor your message, choose the right platforms, and create content that resonates.

Steps to Define Your Audience:

Create a persona: Imagine your ideal follower. What are their interests? What challenges are they facing?

Do your research: What are the main demographics in your industry? What platforms are they hanging out on?

Tailor your content: Once you know who your audience is, make sure your content speaks directly to them.

When you know exactly who you’re talking to, your brand will resonate with the right people.

Step 3: Craft Your Story

Your brand message is basically the story you tell about yourself. It’s what ties together your UVP and your audience, and it needs to be consistent across all your platforms—whether it’s LinkedIn, Instagram, or your personal website.

Elements of a Strong Brand Message:

Be consistent: Your message should be the same everywhere you show up. This helps people remember you and trust you.

Keep it real: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. People can sniff out inauthenticity from a mile away. Be yourself.

Make it clear: Your message should be easy to understand. Avoid industry jargon that doesn’t add value.

Your brand message is like your elevator pitch—make sure it’s something that sticks with people.

Step 4: Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Let’s be honest—if you’re not on social media, you’re missing out. But it’s not just about being present; it’s about using social media in a way that builds and promotes your brand.

Tips for Winning at Social Media:

Pick the right platforms: Not every platform is right for every person. LinkedIn is great for professional networking, while Instagram might be better if you’re into visual storytelling.

Stay consistent: Regular posting and engagement are key. Consistency helps build your credibility.

Share valuable content: Whether it’s your own content or something you’ve curated, make sure it’s relevant to your audience.

Engage with others: Social media isn’t a one-way street. Comment on posts, join conversations, and connect with other influencers.

Social media can be a game-changer for your brand, but only if you approach it with a plan.

Step 5: Create Content That Proves You Know Your Stuff

One of the best ways to position yourself as a leader is to share your knowledge. Content creation is your chance to showcase what you know and provide value to your audience. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, podcasts, or webinars, content is your ticket to proving you’re the real deal.

Content Ideas to Build Your Brand:

How-to guides: Create detailed guides that solve common problems in your industry.

Thought leadership articles: Share your take on where your industry is headed or weigh in on current trends.

Case studies: Showcase your work and the results you’ve achieved.

Personal stories: Share your journey, the challenges you’ve overcome, and what you’ve learned along the way.

Regularly creating high-quality content will help you become the go-to resource in your field.

Step 6: Network Like a Champ

Building a personal brand isn’t just about your online presence—it’s also about the real-world connections you make. Networking is crucial for building relationships that can elevate your brand.

Networking Tips:

Go to industry events: Conferences, seminars, and meetups are gold mines for meeting people in your field.

Join professional groups: Whether it’s a local business group or an online community, these spaces offer valuable networking opportunities.

Follow up: After you meet someone, shoot them a personalized message or email. Building relationships takes time and effort.

Give before you take: Networking isn’t just about what you can get; it’s also about what you can give. Offer help, share resources, or make introductions.

The connections you make through networking can lead to new opportunities and help strengthen your brand.

Step 7: Look for Leadership Opportunities

Want to be seen as a leader? Then start acting like one. Look for chances to take on leadership roles, whether it’s at work, in your community, or online.

Where to Find Leadership Opportunities:

Volunteer for projects: Offer to lead a project at work or in a volunteer organization.

Start a group: If there’s a gap in your industry, step up and start a group or organization.

Speak at events: Look for opportunities to speak at conferences, webinars, or podcasts.

Mentor someone: Offer to mentor someone who’s just starting out in your field.

By taking on leadership roles, you not only gain experience but also show others that you’re serious about leading.

Step 8: Keep an Eye on Your Brand

Your personal brand isn’t something you build once and forget about. It evolves as you grow in your career. Regularly check in on how your brand is perceived and make tweaks as needed.

How to Keep Tabs on Your Brand:

Google yourself: See what comes up when you search your name. Make sure it aligns with the brand you want to project.

Ask for feedback: Get input from your network on how they perceive your brand.

Stay updated: Keep up with trends in your industry and adjust your brand to stay relevant.

Your brand should grow and change as you do, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way.

Wrapping It Up: Start Building Your Brand Today

Building a personal brand that positions you as a rising leader isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, effort, and a lot of reflection. But trust me, it’s worth it. A strong personal brand can open doors, build your credibility, and set you on the path to becoming a recognized leader in your field.

Remember, your personal brand isn’t about putting on a mask—it’s about showing the world who you really are and what you stand for. So start today, be authentic, and let your leadership shine through. Your future self will thank you.

Terlisha Cooper, MSHRM , is a distinguished Career and Leadership Coach with over a decade of experience in guiding leaders and professionals to articulate their value and achieve career success. Recognized as Houston's Best in 2022 & 2023, Terlisha combines deep expertise in operations, banking, and professional development to deliver strategic, results-driven coaching.

Passionate about empowering leaders, Terlisha offers tailored insights through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and the innovative 'Dominate Your Path??' program. Connect with Terlisha to elevate your career and lead with confidence in today’s dynamic workplace.