Level Up by Investing in Yourself and Transform Your Personal Brand Story
In life, there’s so much out of our control. Sleepless nights, and angst from the anxiety, stress, and uncertainty from the economy and our careers. We’ve all felt it at some point — feeling stuck at work. Perhaps, we don’t feel seen or heard and it erodes our confidence. Or, when we are building a business and face rejection after rejection, it makes us question our abilities and it can create a downward spiral. It’s often difficult to step back. However, when external circumstances seem unmanageable, we need to focus on what’s in our influence: our thoughts, deeds, actions are ours alone -it starts with your personal brand.
What’s the secret to getting back your power?
Focus on your personal brand gives you the strength to bet on and invest in yourself. It puts you in the driver’s seat and back in control. When you go out externally and start building and sharing your unique value, something begins to shift. People start seeing you differently, and more importantly, you start seeing yourself differently. And, that is the real value of an investment in you.
What is personal branding?
Personal branding is the intentional, strategic practice of defining and expressing your unique value. It is a marketing strategy, but it is also personal development. What are the best bets and investments in life? To bet and invest in you. That is why it is more than a marketing strategy – it is a powerful personal development tool and practice.
What needs to be in your personal brand?
At OakBloom Marketing, we believe that “your story matters” because your story builds trust with your audience. A strong brand brings you in charge of your narrative, ensuring it is:
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Accurate: Truly represents who you are
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Coherent: Makes sense to your audience
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Compelling: Draws people in
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Differentiated: Demonstrates what makes you unique
Personal branding is critical for creating trust and credibility even before you speak to a prospect or hiring manager. It’s about showcasing who you are and what you stand for, allowing people to know, like, and trust you. For more info, check out the blog, 5 Ways Founders Can Improve Their Personal Brand.
Why is personal branding important?
Personal branding is more than just a buzzword – a powerful strategy that can significantly impact your career or business.
Here are some compelling statistics from a 2021 Brand Study:
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74% of Americans are more likely to trust someone with an established personal brand.
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47% of Americans say a personal brand is more influential in their decisions than a corporate brand.
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70% of Older Millennials think companies should teach all employees how to build their personal brand.
These statistics underscore that your brand can significantly influence how others perceive you, trust you, and value your contributions.
How can I leverage my personal brand?
To leverage your brand effectively:
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Tell your story authentically
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Determine your content strategy
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Consistently showcase your unique skills and expertise
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Engage in thought leadership content
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Network and engage with your target audience on platforms like LinkedIn. Get the FREE Guide to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile.
By building authentic relationships and demonstrating your value, you can attract new opportunities that align with your long-term objectives, whether it’s career advancement, partnerships, or business growth.
Can personal branding help with lead generation?
Lead generation can be a natural by-product of a strong personal brand. Your brand helps you build awareness with your audience, so you stay top of mind, build trust, and establish credibility. This can lead to potential clients or employers turning to you when they’re ready to fill a need or solve a problem. It’s a critical long-term strategy.
What is not considered personal branding?
It’s important to understand that developing your brand isn’t about creating a false image. It’s about authentically communicating your unique value, expertise, and vision. It’s about taking control of your professional narrative and ensuring that your colleagues, superiors, and industry peers understand the unique perspective and skills you bring to the table.
How can I start building my personal brand?
If you’re wondering where to start, please subscribe to OakBloom Marketing on YouTube where we created a series of free tips and strategies. The information can help you create a personal brand that resonates with your professional goals and authentically represents who you are as a leader.
Remember, personal branding is not just a marketing strategy – it’s also personal development. It puts you in the driver’s seat, empowering you to take control of your narrative and your career to bet on yourself.
Ready to level up? Join our community. OakBloom Marketing helps you level up your story to influence and build the trust needed to exceed career, business, and life goals. San Francisco Bay Area-based, OakBloom Marketing, learn more.
Source: Research, 2021
