Build Your Personal Brand
// It takes action.
In my preparation for this article, I did something that no blog writer should really do in 2024 - I asked Chat GPT to define what a personal brand is; I know.. I shouldn’t have done it but now I’ve said it, you want to know the answer right?
“A personal brand is the unique combination of qualities, values, experiences, and perceptions that individuals cultivate and present to the world. It encompasses how they are perceived by others and the impression they leave through their actions, communications, and interactions. A personal brand reflects an individual's identity, expertise, and reputation, shaping how they are recognized, remembered, and distinguished in their professional and personal endeavors. It involves deliberate efforts to craft a consistent and authentic image that resonates with their target audience and helps them stand out in their field or industry. Ultimately, a strong personal brand establishes credibility, builds trust, and creates opportunities for growth, influence, and impact.”
What better way can I start?
Whenever anyone asks me ‘How did you build your personal brand?” - I always say action.
It took deliberate efforts which helped craft a consistent and authentic image (starting to sound like Chat GPT right?)
But it’s true - I could have gone around saying that I was going to do this and I was going to do that but at the end of the day, if I hadn’t taken action on the things I spoke about, it would have been another wish and people would just see me as another dreamer.
Taking action on what you say is the important thing that you need to realise, everyone has a dream of where they want to be, what they could achieve if only they had more followers or more influence but the fact is, consistent action will deliver everything in time.
// Stand for something
The quickest way to stand out is to have an opinion.
Nowadays, its all too safe to stick within the confines of what society deems safe - on two opposite ends of the spectrum as an example -
Chandy David - (Click Here)
Chandy is someone I would call a friend and someone who has built up his personal brand through his story - his backstory of dealing with what life has thrown at him through what he calls ‘Timmy the Tumour’ has led Chandy to be a key voice for people dealing with a disability and their rights and also through sharing his lived experiences, he is able to help others who may be going through something similar.
Chandy stands for something though - through all his content, his keynotes and in his interactions with others - his opinion matters and he is authentic with it.
Joey Barton
Joey Barton is a former footballer who (at the time of writing) is being a bit of a dick online, his opinion on female commentators is gaining attention online because he stands out from the normal rhetoric and he is saying something controversial. The thing about Joey is that despite his opinion clearly being wrong (I don’t agree with him for the record), there are some people who agree with him and give him a voice and an audience. This audience gives him a platform which in turn, gives him more attention.
We’re all in the business of attention and despite both Chandy and Joey having completely opposite views in the world, they both have a platform and they are using it for their own brands.
My point to take away from this is that they have opinions and these opinions are clear for those who surround them.
It doesn’t really matter what your opinions are, you just need to have one.
Whilst I’m not advocating having a controversial opinion like Joey Barton, taking a risk can set you apart from others who may shy away from controversy, and it can quickly establish you as someone worth paying attention to in your field.
You do need to remember to stay true to your authentic voice and values while also being respectful of differing opinions and perspectives.
// Build your brand where your audience is.
Having and then building a brand in 2024 means you have to be online - your audience is online, you should be.
It sounds simple right but I see a lot of people reeling themselves back in on certain social platforms - Twitter/X seems to be the social platform which is currently suffering a cull, it was Facebook that suffered the same fate a few years ago.
There is a lot of mistrust with online platforms but as Gary Vee would happily tell you over and over again, they are free marketing platforms - they allow you to be granted exposure, marketing collateral in exchange for a slice of your data.
I personally have no real interest in this part of the deal, it doesn’t really bother me whether Mr Zuckerburg has details on what meal I prefer to eat every Friday but I do care if I can use a platform to boost my career opportunities and my business prospects.
Because you’re building a personal brand, it's crucial to understand where your audience spends their time online and tailor your efforts accordingly.
In today's digital age, being present on social media platforms is not just advantageous but practically mandatory for brand visibility and engagement - you have to chose to take the risk with your data in exchange for exposure bucks (Trademarked by Jason Miller).
The key is to choose the right platforms where your target audience is most active. It's tempting to spread yourself thin across every social media channel, but this approach often leads to diluted efforts and limited impact. Instead, focus on a select few platforms where your audience congregates and invest your time and resources there.
For instance, if you're targeting a professional audience or B2B clientele, LinkedIn may be your primary platform for networking, sharing industry insights, and establishing thought leadership. On the other hand, if your brand appeals to a younger demographic or relies heavily on visual content, platforms like Instagram or TikTok might be more effective.
But don't just stop at social media - this blog for example allows me to share my thoughts, my plans, my opinions on my own terms - I don’t have to curtail anything or fit into a particular niche as I’m building something on my own terms.
Finally, don’t forget real life experiences - Attend industry events, conferences, and networking gatherings where you can connect with your audience face-to-face and solidify relationships beyond the social platforms - most of my relationships in the real world have come from online but have been cemented in real life.
Ultimately, building your brand where your audience is ensures that your efforts are directed towards the most impactful channels, maximizing your reach, engagement, and ultimately, your brand's success. So, take the time to research and understand your audience's online behavior, and tailor your brand-building efforts accordingly.
// In Conclusion
Building a personal brand is not just about crafting a polished image or following a set of prescribed steps - there is no real defined step by step guide which you can follow but it is about taking deliberate action, standing for something meaningful, and meeting your audience where they are.
By embracing authenticity, sharing your unique perspective, and engaging with your audience both online and offline, you can create a personal brand that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
Don't wait for the perfect moment or the ideal circumstances.
Start now, take risks, and let your brand evolve naturally.
Remember, it's not about being perfect; it's about being real.