These are the 22 strategies in personal branding that you cannot afford to overlook.
Especially if want to establish a strong and stable personal brand.
Pull up a chair. Let’s have a real heart-to-heart about something that’s near and dear to most professionals these days: strategies in personal branding! You see, we live in a world where – how to build a personal brand that stands out? – has become as crucial as the outfits we wear to a job interview.
However, just like that tiny coffee stain you didn’t notice on your shirt until the last minute, there are aspects of our personal branding that we tend to overlook. So, in this article, we are going to look at 22 powerful yet often overlooked strategies in personal branding that will help you take your personal brand a few notches up.
If you want to unlock your career to achieve your highest career aspirations or even those near-term well-defined goals, these strategies can be your needle mover.
Why Strategies in Personal Branding Are So Important?
Before diving in, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. Personal branding isn’t just for influencers or celebrities. It’s how the world perceives you.
Whether you’re an artist, a corporate professional, a freelancer, or someone just stepping into the job market, your personal brand tells your story. It establishes your expertise and sets the stage for every interaction people have with you.
It’s your essence, your vibe, your professional DNA.
You can find many useful insights on personal branding on this blog.
5 Important Articles on Personal Branding that you don’t want to miss
- Personal Brand that Stands Out – How to Build it Skillfully?
- How to Align Your Personal Brand with Career Goals? – 10 Powerful Examples
- How to Leverage Personal Branding for Career Change? – Your 14 Step Playbook
- 12 Common Mistakes in Rebranding for Career Change (How to Fix Them Easily)
- 20 Proven Personal Branding Resources for Excelling in Career Transition
Now, let’s chat about the overlooked elements, shall we?
8 Things You Often Overlook In Personal Brand Building
1. Authenticity:
We hear it all the time – “be authentic”. But what does that really mean? It means letting go of the need to be a version of someone else’s success story.
Your quirks, imperfections, vulnerabilities, and stories – that’s where the magic happens. Real connection comes from real stories. It’s easy to overlook our true selves when we’re busy filtering our online personas.
2. Consistency:
Not just in posts, but in values: Posting regularly is a well-known branding strategy.
But consistency goes beyond that. It’s about being consistent in your values, in your messages, in the things you stand for.
It’s not about posting every day. It’s about ensuring every post aligns with who you are.
3. Listening as Much as Talking:
Building a brand isn’t just about broadcasting who you are, but also about listening to what others have to say.
Feedback, comments, even criticisms – they’re valuable data points to understand how your brand is perceived and where it can grow.
4. Evolution is the Name of the Game:
Think of yourself five years ago. You’ve changed, haven’t you? So should your brand.
Revisit, reassess, and realign your brand as you grow and evolve. Your personal brand should be fluid, not static.
5. Offline is the New Online:
In our digital age, we tend to focus on online branding – but remember, every offline interaction adds to your personal brand.
The way you communicate, your punctuality, even the way you treat the barista – it all builds your brand.
6. The Emotional Quotient:
We often focus on showcasing our skills and our big achievements, but what about the way we make people feel?
The most memorable brands often leave an emotional imprint. Reflect on the emotional journey you’re offering those who interact with you.
7. The Power of Saying ‘No’:
This one’s tricky. Sometimes, in our urge to build a presence, we might take on too much or align with brands, jobs, or projects that don’t resonate with our core.
Learning to say ‘no’ ensures that your personal brand remains uncluttered and genuine.
8. Seeking Help Isn’t Weakness:
Whether it’s a mentor, a branding coach, or a good friend – getting an outside perspective helps. They’ll see the coffee stains we often miss.
7 Tactics In Personal Branding You Often Overlook – Moving Beyond the Basics
Building on our heart-to-heart, let’s acknowledge that the terrain of personal branding can seem overwhelming.
However, once you start peeling back the layers, you’ll find pockets of wisdom in every corner. Here are some more nuanced insights to help you navigate this journey.
1. The Power of Reflection:
Amidst the constant noise of social media and the pressure to always be “on,” don’t forget to take a step back and reflect.
Your moments of solitude will offer clarity and help you align with your brand’s core essence.
2. Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast:
With the plethora of platforms available today, there’s a temptation to use them as one-way channels. But true branding magic lies in engagement.
Start conversations, ask questions, be genuinely curious. It’s in these interactions that the richness of your brand will shine through.
3. Celebrate Small Wins:
While it’s great to have big goals, don’t forget to celebrate the tiny milestones.
Maybe it’s your first 100 followers, a thank-you note from a client, or simply a day when you felt you genuinely lived your brand. These moments matter.
4. Invest in Learning:
Personal branding isn’t just about showcasing what you know, but also about showcasing your commitment to growth.
Attend workshops, read books, and join webinars. Not only will this enhance your skills, but it will also show that you are dedicated to evolving.
5. Collaborate and Network:
Remember, you’re not on this journey alone. There are countless others out there, each building their unique brand. Collaborate, network, and exchange stories.
These partnerships can open up avenues you hadn’t even considered.
6. Transparency is Golden:
In a world saturated with curated perfection, being transparent about your struggles and setbacks can be refreshing.
It makes you relatable. More importantly, it makes you human.
7. Your Brand is More than Just Your Job:
While your profession might be a significant part of your brand, don’t limit yourself.
Your hobbies, your career interests, volunteer work, and even the books you read add dimensions to your brand. Showcase them with pride.
7 Things You Often Forget While Crafting Your Personal Brand – Handling the Nuances
Continuing our deep dive into the art of personal branding, let’s venture into the intricacies that can make all the difference. Think of these as the threads that weave together the tapestry of your personal brand, giving it depth and texture.
1. Feedback is Gold:
It’s easy to become insulated in our bubble, but every now and then, seek feedback.
It provides perspective, nudges you out of your comfort zone, and often shines a light on aspects you may have never considered.
2. Storytelling is Key:
The most impactful brands have compelling stories behind them. Narratives are inherently human and resonate deeply.
So, delve into your experiences, draw out anecdotes, and weave them into your personal brand’s narrative.
3. Empathy in Action:
Personal branding isn’t a monologue; it’s a dialogue. Listen to your audience, understand their needs, their pains, and their aspirations.
When you engage with empathy, you build bridges, fostering deeper connections.
4. Visual Consistency Matters:
From the color schemes you choose to the style of your photographs, maintaining a visual consistency aids in brand recall.
It’s not about being flashy, it’s about being memorable.
5. Diversify Your Platforms:
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Each platform has its unique strengths.
While LinkedIn might be great for professional insights, Instagram might be where you showcase your behind-the-scenes moments.
Explore, experiment, and find out where your audience loves to engage with you the most.
6. Know Your Boundaries:
It’s crucial to decide early on what parts of your life you’re comfortable sharing. Your personal brand should be a reflection of you, but that doesn’t mean you owe the world every detail of your private life.
Striking the right balance can make your brand relatable yet respectful of your privacy.
7. Stay Updated with Trends, but Don’t Be a Slave to Them:
It’s essential to be aware of what’s trending, but always filter trends through the lens of your brand’s essence. If it doesn’t align, it’s okay to let it pass.
Your authenticity is more important than fleeting popularity.
Navigating the Ebb and Flow of Personal Branding
Like the changing seasons or the rhythm of tides, personal branding has its moments of highs and lows. There will be times when you feel like you’re on top of the world, and there will be times of self-doubt. And that’s okay.
Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about authenticity. It’s about showing up, day after day, with the same passion, commitment, and love for what you represent.
As this journey unfolds, you’ll find that personal branding isn’t just about how the world sees you; it’s about how you see yourself. It’s a mirror reflecting not just your achievements or successes, but your values, your passions, and the mark you want to leave on the world.
With every interaction, every post, and every dialogue, you’re adding layers to your brand, making it richer and more profound.
In the vast, interconnected web of the digital age, where everyone is vying for attention, remember that your most significant asset is your unique self. Celebrate it, nurture it, and let it shine.
After all, the world needs your unique light. Keep shining, and remember: the journey of personal branding is as transformative as the destination itself. Embrace it with open arms and an open heart.