You Always Have a Brand, Make it Work For You.

Let me be real and honest with you today. Whether you realize it or not, you have a personal?brand.

The fact that you don’t think about it much doesn’t take it away. Whether you’re creating content or not, you still have a brand. It all starts with your inner circle: your family, the people who know you, your friends, and your workmates.

• What do they say about you?
• What do they know about you?
• In general, how do they perceive you?

Then it continues to the random people you meet. When they meet you, how do you show up? How do you dress? What conversations do you hold? And so much more.

Personal branding is a broad topic. It starts with the perception you create in people’s minds about you, to you being your authentic self, then to you showcasing your skills on social media.

Most conversations about personal branding are narrowed to online branding, which is the unique combination of skills, experiences, and personality that you present to the digital world. But this doesn’t mean you should only show up online.

Beyond the Digital?Realm

It’s crucial to recognize that your personal brand transcends your online presence. Your brand is not confined to your social media profiles or your digital footprint. It encompasses every aspect of your life, from your professional conduct to your personal interactions.

Be in the good books for getting your work done, for delivering on time, for standing by your word, but also in the same books for “good looks.”

People judge books by their covers, so how you physically present yourself is important. You’re not going to build a brand online and tarnish it in the blink of an eye offline.

Consistency is?Key

Consistency is crucial in personal branding. Ensure that your online persona matches your offline behavior. If you are known for your reliability and professionalism online, demonstrate those same qualities in your daily interactions. This alignment strengthens your brand and builds trust among those who interact with you.

Authenticity Matters

While it’s important to present yourself well, authenticity is the cornerstone of a strong personal brand. Authenticity means staying true to who you are, your values, and what you believe in. When people perceive you as genuine, they are more likely to trust and respect you.

First Impressions Last

First impressions are lasting impressions. How you present yourself in initial encounters can significantly influence how others perceive you. This includes your appearance, your body language, and how you communicate. Strive to make a positive impact from the very first interaction.

Actionable Steps to Enhance Your Personal?Brand

1. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on how you want to be perceived. What are your core values? What do you want to be known for?
2. Seek Feedback: Ask for honest feedback from your friends, family, and colleagues. Understand how they see you and identify areas for improvement.
3. Consistency: Align your online presence with your offline actions. Ensure there is no disparity between how you present yourself in different spheres of your life.
4. Personal Development: Continuously work on improving your skills and knowledge. Stay updated with trends in your field and strive for excellence.
5. Networking: Build meaningful connections. Networking is not just about collecting contacts; it’s about creating relationships that are mutually beneficial.
6. Presentation: Pay attention to your physical appearance. Dress appropriately for different occasions and maintain good hygiene. Your appearance should reflect the professional image you wish to project.

Personal Example

Monday to Friday, I’m always in my heels, and people tend to ask me why. For me, showing up is part of the brand I’m building. This consistent choice in my appearance conveys a message of professionalism and confidence, which are core aspects of my personal brand.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll leave this for you to take action. Remember, you always have a brand, whether you consciously cultivate it or not. It starts with perception, which is created by first impressions.

Be mindful of how you present yourself and align your actions with your values, so can effectively build and enhance your personal brand.

Make it work for you!