​TOP TIPS TO BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Your brand is your reputation. It’s your calling card. It’s what you’re known for and how people experience you. It’s about bringing who you are, to what you do and how you do it. Delivering your brand clearly and consistently will create a memorable experience in the minds of those you interact with, personally and professionally, and can be the key to opening doors to new opportunities. That’s why  building your personal brand is just so important. Plus, you want people to  remember the best sides of you and not letting negative self talk guide others' perception of you. And by knowing your story it allows people to connect on a more personal level to you. Don’t know where to start? Here are our top 5 tips to effectively building your personal brand.

1. Define Your Story
We all have a narrative that we tell, whether we do so consciously or unconsciously. And it is these stories that define us. In building your brand it’s important to tell a compelling story of who you are, whether you’re speaking to co-workers, bosses, clients, friends, family, or strangers you have just met. It’s these stories that will inspire them to believe in your character, in your motives behind your actions, and your ability to reach the goals you’ve set for yourself. Plus, the process of creating and telling a story that resonates can help you build belief in yourself too. When defining your story make sure not to let the past dictate your future, but rather take stories of the past that are relevant for the future and build these into your brand.

2. Know Your Purpose
As well-known author and marketing consultant Simon Sinek once said, “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it”. That’s why it’s important for you to know exactly what your values are, so you can build a good understanding of why you do what you do. Knowing your purpose, and being able to clearly communicate this to the people around you, will go a long way in getting people to buy into your personal brand.

3. Decide What Skills and Strengths to Showcase
The next step is to figure out which of your skills and strengths you want to be known for and then showcasing these as best you can. You may have many skills, but the ones that are the most important to highlight are the ones that are most relevant to your success. The more people associate you with your specific areas of expertise, the more they will trust and value your personal brand, allowing you to become their go-to for insights or opinions.

4. Have Your Elevator Pitch Ready… Always
You never know when you’re going to meet someone that has the power to change your life, so it’s vital that you’re always prepared! If you had 30 seconds to tell people about yourself, your idea or your career or business to someone, would you be ready? What would you say? Would you be able to get your message across effectively and authentically? Face-to-face opportunities are rare, so when one of them comes your way, make sure you’re as ready as you can be with a perfected elevator pitch that will effectively sell you as a person, as well as your business.  

5. Be Authentic
Your personal brand should reflect who you really are. A good starting point is to make sure you have a good understanding of who that is before you start sharing it with the world. Take the time to figure out exactly what you believe in, what you stand for and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Remember that people connect with other people. Stay true to your authentic yourself and people will naturally trust you.

6. Tidy Up Your Online Profiles
Being in the spotlight isn’t for everyone, but these days everyone is online. Make sure you’re  social media profiles reflect who you are and how you want to be seen. Remember to focus on sharing quality content and keep a balance between career or business and personal life. Perhaps you should consider setting up a personal website to improve your search rankings and to allow you more control over your online presence. The more accessible you are, the stronger your personal brand will become.

Would you like to get feedback on your elevator pitch? Or other tips and support on your journey to create a life and career you love? The come and join our free facebook group TAC She Sisterhood, full of likeminded women on their journey to create a life and career they love. Join the sisterhood here.

Have a wonderful day!