We often find ourselves pitching our value in professional settings, be it job interviews or networking events. It’s like a constant effort to prove why we’re the right fit. 

But what if there was a way to persuade others without always having to advocate for yourself? We mean, what if your reputation could do all the talking? 

A well-crafted personal brand does that for you. It makes introductions unnecessary because, as they say, “Your reputation precedes you.”

Stick around as we discuss personal branding tips and examples to help you shine in the online - and offline - world. 

What Is a Personal Brand? 

A personal brand refers to the unique skills and personality you project onto others. 

Think about an influential figure who shares inspirational messages on social media. You see their face everywhere, their quotes often pop up in your feed, and their advice resonates with you and countless others. 

If the description made you think of Gary Vaynerchuk, it’s because he didn’t just build a company but a strong personal brand. 

People know him for who he is, what he stands for, and how he makes others feel. 

Now, let’s compare this to a regular brand like Coca-Cola. The company is primarily about the product - taste, logo, and advertising. But a personal brand? It’s all about YOU. It’s about showing people your unique story and passions.

As Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, puts it, “Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” 

So, while we cannot entirely dictate how people perceive us, we can influence the narrative we convey. Put simply, we can shape our story and share our values, but we can’t completely control how others interpret it. 

Why Does Personal Branding Outshine Corporate Branding?

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to naturally draw attention, even more so than the companies they lead? This isn’t a coincidence, but personal branding in action. 

Think about it: when you follow someone on social media, you do not follow their job title or company name. Instead, you follow their thoughts, personality, and unique perspective. 

This connection creates a sense of trust that a corporate brand alone often cannot achieve. In fact, 83% of Americans agree that “companies are more influential when their executives have a personal brand that they know and follow.” 

Take Elon Musk, for example. On X (formerly Twitter), Elon has an incredible 193.1 million followers.

On the other hand, his company SpaceX has 35.1 million. Now, that’s a huge gap!

Why do more people follow Elon than this company? It’s simple: People connect with people. 

They’re drawn to Elon’s personal insights, his vision, and his straightforward, sometimes quirky, communication style. 

A strong personal brand builds trust among your audience because they see you as a real person, not just a faceless entity. This trust translates into loyalty (and readiness to support your ventures).

When Elon talks about a new project, people are quick to listen and engage because they trust him. 

This means if you have an established personal brand, you won’t need to push your corporate brand as hard because your audience is already invested in you. They’re ready to buy from you and follow your advice. 

That’s the power of personal branding. 

How to Build a Personal Brand: 4 Strategic Tips

Creating a personal brand goes beyond getting noticed. You need to convey your true personality and what sets you apart from others. But at the same time, you must also find an audience that relates to your perspective. 

Here are some tips on how to create a personal brand that leaves a lasting impression.  

1. Define Your Purpose

Building a personal brand begins by knowing your purpose. You need to understand what drives you and what you want to achieve. 

When you align your brand with your purpose, everything you do feels authentic. The result? You draw in the ‘right’ audience. 

The unfortunate part is that many people today, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, build their brands around what’s currently trending instead of what they genuinely care about (or excel in). They chase the latest buzzwords and hot topics, which often leads to superficial brand. 

It’s as though they’re fitting into a mold just because it’s popular, rather than leveraging their unique strengths. So, it doesn’t just feel wrong - it shows.

To define your purpose, start by reflecting on your long-term vision. Ask yourself what difference you seek to make in the lives of others. What values do you embody? Think about your past experiences and actions. What interests or character traits have defined your journey so far? These elements will tie your story together. 

Checkout the questions in the framework Lara Acosta, Founder at LA Digital, and a popular LinkedIn personal branding expert, recently shared. 

Once you have a clear purpose, articulate it in a personal value proposition. This should include the audience you want to reach, what you wish to provide and your unique abilities. 

In other others, you have to align your capabilities with an offer. For instance, say you have a knack for Philosophy. 

Your unique value proposition might look something like, “I use ancient philosophy to offer practical guidance and help people in their personal and professional lives. My tailored coaching sessions empower clients to make thoughtful decisions and live a balanced, fulfilling life.” 

Your value proposition can be as specific as you want it to be, targeting business leaders, small businesses, employees, students, and others.  

2. Embody Your Brand 

Every interaction you have, whether online or in person, shapes how others perceive your personal brand. It would be fair to say that you are a walking advertisement for yourself. This means that every encounter is a chance to reinforce your brand image. 

Think of it this way: if your personal brand revolves around Philosophy and personal development, how you respond to everyday questions matters. 

