Just like the culture at your company, school or home, your brand is out there and creating itself every day. That personal brand is what you are currently known for to others. They may have the power to decide what their opinion is of you, but you have the power to drive that narrative. Let’s look at some steps to take as you brand, or rebrand yourself.
Step 1. Decide what you want to stand for and be known for.
The first thing that you need to do is to decide what you want to be known for. I believe that everyone at some level wants to be known for something to others. This could range from a good parent or child to being known as an expert in your chosen field or perhaps in a larger all-encompassing area like community or people development. Take some time to figure out what that thing is for you. Don’t worry too much about the long-term implications (as long as its ethical). You can always rebrand yourself.
Step 2. Look at your digital footprint.
Your digital footprint is the trail that you leave behind on social media outlets. It’s good to take inventory from time to time to see what the general population sees. I do this myself a couple of times a year. I don’t have anything incriminating out there, but I like to keep my DisneyRunner side and leadership side separate. Although they cross from time to time, my running persona is for fun and about growing relationships through exercise. I wouldn’t want a client to have to wade through mud run pics to see the services I offer for a leadership workshop. For you, it may be making sure that you represent yourself well online and you remove any non-relevant or contradicting information.
Step 3. Identify your uniqueness and be real.
Find that piece that makes you unique and drive that home in your branding. What makes you different from all the other people in that same space? The difference between 10 subscribers on youtube and thousands is often a unique personality and perspective on a subject. Don’t forget to stay true to yourself during this time, otherwise, it will eventually fall apart or never be successful.
I’ll be first to admit that I got lucky with Passing the Baton. I thought that there were a ton of other people in the leadership space doing what I wanted to do. The truth is that there is, but few do podcasts in a short digestive format and have written content weekly. Turns out that combo was unique and adding the great John Long, only helped to make it better.
Stay true and offer up what makes you different.
Step 4. Share it with others.
Share your expertise with others. Do you want to be known as a specialist in __________ at your company? Look for every opportunity to influence in that area to build yourself a “brand resume” Like a snowball rolling down a hill, it will build momentum on itself as you move forward.
Decide what you want to be, check yourself, be real in your unique offerings and share it with others. Following this path will help you as you build your career in your organization, your reputation in your community and how those close to you see you.
Make a better tomorrow.
-ZH
