Written by: Jean Fleming, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What is personal branding?
We are all familiar with certain famous brands – Netflix, Apple, Google. You know what you are getting in terms of quality, customer service, and reliability. You know what they stand for. This is their brand.
If you had to think about what you are known for, what would it be? What is your personal brand? Is it something you are proud of and want to be known for? You will have a brand, regardless of whether you have consciously developed it.
Why is it important?
A brand can help you with career progression, build your network, build credibility, presence, authority. It can open opportunities and gain you recognition.
Your personal brand can tell people your purpose, your mission, why you are here, what you stand for, your skills and experiences, your story, your legacy, what you are known for, your personality, and your values.
Your brand can outline what makes you unique. Think more broadly than just a work context, as you need to need to really capture the essence of yourself to ensure that your brand is authentic!
Having a personal brand creates an emotional connection with others. You are a walking advert of your brand; some people will resonate with your brand and some not, depending on whether they value what you stand for.
Imagine if you spent time consciously developing your brand, where you clearly outlined what you stood for. What different opportunities might attract you?
If you haven’t yet taken the opportunity to create a personal brand statement, then now is the time!
Step 1 - Gather data
Start by asking the people around you - your colleagues, your family, and friends - What they value in you? What do they see as your strengths? Your moral compass?
All this information will be invaluable in creating your brand statement.
Step 2 – Reflect on your brand basics.
Think about:
Your mission and purpose – why are you here, and what do you do?
Your personal and professional goals
Your tribe – who do you want to attract – type of people and/or organizations?
Your X-Factor? What makes you unique?
Your attributes and characteristics
Your achievements
3 words you would use to describe yourself
What motivates you
Step 3 - Write your brand statement
Using the information gathered in Steps 1 and 2, focus on the core points that really capture your essence. Your brand.
Then use this simple formula to help create your personal brand statement.
I [what you do] + [who you do it for] + [what is the outcome] + [how you do it] + [why you do it]
Example: I coach professional women who feel stuck to get the success they desire through my Professional Women’s Success Programme so they can enjoy a fulfilled life.
Finally, don’t forget why you are developing a brand statement; to help to market yourself, connect with people and show them what you are about.
Jean Fleming, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jean Fleming is an Empowerment and Leadership Coach helping women to create the life they want. With over 30 years of business experience, Jean was the first woman to join the Board of a global company – a role she still fulfills 12 years later.
Jean is an experienced ICF accredited Coach, a DiSC Profiler, an Emotional Intelligence EQi-2.0 Assessor, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Jean uses her extensive range of skills and experience to bring a dynamic and supportive service to her clients to help them identify and create the life they want.
