Leading with authenticity: the power of personal branding in business

By Rob Redding

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Have you ever heard the saying, 'people buy from people'? It's a common saying in the business world, and for a good reason. Authentic personal branding is the secret sauce that makes you stand out from the crowd. So, let's dive in and explore how being genuine through personal branding can give your business a serious power-up.

What is a personal brand?

A personal brand is the perception of you by others. It's not your job title, role or logo; instead it focuses on your strengths, personality and values. An authentic personal brand helps people understand what makes you unique and how they can benefit from working with or buying from you.

A good way to think about this is by looking at how well-known businesses use brands to differentiate themselves from competitors: Apple uses its distinctive logo as part of its marketing strategy; Coca-Cola has built an iconic brand around its beverage; Nike has relied on its "Just Do It" slogan over many years - all these elements combine together to create a clear picture in consumers' minds when they think about each company's products or services (or even just the name!).

In order for businesses to succeed they need more than just great products or services - they also need customers who know what those products are before they buy them. When customers understand what sets one business apart from another then it becomes easier for them to choose what best suits their needs. And that’s where your personal brand can really shine.

Your personal brand and business brand are like two peas in a pod, especially online. When your personal brand thrives, your business brand basks in the glory too. As you build trust and credibility with your personal brand, it trickles down to your business. Your personal brand helps your business stand out in the crowded digital marketplace.

Why does it matter?

Having a personal brand is important because it helps differentiate you from other players offering their goods and services. If you're an entrepreneur or freelancer, then having a strong personal brand will help get more clients interested in working with you. People like working with people they know and trust. So if they've heard of you before and know what kind of work you do (and how good it is), they'll feel more comfortable hiring you - rather than going through an agency or finding someone at random on Google searches. And, when people see that there's some sort of "image" associated with someone's name (like "I'm the guy who does amazing home improvements"), those connections can make all kinds of things easier down the road--including getting new clients.

Steps to build an authentic personal brand

Creating an authentic personal brand is a bit like making the perfect sandwich. It needs time, care, and, most importantly, your special touch. Here's how you can make the best brand-wich ever:

Discover your true self
First up, you've got to figure out who you are. Not just your favourite colour or if you prefer dogs or cats, but the deep stuff. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What opportunities can you seize? And what threats should you be aware of? This is called a SWOT analysis, and it’s like a treasure map to discovering your true self.

Understand your audience
Next, you need to get to know your audience. It's like learning a bit about the other person before venturing out on a date. What do they want? What problems do they have? What are their hopes and dreams? And most importantly, can they handle your amazing sense of humour?

Create your personal brand statement
Your personal brand statement is like your catchphrase. It's a sentence that sums up who you are, what you do, and who you do it for. And don't worry, it doesn't have to rhyme. (Unless you want it to!) The most important thing is to have something that’s honest and true to who you really are.

Build an online presence
Nowadays, everything's online. From shopping to chatting with friends, to trying to beat that incredibly tough level on your favourite game. So, it makes sense that your personal brand needs to be online too. Your online presence should be a reflection of your personal brand, like a digital mirror image of you.

Be consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to personal branding. It's like a symphony: every note, every melody, and every instrument has to harmonize to create a beautiful piece of music. Everything from your messages, your voice, and even the visuals you use should be “in tune” across all platforms. It helps people to recognize you and remember your brand.

Using authentic personal branding to power up your business

With your authentic personal brand ready, it's time to use it to boost your business. Think of it as your secret weapon. Here’s a few ways you can put it to work.

Share your story
Everyone loves a good story, especially if it's true. Sharing your personal journey, your triumphs and even your stumbles can make your business feel more real and relatable.

Engage with your audience
People like to feel heard and appreciated. So, engage with your audience. Respond to their comments, answer their questions, and maybe even share a joke or two. It helps to build trust and a sense of community.

Use your personal brand in marketing
Your personal brand is like your business's best friend. When your business and personal brand are seen together, it helps to build your reputation. It's like getting a thumbs up from your best mate, and it can help to boost your business's visibility.

Collaborate with others
Your personal brand can act like a beacon, attracting other people and businesses who share your values. It's like hosting a party; everyone wants to join in when they see how much fun you're having.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Leading with authenticity and personal branding is like adding a turbocharger to your business engine. It's about being genuine, sharing your true self, and building a brand that’s uniquely you.

We hope this article has put a bit of a spotlight on the importance of personal branding and how it relates to your business. We also want you to know that we are here to help! If you have questions about developing your brand or getting started on social media, feel free to reach out. We'll be happy to chat with you and provide some guidance on how to let your personal brand shine.