6 Steps to Building Your Unique Personal Brand
Building your personal brand is not just about self-promotion; it's about strategically positioning yourself for success in your career or business ventures.
Lucy Lin, entrepreneur in residence at Launch Pad, with a passion for diversity and innovation, shared invaluable insights during the “Build Your Personal Brand” workshop as part of the Women & Multicultural Program. Here’s a distilled guide inspired by her wisdom:
Your personal brand is how others perceive you. As Lucy puts it, “Your personal branding is how other people think about you – how they perceive you.” She started by defining key aspects of her own brand, which according to her, comprise of:
- Global Marketing: Lucy has worked in marketing for many years of her life and currently owns a marketing company.
- Promoter of Diversity and Inclusion: Lucy is committed to inclusivity in everything she does which is why she has been spearheading Launch Pad’s Women & Multicultural program.
- Passionate About Innovation: Lucy’s innovative spirit is willing to explore new ideas given her involvement with Launch Pad.
After using herself as the elaborate example, Lucy moved on to advising the attendees about the various components that make up a personal brand, broken down into 6 steps:
1. Assess Your Current Brand
Before crafting your brand, assess where you currently stand:
- Career Timeline Reflection: Consider where you want to be in five years and what steps you need to take to get there.
- Self-Perception vs. Others’ Perception: Understand how others currently perceive you and align it with how you want to be perceived.
2. Identify Your Unique Superpower
Similar to a superhero’s defining ability, identify what makes you unique:
- Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine what sets you apart from others in your field or industry.
- Elevator Pitch: Craft a concise summary that outlines what you do uniquely and effectively.
3. Engage Your Target Audience
Know who you want to influence and engage:
- Identify Decision-makers: These are the individuals who can impact your career or business.
- Seek Information Sources: Learn from those who possess valuable insights and knowledge.
- Cultivate Supportive Relationships: Surround yourself with allies who champion your growth and success.
4. Communicate Your Brand Effectively
Once you’ve defined your brand and identified your audience, it’s crucial to communicate effectively:
- Authenticity is Key: Stay true to yourself while building meaningful relationships.
- Manage Your Online Presence: Maintain a genuine and engaging presence across social platforms.
- First Impressions: Dress and present yourself in a manner that aligns with your brand values.
5. Constantly Refine and Improve
Building your personal brand is an ongoing process of refinement and growth:
- Feedback Loop: Seek feedback to continually improve and adapt your brand strategy.
- Stay Connected: Maintain relationships by offering value and support to your network.
- Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Always be ready to articulate your unique value proposition concisely and convincingly.
6. Reflect on Your Legacy
Consider the long-term impact of your brand: Visualize how you want to be remembered by your family, community, and professional network.
In conclusion, building your personal brand is about more than just creating an image—it’s about fostering genuine connections, showcasing your strengths, and leaving a lasting impression. As Lucy emphasizes, “The goal is to position yourself in a way that is relevant, compelling, and promotable to your audience.”
By following these 6 steps and integrating Lucy’s insights into your strategy, you can embark on a journey to build a personal brand that resonates and stands out in your chosen field. Remember, your personal brand is your unique promise of value—make it count!
Launch Pad’s Women & Multicultural Program is open to anyone living, studying or working in the Western Sydney region, and provides you with support to set up your own business, start a side hustle or become more innovative in your current job.