The first product you sell is YOU!
Vivian, all I care about is making mad sales. I don’t want people to know me. I’m very shy. I don’t think I have the strength for any personal branding , who I am and how I run my business is totally different, I don’t want my business to reflect the real me at all.
All these and many more are things I’ve literally heard from small business owners and start-ups concerning having a unique personal brand and how it can positively affect their businesses.
Having a good personal brand can never go stale. Personal branding is not just about selling or marketing yourself, it is more of creating and building a unique, memorable and consistent brand that resonates with your audience. Personally, regardless of the business I decide to pursue, a significant aspect of my identity will be reflected in it. This could manifest in various ways, such as the way I communicate, the tone I adopt, and the branding I choose. Therefore, it is crucial for me to establish a strong personal brand. You see, it’s almost impossible to completely take away your personal brand from your business, especially in the case of a solopreneur or a business closely associated with a specific individual, personal branding can significantly impact the overall corporate brand.
The following are crucial to building a reputable personal brand:
- Define your purpose and values.
- Identify your target audience.
- Develop your unique selling proposition (USP).
- Create a consistent brand identity.
- Build an online presence.
- Be authentic and consistent.
- Network and collaborate.
- Showcase your expertise.
- Seek feedback and refine.
- Be patient and persistent.
How your personal brand can be leveraged to boost your business as an entrepreneur:
- Trust and credibility: A strong personal brand builds trust and credibility. By positioning yourself as an industry expert and demonstrating your knowledge and expertise, you increase the perceived value and trustworthiness of your business. When people have confidence in you as an individual, they are more inclined to engage with and support your business.
- Authenticity and relatability: Your personal brand showcases your unique personality, values, and experiences, forming connections with your audience. People are more likely to support a business when they feel a personal connection with the entrepreneur.
- Thought leadership: Building a strong personal brand establishes you as a thought leader in your industry. By sharing valuable insights and expertise consistently, you attract attention, media coverage, speaking opportunities, and partnerships that benefit your business.
- Networking and partnerships: A strong personal brand opens doors to valuable connections and collaborations. It increases your visibility and attractiveness to potential partners, influencers, and industry leaders, leading to business growth, joint ventures, and access to new markets.
- Marketing and promotion: Leveraging your personal brand boosts your business’s marketing effectiveness. As an entrepreneur, you can endorse your products/services, provide testimonials, and share success stories. Your personal brand acts as a powerful marketing tool, driving awareness and generating interest in your business.
- Differentiation and competitive advantage: A strong personal brand sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. Showcasing your unique strengths, values, and expertise creates a distinct identity that attracts customers who resonate with your personal brand. It becomes a key differentiator, giving your business a competitive edge.
- Reputation management: Your personal brand serves as a protective shield during challenging times. Consistently maintaining a positive personal brand helps mitigate reputational damage to your business. A strong, respected personal brand increases the likelihood of people supporting your business.
Align your personal brand with your business’s values, messaging, and target audience. Consistency is key to creating a compelling image. Leverage your personal brand strategically to attract loyal customers, generate opportunities, and boost your entrepreneurial success.