If someone asks, “How are you?” and you respond with, “Oh, just the usual - stressed and overwhelmed,” the negative response can undermine the image you’re trying to project (an image related to growth and mindfulness). 

Instead, if you’re embodying your brand authentically, your response could be, “I’ve been reflecting a lot lately and finding new ways to grow through challenges. It’s an exciting journey.”

This kind of response aligns with your brand. It reinforces your commitment to personal development and philosophical insight. 

Remember, every moment is an opportunity to advertise yourself, so make sure your actions and words consistently reflect your brand values. 

3. Communicate Your Brand Story

Defining and embodying your personal brand is just the beginning. To increase your visibility, you also need to share it with the world. As the saying goes, “Peacock’s Dance, Who Saw It?” 

In other words, the value of your personal brand hinges on whether people know about it or not. 

So, start by leveraging owned media. These are the platforms where you control the message. This may include your social media profiles, personal website, and any content you create online. 

Next, consider focusing on earned media. This is the recognition you get from others. For instance, someone might mention you in an article or a social media post. Any positive comments on your social media post also count as earned. This is where others vouch for your value. 

You can also use paid media to boost your reach. However, logically speaking, this must come after you’ve earned a reputation. Sure, you can do it right away. But connecting with your audience and building a loyal audience takes persistence and organic reach. Paid media should only be used to amplify your (already trusted) message. 

Also, keep in mind that promoting yourself might feel uncomfortable at first. But it’s essential for building your personal brand. People won’t know you exist unless you get out there and give people accessible ways to understand what you offer and why you’re valuable. 

4. Reaccess and Readjust If Necessary

Personal branding isn’t a one-time task. Instead, it’s an ongoing process. You need to check in on how your brand is being received and make adjustments accordingly. 

For instance, you might find that your initial brand doesn’t quite align with where you’re headed. It’s perfectly normal to outgrow your original brand or discover new strengths you didn’t initially consider. 

This is when a rebrand might be necessary. It allows you to better reflect your current skills. For example, someone who started as a digital marketing expert may over time realize that they have a strong passion for content strategy. If this new focus aligns better with their goals, be it. 

Also, keep in mind that rebranding doesn’t mean your previous efforts were in vain. It’s a natural part of your growth process. So, don’t hesitate to tweak your brand to match. A well-timed rebrand can, in fact, open doors to new opportunities.

Personal Brand Examples

Curious about how personal branding works in the real world? Let’s look at two examples that showcase how a strong personal brand can make a difference. 

Neil Patel

You may not know SmartSites or Ignite Digital, but you certainly know Neil Patel. He’s a leading example of how a personal brand can shine in the crowded world of digital marketing. 

Neil has built a reputation as a go-to expert for SEO and digital growth strategies. His personal brand revolves around sharing actional tips that can help businesses thrive online. 

Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is known for his contributions in the world of personal development. His brand centers around empowerment and transformation. Tony inspires millions to push their limits and achieve their goals through his books, media appearances, and seminars. 

Alex Hormozi

Alex Hormozi is known for his expertise in scaling companies. His personal brand focuses on practical business advice, no-nonsense strategies, and real-world results. He has positioned himself as a go-to resource for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business. 

Although he uses his own social media to spark engagement, he has also made a name in earned media. You’ll often notice people praising him on different social media channels. 

Conclusion

Although building a personal brand is a career move, it’s also a journey to self-discovery and expression. Besides sharing your expertise, you connect with people on a personal level and share your values. 

We shared personal brand definition, tips, and examples to give a deeper insight into the topic. So while adhering to the surface level strategies is key, remember, true success lies in authenticity. People connect with real stories and honest experiences. 

Therefore, your personal brand should be a true reflection of who you are. Make sure you take time to create one and nurture it thoughtfully. 

Your story is worth sharing, and the world is ready to listen. 

FAQs 

How do you build a personal brand as a marketer?

Building your personal brand as a marketer starts with defining what sets you apart. It may include your unique skills and passions. Then, you need to share your expertise through content on social media or your website. Engaging meaningfully with your audience is also a part of building a strong personal brand. 

What are 5 tips to building your own personal brand?

The five tips to build your own personal brand include:

• Identifying what makes you stand out
• Maintaining a cohesive message across all platforms
• Sharing insights that showcase your expertise
• Engaging with your audience (through comments and discussions)
• Connecting with industry experts to expand your reach 

How to do personal branding on social media?

Personal branding on social media requires you to define your brand and choosing your platform. Focus on the social media channel where your target audience is most active. Follow this by sharing quality content related to your niche and regularly interacting with your followers.

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