Crafting Your Personal Brand
Have you ever heard the phrase, “present yourself how you want OTHERS to view you” or the phrase “it’s all about perception”. Well, these metaphorical expressions are personal branding. They encourage individuals to showcase themselves in a manner that reflects their desired image or reputation. It implies that one should take deliberate actions and display habits that align with their goals, values, and intentions.
And its relevant in your personal relationships AND your professional ones.
No, you don’t want to pretend to be someone you are not BUT when beginning new careers or starting a new business, it’s more important than ever to remember the old saying “first impressions matter the most”.
My grandmother, Grand Jane, as we were instructed to call her, was HUGE on etiquette and personal branding (although I didn’t call it that at the time) This lady never left the house without her hair perfect and a full face of makeup. And while I didn’t appreciate her lessons at the ripe age of 8, I still embody these lessons today.
In today’s competitive professional landscape, personal branding has become an essential tool for career advancement. It’s about creating a unique identity that sets you apart from the crowd and attracts opportunities. In this post, we’ll explore the seven key steps to building a powerful personal brand.
Step 1: Discover Your Brand DNA
- Core Values: What are the fundamental principles that guide your actions?
- Passions: What are you truly enthusiastic about?
- Unique Skills: What sets you apart from others?
Examples
1. Core Values:
These are the fundamental principles that define who you are and how you operate in the world.
Examples:
- Integrity: You prioritize honesty and transparency in all interactions, making sure that your actions align with your moral beliefs.
- Empathy: You focus on understanding and valuing other people’s perspectives, ensuring that compassion guides your relationships.
- Growth: You are committed to continuous learning and improvement, both personally and professionally, always seeking to better yourself and those around you.
2. Passions:
These are the things that energize and motivate you deeply, even in challenging times.
Examples:
- Helping others: You are driven by the desire to support and uplift others, perhaps through mentoring, coaching, or volunteer work.
- Creative expression: Whether it’s painting, writing, or photography, you find joy in creating something that resonates with your personal style or values.
- Innovation: You love exploring new technologies or ideas, particularly in fields like AI, marketing, or process optimization, and how they can revolutionize industries.
3. Unique Skills:
These are the talents or abilities that make you stand out in your industry or area of expertise.
Examples:
- Strategic thinking: You excel at seeing the big picture, breaking down complex problems, and creating actionable plans that deliver long-term success.
- AI expertise: Your understanding of AI tools allows you to create cutting-edge content or process improvements, especially in marketing and content creation.
- Attention to detail: Whether it’s in analytics, data management, or content editing, your precision ensures high-quality results every time.
Step 2: Assess Your Personal Brand Equity
- Self-Perception: How do you view yourself professionally?
- Online Presence: What does a Google search reveal about you?
- Reputation: What do people say about you behind your back?
Examples
Self-Perception:
How we see ourselves professionally can be tricky. We all want to think we know our strengths, but sometimes, our self-perception doesn’t quite match up with how others see us. And honestly? That’s completely normal. This is why constructive feedback is so important, even though it can be uncomfortable (and trust me, I get it—it’s not easy).
- Why it matters: Feedback helps us grow, plain and simple. It gives us a different perspective, helping us align how we view ourselves with how others experience us. Even though it can feel like a gut punch at times, it’s how we become better.
- Where to get feedback: Colleagues, mentors, or friends who know you well professionally are great places to start. Performance reviews or even anonymous feedback can offer eye-opening insights.
- How to handle feedback you don’t like: This is the part that can make you feel like your stomach’s in knots. When someone says something that clashes with how you see yourself, it can sting. But before reacting, try this:
- Pause and process: Give yourself a moment to breathe and really think about the feedback. Ask yourself if there’s something you can learn from it, even if it feels uncomfortable.
- Clarify if needed: If the feedback feels vague or confusing, ask for specific examples. Understanding the context can make it easier to accept and act on.
- Use it as fuel: Let it drive you to grow. Feedback that doesn’t sit well often highlights an opportunity to improve, and that’s where personal branding gets real—when you’re able to adapt and evolve.
Online Presence:
In today’s world, how you show up online is a big part of your personal brand. A quick Google search can reveal a lot—some of it good, some of it not-so-good, and some of it…well, just outdated.
- Why it matters: People often form opinions based on your online presence before they’ve even met you. Whether it’s LinkedIn, a blog, or even your old Twitter feed, what shows up can shape your opportunities.
- Where to get feedback: Ask a friend or colleague to Google you and give their honest thoughts on what they find. If you want to be more thorough, there are services that can audit your online presence too.
- How to handle feedback you don’t like: If someone points out something less-than-flattering or finds something that doesn’t reflect who you are now, it can feel embarrassing or frustrating. Here’s what you can do:
- Take action: If it’s something you can change, like a post or outdated profile, go ahead and update it.
