A Dozen Ways to Develop your Personal Brand

A Dozen Ways to Develop your Personal Brand
Branding is building a relationship between a product or
service and the consumer. It is how we feel about that
brand that will determine whether we as consumers want to
have a relationship with it or not.

I believe therefore that personal branding is the
relationships an individual has with its public essentially
personal public relations.

Effective relationships are built by communication.
Personal branding is communicating the inner essence of you
- your uniqueness, qualities, strengths, skills and
passions. It is also about your visual communication. Not
only your business communication collateral such as
stationery and websites but how you appear through dress,
style, and personal presence.

As we all need to make a positive impression in today's
competitive work place, here's:

A Dozen Ways to Develop your Personal Brand

Personality * Work out your personality characteristics and
your passions. Discover what sets you apart. Develop a
personal brand statement that is just for you - your
internal dialogue - then use that as a basis for external
communication

Promote * Develop your PB statement into a short ad or
commercial about you. When you meet people you should be
able to say clearly what you do, how you do it differently,
and the benefit it provides.

Package * Develop a unique style suitable to your
personality and work. Dress for the role you want, not
necessarily the one you have. Balance your individual style
with clothing that will appeal to those you are trying to
impress.

Presence * Become a class act. Learn good business manners
and social etiquette. Send hand-written notes, return phone
calls - it's the 'little things' that count

Publicise * Become an expert source for the media. Get
known in your niche. Write articles for magazines and
online newsletters. Speak for Rotary clubs and other
organizations. Send out interesting media releases on your
topic to journalists to help create word of mouth buzz.

People * Build your network. Make new business contacts and
stay in touch with them. Choose those appropriate to you
and your personal brand; those you can help and those who
can help you. Help others become as successful as you. Be
selective with which networking groups you belong to.

Positioning * What position do you already own with your
audience and what do you want to own? Is there a unique
concept or idea you can hang your hat on? Where's the
creative element? Build your brand by being first with a
new idea or by recognizing a major trend in your field and
moving to the head of it.

Presentations * Learn to be a confident communicator. Join
Toastmasters or hire a communications coach to ensure that
your written and verbal skills are at their best. Strong
communication skills and presentation skills are a must and
being a proficient public speaker will help reinforce your
personal brand.

Perfection * Well there's no such thing. We all make
mistakes. You may have to try many ways to discover and
reinforce your personal brand. If something is not working
try something else.

Profit * We all want to be profitable but remember to give
something back. Giving your time, talent, or money to
charitable causes or industry associations can help build
your brand. And of course it will be more enjoyable if you
find something you are passionate about or complements what
you like to do.

Partners * Work with the best whether employees,
contractors, consultants or partners. They will help build
your brand reputation. Leverage your time and find someone
else to do the job for you so you can concentrate on what
you do best.

Plan * Develop a personal brand plan for yourself every
year, and review it often. Include specific goals,
strategies, action steps, and a timetable. Need some tips
on how to do this, then pick up a copy of Apprentice to
Business ACE.

Above all take a professional approach to building your
personal brand.

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Sue Currie, the director of Shine Communications
Consultancy and author of Apprentice to Business Ace - your
inside-out guide to personal branding, is a business
educator and speaker on personal branding through image and
media. To learn more about how you can achieve recognition,
enhance your image and shine, sign up for free monthly tips
at http://www.shinecomms.com.au/subscriber.html