Personal Branding... What is it?
Oprah Winfrey's Personal Brand
Personal Branding is your online presence. It's the resume that the world sees. It's the way your accomplishments, publications, success steps, personal stories, and public images are viewed by potential employers, coworkers, friends, and family. Nearly everyone you know has a Personal Brand in some form or another. It can be as extensive as Oprah's (as seen to the left) or as minor as a single Facebook page.
In today's age of social media, it is easier than ever to craft a Personal Brand. Inputting a little bit of information here and there can really go a long way. Think of this: when you want to look up a new restaurant in town, or a potential movie, you most likely do a search on the internet. Employers are doing that, too. And the bigger your presence, the more likely you are to get noticed and make connections.
In today's age of social media, it is easier than ever to craft a Personal Brand. Inputting a little bit of information here and there can really go a long way. Think of this: when you want to look up a new restaurant in town, or a potential movie, you most likely do a search on the internet. Employers are doing that, too. And the bigger your presence, the more likely you are to get noticed and make connections.
"[A] Personal Brand is what people say about you when you leave the room"
-Jeff Bezos, Founder, Amazon.com
Step 1: Knowing Your Brand
To begin building your Personal Brand, you'll need to understand who you are to the world. Begin by asking yourself a few questions:
Another way to gather information for your Brand is to ask other people how they view you. Be open to the possibility that people see you in other ways than you see yourself. Also, look at the online profiles of people who do similar work to you. How do you compare to them? Are there identical words or phrases that you can use for your Personal Brand?
- What do you want people to know about you?
- How would you describe yourself in ten words?
- Are you a creative person who enjoys autonomy?
- Are you a professional who is thorough and exact?
- Are you a people person?
- Can you see tasks that need to be done, or do you need guidance?
- What are your values?
- What are your passions?
- When was the last time that time got away from you? What were you doing?
Another way to gather information for your Brand is to ask other people how they view you. Be open to the possibility that people see you in other ways than you see yourself. Also, look at the online profiles of people who do similar work to you. How do you compare to them? Are there identical words or phrases that you can use for your Personal Brand?
Remember-
No one else can make a Personal Brand for you. We don't all live in a Starbucks commercial.