- Own your story: If there’s something you can’t erase (we’ve all been there), consider how you can reframe or update it. For instance, if an old piece of content no longer represents your views, create new content that reflects where you stand now.
Reputation:
This is probably the hardest part because it’s about what others say about you when you’re not around. And the truth is, you won’t always know what’s being said. That uncertainty can be tough, but it’s part of the game.
- Why it matters: Your reputation can either help you or hold you back without you even realizing it. It’s shaped by how you treat people, how reliable you are, and whether you follow through on your promises.
- Where to get feedback: This one’s tricky, but you can ask close colleagues or people you trust for a reality check. Anonymous feedback tools can also offer some insights into how you’re perceived.
- How to handle feedback you don’t like: If you hear that someone’s been saying something negative behind your back, it’s hard not to take it personally. But here’s what to do:
- Don’t react right away: Give yourself time to cool off. Even if it feels unfair, try to see if there’s a pattern or something you can work on.
- Focus on action: Instead of getting defensive, use the feedback as motivation to improve in specific areas. Actions speak louder than words, and over time, consistent effort will help change how others see you.
- Consistency is key: Building a strong reputation doesn’t happen overnight, and fixing a negative one takes even longer. But if you stay consistent in how you present yourself and how you treat others, your reputation will reflect that in time.
This part of personal branding—facing how others see us and handling feedback—is not easy. It requires self-reflection, which can be uncomfortable. But it’s also the part that can have the biggest impact. And remember, everyone struggles with this—it’s not just you.
Step 3: Craft Your Personal Narrative
- Storytelling: What stories highlight your brand’s essence?
- Memorable Moments: What experiences define you?
- Desired Perception: How do you want others to remember you?
Examples
After the deep dive into self-reflection, this section can feel more empowering. It’s about taking ownership of your narrative, using storytelling to shape how others see you, and highlighting your memorable moments. Here’s how you could continue:
Storytelling:
At the heart of every strong brand is a compelling story. This is where you get to take everything you’ve learned about yourself—your values, your skills, your passions—and shape the narrative. It’s not just about facts or achievements; it’s about the why behind your journey.
- What stories highlight your brand’s essence? Think about the moments where you felt most aligned with your purpose. Maybe it was a time you faced a challenge and came out stronger. Or a moment when you took a risk that paid off. These stories show others not just what you do, but why you do it—and that’s what makes you memorable.
Memorable Moments:
The experiences that define you are the ones that stick with you, the ones that leave a mark on who you are today. These are the stories that show your resilience, creativity, or passion. They’re also the moments that can connect with others on a deeper level.
- What experiences define you? Maybe it was a career change, a personal challenge, or a project that pushed you out of your comfort zone. These are the moments that reveal your true character and highlight what you stand for. Share them in a way that shows your growth and reflects the values that guide you.
Desired Perception:
Now that you’ve reflected on how others see you, it’s time to take that feedback and decide what story you want to tell moving forward. How do you want to be remembered? What impression do you want to leave behind?
- How do you want others to remember you? This is where you take control. After considering the feedback, the online presence, and the reputation, you get to decide what you want to change or improve. Do you want to be seen as a creative problem-solver? A trusted leader? Someone who inspires others through empathy or resilience? Use this opportunity to shape your brand’s narrative intentionally.
This is where the power shifts. Instead of just reacting to how others perceive you, this section allows you to step into the driver’s seat and shape the story you want people to tell about you. It’s about taking your experiences, feedback, and self-reflection, and turning them into a brand that feels authentic to you. When you own your story, you have the chance to write the ending—and create the legacy you want to leave behind.
Step 4: Embody Your Brand
- Authenticity: Be true to yourself in all interactions.
- Positivity: Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
- Consistency: Ensure your brand remains consistent across all platforms.
Examples
Authenticity:
At the core of any strong personal brand is authenticity. Being true to yourself in all interactions is not only important, it’s freeing. When you embrace who you are—your strengths, quirks, even your challenges—you bring a level of realness that people resonate with. But being authentic doesn’t mean staying stagnant. It’s about recognizing where you excel and where you might need a little more growth.
This is where healing comes in. Personal branding doesn’t have to be a daunting, uncomfortable process. Instead, it can be an opportunity for self-discovery and healing. By embracing the things you want to improve, you not only refine your brand but also take meaningful steps toward becoming a better version of yourself. This is why I believe tools like journaling are so powerful. It’s a way to reflect on your journey, understand your feelings, and track your growth over time.
