Who Are You, Really? The Foundations of a Successful Personal Brand

Let's be honest.

You're tired of blending in with the crowd, aren't you?

Do you feel like others see your business as just another brand?

I get it.

As a personal branding coach, photographer and charity CEO based in the heart of London, I've met countless entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, CEOs and thought leaders over the years. Each of them doing their best to establish their personal and business brands.

The good, the bad, and the "oh dear, what were they thinking?" (I'd put some of my earlier projects in this category!).

So, let's cut through the noise and talk about how you can use your personal brand to stand out and leave your competitors scratching their heads.

What's a Personal Brand, Anyway?

First things first.

Your personal brand isn't just some fancy marketing jargon. It's not about creating a fake persona or trying to be someone you're not.

Nope.

It's simply how you present yourself to the world.

The unique combination of your skills, experience, and personality that you want your audience to see. Think of it as your business's personality.

If your business were a person at a networking event in Shoreditch, how would it introduce itself? What stories would it tell? What impression would it leave?

That's your personal brand.

And trust me, in a city as diverse and competitive as London, having a strong personal brand isn't just nice to have. It's essential.

Why Should You Care?

I can almost hear you thinking: "I'm running a business here, not trying to become the next big thing on LinkedIn. Why should I care about personal branding?"

Fair question. Let me break it down:

1. It builds trust faster than you can say "London Bridge"

People do business with people they know, like, and trust. A strong personal brand helps you tick all those boxes.

2. It sets you apart in a sea of sameness

In nearly every industry, the business scene is about as crowded as the Tube at rush hour. Your personal brand is what makes you stand out from the person next to you selling the same thing.

3. It attracts your ideal clients like bees to honey

When your personal brand is clear and authentic, it naturally attracts the right people to your business. No more investing time with time-wasters and price-shoppers.

Crafting Your Authentic Personal Brand

Right, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work on building your personal brand.

Remember, we're not trying to create some fake, polished version of you. We're showcasing the best, most authentic version of you. The you that your friends see when you're a few pints in at the local.

Step 1: Define Your Brand Story (No, Not Your Life Story)

Every great brand has a story.

But here's the reality - your brand story isn't just a chronological list of events. It's not your CV. It's the narrative that explains why you do what you do, what drives you, and why anyone should give a damn.

Here's how to craft yours:

1. Start with your 'why'

Why did you start your business? What problem were you trying to solve?

2. Think about your journey

What challenges have you overcome? What lessons have you learned?

3. Consider your values

What principles guide your decisions?

4. Identify your unique selling proposition

What makes you different from everyone else in your field?

Remember, authenticity is key. The most compelling stories are often the most honest ones.

Step 2: Craft Your Personal Branding Statement

Your personal branding statement is a bit like your elevator pitch.

Here's a simple formula:

"I help [your target audience] to [what you do] so that [the result they get]."

For example, mine is: "I help purpose-driven entrepreneurs build influential personal brands."

Simple, right?

But here's the secret - your statement should be clear enough for your grandmother to understand it, but unique enough not to sound like everyone else in your industry.

Step 3: Show Up Consistently

Consistency is key, but it doesn't mean being boring.

It means showing up as the same authentic version of yourself across the platforms you use (and btw, I recommend focusing only on one platform, such as LinkedIn).

1. Use consistent visuals

This is where professional brand photography comes in handy (DM me if you want to find out more)

2. Keep your message consistent

Your core message should be the same across all platforms, but the delivery can vary.

3. Be yourself, consistently

Use a consistent tone of voice. If you're witty and sarcastic in person, let that shine through online.

Step 4: Leverage LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a goldmine for personal branding. But you need to use it right.

1. Share valuable content

Don't just post about achievements. Share insights, tips, and lessons learned (good or bad).

2. Engage authentically

Comment on others' posts, but make sure you're adding value.

3. Tell stories

People remember how they felt when they heard a story. Share relevant anecdotes from your professional or personal journey.

4. Use video

It's a great way to showcase your personality and build trust.

The Secret Sauce: Professional Brand Photography

Now, I might be biased, but I believe professional brand photography is the secret superpower that can take your personal brand from "meh" to "wow".

Here's why:

- It showcases your personality

- It builds trust

- It sets you apart

- It will create new opportunities for you

- It gives you a library of content you can use on posts for the next 6-12 months.

Ready to Level Up Your Personal Brand?

Building a strong personal brand isn't rocket science. But it does take time, effort, consistent effort and a willingness to put yourself out there.

Remember: Your personal brand is your most valuable asset.

It's what sets you apart in a crowded market.

It's what helps you connect with your ideal clients. And it's what will keep your business thriving long after the latest marketing fad has faded away.

So, are you ready to stand out and leave your competitors watching how well you're doing?

If you're nodding along, thinking, "Blimey, I need to up my branding game," let's chat.

Click on the link at the top of my LinkedIn profile if you're in, and I'll help you make your personal brand an icon in your industry.

#PersonalBranding #BrandPhotography