You Are Your Brand
Personal Branding Coaching by Maxwell Alexander
Of course, you know how you view yourself: Loyal, trustworthy, dependable, honest. But that might not be how others see you. Like it or not, how you are perceived by the public is the reality of who you are. It is that public persona that comprises your brand. How important that image is to you can help you decide if you want to craft it yourself or if you want to put it in the hands of a public relations expert.
So why should it be important to you? Because it is your personal brand and the image you portray that outlines the level of your success in business and personal relationships. Strategically developed personal branding can bring more clients your way, attract more and much better opportunities and most importantly give you the confidence, skills, and assets to go out there and conquer! Whether you are an employee working towards your next big promotion or a business owner bringing your business to the next level, or an aspiring social media influencer – everyone can benefit from clarifying your personal brand message, strategically positioning yourself with your goals and expertise in mind and boosting your visibility in order to gain a competitive advantage.
Those considered to be your peers play an important role in determining your brand. If you are a part of an industry that is popularly distrusted, such as lawyers, hedge fund managers, real estate agents or used car salesmen, your image is tarnished before you can even craft it. If you are a member of a group that is widely respected, like the military or a charity, then you’ve got a head start in the public relations game. Look around you to see how your associates are judged to see if you want to actively work to create a specific positive perception, or try to distance yourself from a negative image.
Your proximity to the public should also factor into how you want to be viewed. If you want to be out front and in close contact with your following, then you’ll definitely want to communicate a brand that keeps them near. If you prefer to be a behind-the-scenes operator, public perception is not as important. The amount of time, effort, and resources you invest in branding will definitely affect how closely you can work with the public.
Lastly, how valuable you are to stakeholders is vital to the image you choose to convey. The people who depend on you have to believe in you. Projecting the qualities from above of loyalty, trustworthiness, dependability, and honesty are vital to retaining those who invest in you. Without them, you really don’t need a brand. Your brand is non-existent and virtually, so are you.
With these considerations in mind, you’re ready to create a brand that will define you in the eyes of the public. You know who the best you really are. Make sure the world sees you through a lens of your own making.
If the thought of branding your own self is still overwhelming and you don’t know where to start, it might be a good time for some training! Personal Branding Training to be exact, yes it is a skill that everyone can learn and master in just a few coaching sessions. Maxwell Alexander has branded hundreds of big and small (corporate and personal) brands all around the world, starting from fitness and technology startups to Fortune 500 companies and the world’s largest NGOs. With more than a decade of corporate and personal branding experience, Maxwell is ready to take your personal brand to the whole new level. Reach out today for your free 15-minute consultation.