In fact, journaling can help you tune into your authentic self on a deeper level. Writing down your thoughts, experiences, and even frustrations helps you process what’s working in your personal brand and what needs more attention. If you’re not sure where to start, my Self-Compassion Journal offers prompts to help guide you through this process—so you can nurture the traits that need it and celebrate the traits you excel at. (You can find it [here]!)
Positivity:
Maintaining a positive attitude is essential when building your brand. Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff, but it does mean approaching your personal development with optimism and self-compassion. We’re all works in progress, and branding should be a reflection of both where you are and where you want to go.
Journaling can be a great way to keep your mindset positive. By focusing on gratitude or celebrating small wins, you create a space where you can uplift yourself. This helps ensure that even when you’re working on the more challenging parts of your personal brand, you’re doing it from a place of kindness and self-encouragement.
Consistency:
Consistency is key when building a personal brand, but it doesn’t have to feel forced. When you’ve spent time reflecting and refining who you are through tools like journaling and self-compassion, consistency naturally follows. Your values, tone, and message become aligned across all platforms because they’re rooted in authenticity.
By regularly checking in with yourself—whether through journaling, meditation, or personal reflection—you ensure that your brand stays true to who you are. And when you show up consistently as your authentic self, others notice. They come to trust and respect the brand you’ve created because they can see that it’s genuine.
Empower Yourself:
Ultimately, personal branding is about embracing who you are and sharing it with the world. It’s not about perfection or pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about being empowered to show up as your best self, knowing that you’re a work in progress. Journaling, reflection, and healing can help you navigate this journey, making the process of branding one of growth and empowerment—not dread.
Take time to invest in you. Whether it’s through journaling or other methods of reflection, the key is to be kind to yourself as you build your personal brand. The journey is just as important as the destination.
Step 5: Share Your Brand Story
- Online Profiles: Highlight your brand on platforms like LinkedIn and social media.
- Content Creation: Write blog posts, articles, or present at events.
- Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals and industry experts.
Examples
Online Profiles:
Starting fresh can feel both daunting and liberating. When I began my own personal branding journey, I made the decision to start all my social media profiles from scratch. It wasn’t because I wanted to erase the past—I know that’s not possible. But I needed a clean slate to represent the new direction I was heading. Sometimes, we have to let go of the past version of ourselves that others see to allow the next version of ourselves to grow.
Creating or refreshing your online profiles—whether it’s on LinkedIn, Instagram, or other platforms—is a powerful way to align your presence with your personal brand. This is where you can truly highlight your unique values, skills, and passions. It’s your space to tell your story. And after working through self-reflection and feedback, you’ll have the confidence to curate an online presence that reflects who you are and what you stand for.
When I went through this process, there were moments where criticism left me feeling hollow. But once I made it through to the other side, I realized how much of an advantage I had. By building my personal brand intentionally, I had clarity and focus that many people never tap into. And this gave me the fuel to not just refine my online profiles, but to continue growing in other areas of my life.
Content Creation:
Once your online profiles reflect your personal brand, the next step is to put yourself out there through content creation. This is where you share your knowledge, your journey, and your unique perspective with the world. Whether it’s writing blog posts, publishing articles, or presenting at industry events, content creation helps solidify your brand. It allows you to showcase your expertise and build credibility in your field.
For me, writing has been a huge part of my branding journey. Not only does it allow me to share my story, but it also helps me reflect on my own growth. Content creation can do the same for you—every piece you publish is a chance to show who you are and what you’re passionate about.
Networking:
Personal branding isn’t just about how you present yourself; it’s about building connections with others. Networking is a crucial part of the journey. When you connect with like-minded individuals and industry experts, you’re expanding your circle, learning new things, and opening yourself up to opportunities.
Starting over gave me the chance to form new relationships that aligned with the version of myself I wanted to grow into. The beauty of networking in today’s world is that it’s no longer just about in-person events. You can connect with people across industries and continents through social media, online communities, and even virtual events. And when your online profiles and content reflect your authentic self, you’ll attract the right kind of connections—people who resonate with your brand and support your journey.
This is your opportunity to fully embrace who you’re becoming. By revamping your online profiles, creating meaningful content, and building connections, you’re stepping into your personal brand with confidence. You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to let that work shine through.
My Entrepreneurship Starter Pack
Step 6: Socialize Your Brand
- Community Engagement: Join online groups and forums.
- Guest Blogging: Contribute to other websites.
- Public Speaking: Share your expertise at industry events.
Examples
Community Engagement:
Let’s face it—most of us have spent hours of our lives on things we’d rather skip, whether it’s a job that doesn’t light us up or daily tasks that just feel like time-fillers. We’ve all had those moments where we think, “I wish this day was over.” And while it’s the reality for many adults, especially when we need to pay the bills, it doesn’t have to be the whole story.
