Personal Branding: Definition, Benefits, and How to Build It

Nowadays, internet access has granted us many perks, one of them is the freedom to shape the way we appear. Your individual image can be shaped by your social media profiles, digital portfolios, websites, and the diverse methods through which you communicate.

The practice of promoting this is called personal branding. As you are probably already familiar with this, have you really understood why it matters?

Personal branding has recently been recognized as an essential component of work and everyday life. It’s because personal branding is able to gain people's trust. And when we gain trust, it’s more highly profitable.

A study found that 63% of Americans are more likely to buy from someone with a personal brand. This means that developing a personal brand is definitely beneficial, especially for those who want to excel in their careers and grow their businesses.

But, how do we obtain it? Luckily for you, now you’re on this page. Let’s take a look at the insights we provide for you below.

▶ Also Read: Remote Work: Definition, Pros and Cons, and How to Get One

Personal branding is the process of creating a projected image of an individual. It involves establishing a unique identity that sets you apart from others in your field. Just like how companies create a brand identity to attract customers, individuals can do the same to attract opportunities, clients, or employers.

You need to be your own marketer for personal branding. This includes creating unique and consistent content about yourself.

However, building personal branding is not only about being yourself. It requires maintenance and creating clear boundaries that help people know what you stand for and how you present yourself.

To effectively wrap this up, you may consider using a personal brand statement. It’s a one-shot introduction that highlights your unique skills and experiences. Through a solid and clear personal brand statement, you’ll be able to make a powerful first impression, helping people stick around and be curious about you.

Now, let’s talk about a successful example that we can find in the industry. People who are building their personal brand can be quickly recognized through their personal brand statement, which highlights what they stand for.

As someone with multiple roles in the industry, it may be hard to explain yourself by mentioning each one individually. That’s what Chris Do does: he makes a personal brand statement that denotes his major fields of business and design.

Jennifer Welsh’s personal brand statement says it all about what she does and to whom she does it. You may also adopt this strategy if you already know your niche and the specific potential audience you want to reach.

This personal brand statement is interesting since Hyder knows how to play with her company’s name and her key value. Within the fast pace of the digital era, Hyder promotes her company as the solution that will provide clients with a feeling of contentment.

Building a personal brand can offer you many benefits, especially in today's digital world. Your online reputation is a crucial factor that contributes to your career and business journey.

• Showcasing skills and expertise enhances your professional credibility.
• Highlighting unique qualities and specialties differentiates you.
• Consistently representing your brand creates a lasting impression.
• Strengthening connection to the target audience through the values you promote.

▶ Related Article: 12 Recommended Sites for Finding Remote Work Online

Building a personal brand has never been more important than it is today, as everything is accessible online.

Personal branding is an effective approach that can help individuals become visible and recognized for what they do. This practice is definitely important for networking.

Let’s say you’re in a room with many people from different industry backgrounds. How are you going to mingle? Or do you just want to stand and watch from a distance? Considering your career and business goals, the best way is to step in and interact, as it’s one rung on the ladder you need to climb to find new opportunities.

But you can’t just interact without equipping yourself. You need to position yourself, know how to introduce yourself, know what you want to talk about, and whom you want to interact with. And that’s how personal branding matters for you.

It can be tough to define the ideal of personal branding. Instead of considering this boundless line, let’s pay attention to the strategy we’ve provided to build personal branding below.

1. Define your purpose

Begin by understanding what drives you and what you're passionate about. Identify what you want to be known for and what you aim to achieve through your personal branding efforts. Typically, many people work on their personal branding as they embark on a leadership role. As a leader, you may start to actively become a speaker, sharing your thoughts, or else.

2. Audit your personal brand equity

Evaluate your current online presence and visibility. Assess how you're perceived by others and identify areas for improvement.

For example, consider which platforms can effectively reach your audience. Conduct research to find the best way to convey your thoughts, whether it be through tailoring your LinkedIn profile, creating podcasts or videos, or sharing open-source assets.

3. Map your stakeholders

Identify the key individuals and groups relevant to your personal and professional goals, including colleagues, clients, HR professionals, and industry influencers. Understand their needs and preferences to tailor your personal branding efforts effectively.

4. Construct your personal narrative

Develop a compelling story that communicates who you are, what you stand for, and what sets you apart.

Highlight your unique experiences, skills, and achievements in a way that resonates with your target audience. It’ll be great to involve emotional feelings and an inspiring personal story. Crafting such a narrative that authentically reflects your personality can help you gain a solid connection with other people.

5. Deliver insight, not just information

Focus on providing valuable insights and expertise to your audience, rather than simply sharing information. Share your knowledge, perspectives, and opinions on topics relevant to your field or interests. The best way is to always benchmark from your own experience, considering it's unique and authentic. Position yourself as a thought leader by offering unique insights and solutions to common challenges.

6. Socialize and make yourself visible

Actively engage with your audience and participate in relevant conversations within your industry or community. Use social media platforms, networking events, and online forums to connect with others. Be proactive in building relationships and establishing yourself as a trusted authority in your field.

7. Be consistent

Maintain consistency in your personal branding efforts across all channels. Present yourself authentically and professionally in every interaction, whether online or offline. Consistency helps reinforce your personal brand identity and builds trust with your audience over time.

While personal branding cannot happen overnight, you can start now by building consistency, even in small increments.

Over time, as you become more accustomed to it, you can increase the frequency and expand the range of your connections.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to stand out. Head over to Epicareer and start crafting your success story today!

Popular jobs in Singapore:

Digital Marketing | Email Marketer | Online Community Manager | Web Content Writer | Financial Analyst | Tax Specialist | Forensic Accountant | Account Manager | Customer Service Representative | App Developer | Data Analyst | Data Engineer | Software Engineer | Technical Support