What is Personal Branding, and why should you care?

Let's start with a little exercise I came across recently. It is a tad cringe but it certainly packs a punch (excuse the pun, you'll understand in a moment) - What evil are you fighting?

Every Superhero has a purpose, a nemesis, and a specific gift that helps them beat the bad guy in the end. So, take a moment to think about what kind of Superhero you are? Who are you looking to help? What makes you different from others? What is your gift?

Take a moment and have a think...

If I stood you next to another Coach or Consultant that does the same as you, who looks for the same clients, who wants them to achieve the same things, the end goal will be the same, but you stand for something different, your life experiences make you unique and the benefit of your experience is unique, so you will help that client, but you will do it 'your way'!

Personal branding is how you present yourself to the professional world, showcasing your expertise, values, and personality.

Here are a few examples of people on LinkedIn who have made their personal brand work for them, and in turn helped others.

Annie-Mai Hodge - An incredible lady who had mental health issues, and low self-esteem which crippled her in her younger life. She now helps those with similar challenges put themselves out there on social media where they would previously have felt exposed and vulnerable.

Alice Stephenson - An unorthodox solicitor with tattoos, she was judged and snubbed by her peers for the way she looked, because she didn't fit the professional mould of what we consider high flying solicitors to look like. She didn't conform, she ran with it, made it her brand and is extremely successful.

Go check out these real life superheroes!

Hopefully you are starting to build an idea of your own personal brand now, here's why it matters:

1. Point of View: Your point of view is what sets you apart from the crowd. It's your perspective, your insights, and your unique take on industry trends. By sharing your point of view on LinkedIn through posts, articles, or comments, you establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Whether you're passionate about business growth, health, or innovative leadership strategies, don't be afraid to let your voice be heard!
2. Repeatable Messages: Ever heard of the saying, "Consistency is key"? Well, as tired as that quote is, it couldn't be more relevant when it comes to personal branding. Craft a few key messages that encapsulate who you are and what you stand for, and sprinkle them throughout your LinkedIn profile. Whether it's your tagline, your summary, or the content you share, these repeatable messages help reinforce your personal brand and make you more memorable to your connections.
3. Amplify Your Message: LinkedIn is a noisy, crowded landscape of ideas – and if you want to be heard above the noise, you've got to amplify your message. Engage with your network by liking, commenting, and sharing content that aligns with your personal brand. And don't forget to create your own content too! Whether it's sharing industry insights, or offering tips and advice, creating original content helps amplify your message and expand your reach.

But here's the thing – I'm not a personal branding guru, I just know from working with Coaches and Consultants over the years that it is important when it comes to their success on LinkedIn (or any other social platform). It isn't just about self-promotion. It's about building authentic connections, fostering trust, and adding value to your professional community.

So, as you ponder your POV or what kind of Superhero you are, remember to stay true to yourself, be genuine in your interactions, and always strive to make a positive impact. I hope this article has helped you to start defining your own personal brand.

If you need help connecting with your ideal clients, or reaching out on LinkedIn consistently, lets chat and find a few quick wins - ?https://calendly.com/hay14