This is where your values and passions come into play. Imagine if you could take back some of those hours and pour them into something meaningful—something that fills you with purpose. One way to do this is by engaging with communities and causes that align with your passions.
For me, this would look like volunteering in the NICU unit (as a premie myself, this is something I hold close to my heart) or becoming a permanent dog walker. Think about the causes that fuel you and start making space for them in your life. Join online groups and forums related to those causes—whether it’s animal welfare, healthcare, education, or any other passion you hold dear. Connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion not only feeds your soul but also helps expand your personal brand into areas you genuinely care about.
Guest Blogging:
Another way to engage with your passions is by sharing your voice. Guest blogging on other websites is a fantastic way to reach new audiences and speak to issues or topics that matter to you. Maybe you want to share your expertise in a certain industry, talk about causes close to your heart, or simply inspire others to pursue their own passions. By writing for other platforms, you’re both expanding your brand and contributing to something bigger than yourself.
You don’t have to be a professional writer or have all the answers. Just share your experiences, your journey, and your voice. I’ve found that when I write about things I care about, the words flow easier, and the impact is stronger. Your personal brand grows not just because you’re putting yourself out there, but because you’re doing it in a way that’s aligned with your values.
Public Speaking:
This one can feel intimidating, but sharing your knowledge or experiences through public speaking is one of the most powerful ways to give back to the community and reinforce your personal brand. Whether it’s speaking at an industry event, hosting a webinar, or even leading a local workshop, it allows you to share what you’re passionate about with a larger audience.
For those of us who have a cause or area we deeply care about, speaking publicly gives us the chance to advocate for it in a real, impactful way. It’s not just about boosting your visibility; it’s about using your voice to create change or inspire others. And honestly, there’s something deeply fulfilling about stepping onto a stage (or a virtual one) and sharing something you care about with others.
This section is all about reclaiming your time and making sure some of those precious hours go toward things that actually light you up. We all have jobs or obligations that don’t necessarily align with our passions, but if we can carve out space for the things we care about—whether it’s through community engagement, writing, or public speaking—we start to build a personal brand that’s not just about work, but about meaning. And in the process, we get to live more authentically and passionately.
Step 7: Continuously Evaluate and Adapt
- Feedback: Seek input from others on your brand.
- Flexibility: Be open to change and improvement.
- Alignment: Ensure your brand aligns with your evolving goals and experiences.
Examples
What a journey this has been! I can feel how meaningful this exercise has been for you. Let’s bring it all together in this final section, focusing on growth, openness, and staying aligned with your true self:
Feedback:
You’ve put in the work. You’ve reflected, built, and refined your brand. But the journey doesn’t stop here. One of the most crucial steps in maintaining a personal brand is being open to feedback. Seeking input from others allows you to stay grounded and ensures that the way you present yourself is resonating with the world around you.
The key here is to reach out to people whose opinions you trust and who understand your goals. They’ll provide insights you might not see on your own. The beauty of feedback is that it’s not about tearing you down—it’s about fine-tuning your message and continuing to grow. And remember, feedback is ongoing. As your brand evolves, you’ll keep learning and refining along the way.
Flexibility:
Personal branding isn’t about setting yourself in stone. Flexibility is essential. Who you are today may not be who you are a year from now—and that’s okay. As we grow and experience new things, our values, passions, and even career paths can shift. The key to long-term success is being open to change and improvement.
If you cling too tightly to one version of yourself, you might miss opportunities for growth or miss out on aligning with something new that fuels you. Let your personal brand be fluid, and embrace the changes that come your way. When you’re open to evolving, your brand will feel more authentic and dynamic, and you’ll continue to connect with the right people.
Alignment:
Finally, alignment is about making sure your personal brand stays true to your evolving goals and experiences. As you grow, your brand should grow with you. Take time to check in with yourself—are you still passionate about the same things? Are your values shifting? Have your goals changed?
Personal branding is a reflection of who you are at your core, but it’s also a reflection of your journey. As your story evolves, make sure your brand aligns with your current vision and aspirations. The more your brand mirrors the person you’re becoming, the more empowered and fulfilled you’ll feel as you move forward.
This is a continuous journey. By seeking feedback, remaining flexible, and ensuring alignment with your goals, you’ll keep your personal brand fresh, authentic, and true to who you are. Branding isn’t a one-time exercise; it’s an ongoing process of growth, reflection, and evolution. And by embracing that, you’re not just building a brand—you’re building a life that reflects the best of who you are and what you aspire to be.
Conclusion
Building a strong personal brand is an ongoing journey. By following these seven steps, you can create a unique identity that positions you for success in your career. Remember, authenticity, consistency, and continuous improvement are key to building a lasting brand.
