What is Personal Branding? The Unseen CV You Write Every Day.

Hello there, influencers! Before you panic, I’m not suggesting you suddenly become the next ‘Instagram sensation’ with your yoga poses or vegan smoothies. (Unless that’s your thing, in which case, carry on!) Instead, I'm talking about a different kind of influencing, one that deals in the currency of respect, admiration, and professional opportunities. I'm talking about Personal Branding.

This is your unseen CV, the professional narrative you write with every action you take and interaction you have. The one that can never be summarised on a page by even the most accomplished CV writer. It’s the ongoing story of your professional life.

Think of personal branding as your professional fingerprint—it's unique, it's everywhere you've been, and it tells a story about you. It's not just about how snazzy your LinkedIn profile looks or how many retweets you can rack up. No, no, no, my friend, it's so much more than that.

Your personal brand is a bit like your reputation at the local pub. It's the whisper that goes around when you walk in the room. It's a mix of what people think of you, how they feel about the work you do, the values you hold dear, and the vibe you radiate. And guess what? This holds whether you're making your mark online or getting down to business offline.

So, whether you're sharing your latest brainwave on social media, commanding the room in a high-stakes meeting, charming the socks off folks at a networking event, or simply doing your thing in your day-to-day grind—remember, you're always putting your personal brand out there.

So what happens when a potential employer or client searches your name online? (Because let's be honest, they probably will.) We can only hope it’s not the infamous college photos that surface, but rather, a consistent, clear representation of who you are as a professional. This is your personal brand: the digital embodiment of your skills, experiences, and values.

Constructing a personal brand is remarkably akin to CV writing. Any resume writer knows that a professional CV isn't a laundry list of jobs and education, but rather a story that emphasises not just what you’ve accomplished, but who you are. Similar to crafting a compelling narrative with a professional resume or CV, building a personal brand requires authenticity, consistency, and a dash of vulnerability.

But how do you begin? Simple! Start with a self-assessment, focused on seven pillars of personal branding:

1. Purpose: Your professional mission. Ask yourself: What problem do you want to solve in your industry? What drives you? Your purpose doesn't have to be grand, world-changing; it could be as simple as wanting to bring more efficiency to your team. Once you've identified this, weave it into your interactions and portray it within your professional narrative.

2. Values: These are the principles that guide your actions. Identify the values that matter most to you. For example, if you value innovation, actively engage in and share the latest trends in your field. Your actions should demonstrate your values, not just list them.

3. Brand Clarity: How do you want to be seen professionally? This is about honing a clear, concise image of your professional identity. Similar to using CV writing services to help clarify your career narrative, you should consistently present yourself online and offline, highlighting your skills, expertise, and the value you bring.

4. Authenticity: People connect with humans, not facades. Show your genuine side. Share your successes, but also your challenges and how you've overcome them. Authenticity fosters relatability and trust, essential components of a robust personal brand.

5. Strengths: Identify your unique skills and how you can showcase them. Just as a resume writer would highlight key achievements, make sure you're leveraging your strengths in all you do. This doesn’t mean neglecting areas for improvement, but it does mean shining a light on what you excel at.

6. Energy: This refers to the vibe you give off. Are you enthusiastic, calm, motivating? Think about how you want others to feel when they interact with you, and be consistent. This consistency allows others to know what to expect, building trust and respect.

7. Legacy: What lasting impact do you want to leave in your professional field? Just as a well-crafted professional CV can leave a lasting impression on recruiters, your personal brand should leave a lasting impact on your industry.

Creating a consistent online presence is crucial. Just as a resume writer ensures a professionally written resume, your online profiles should radiate professionalism while also revealing a hint of your personality and the unique traits that make you, well, you.

Here at CV Profs, we've got a little trick up our sleeves. Once we've put the final touches on your professional CV, we don't just stop there. We take that polished, abridged CV and weave it into your LinkedIn profile. The aim? To create a mirror effect.

Why, you ask? Simple. It makes the lives of hiring managers and recruiters a whole lot easier. They love nothing more than working with one consistent set of data. It helps them compare apples with apples, and let's be honest, nobody wants to turn detective to hunt down the information they need. So, let's keep it clean, consistent, and straightforward. Trust us, your potential employer will thank you for it!

Now, the online world is like a massive party where you can network to your heart's content, but remember, it's not all about #hashtags and trending topics. It's about creating engaging, valuable content that resonates with your audience and embodies your personal brand. It's about showcasing your expertise and thought leadership in your industry.

Ever noticed how the best CV writers focus not just on the roles you've had, but the impact you've made? They articulate your achievements in a way that a list of job titles never could. Similarly, your personal brand isn't just about what you do; it's about how you do it. It's the difference between being a 'project manager' and being 'the project manager who always delivers on time and brings donuts on Fridays'.

Now, don't get overwhelmed, you don't have to perfect your personal brand overnight. Just like CV writing, it's a continuous process, and it's okay to iterate and evolve as you go along. Maybe today, you start by updating your LinkedIn profile. Tomorrow, you contribute to a discussion in an industry forum. Bit by bit, you build your brand.

Remember, your personal brand is like your professional shadow. It's always there, even when you're not looking. And, just like you wouldn't want a messy CV, you wouldn't want a messy personal brand. So, think of your personal brand as a garden - plant with purpose, nurture with care, and watch your professional opportunities bloom!

So, whether you're crafting your professional CV or fine-tuning your personal brand, it's all about consistency, authenticity, and that unique spark that sets you apart from the crowd. And remember, building a personal brand should be a marathon, not a sprint—enjoy the journey!

If you have any questions or would just like to chat about your career journey, we're an email click away: https://cvprofs.co.za/contact-us/

Wishing you the very best of success in your career.

Stay inspired and get creative!

Kind Regards,

Alyona

CV Profs (Pty) Ltd

Senior CV Writers’ Consulting Coach & Hiring Executive

www.cvprofs.co.za

?? Professional CV Writers

?? BIOs & LinkedIn Profiles

?? International + Emigration CVs

?? Company Profiles + Websites

?? Business Proposals + Tenders