Understanding your personal brand:

We have heard that each brand has its own personality. Volvo, the automaker, is about safety. Nike is about athletic performance and motivation. Apple, Innovation and design. Toyota is reliability. And Amazon, is all about the customer.

Do you know you have your own brand too? Are you aware of it?

You have a brand, whether you’re aware of it or not. It could be how others naturally perceive you, or it can be something you actively cultivate. Your actions and words create lasting impressions on others

For example, do you think Volvo relates to safety by chance, or have they carefully crafted a long-term brand strategy connected to their core values and features? You can say that Volvo cars are expensive. Or not fancy. But the company is working so the first association is with safety. You can say that Apple is very expensive. However, the first thing that comes to your mind is style.

I like to tell my teams that each one of them is a company in themselves. Every time a customer buys from them, they buy from that brand they represent. If they buy, it’s because they trust that brand and think it will benefit them or their business.

Once, I needed to change an account manager from some accounts to others. One key customer come to me saying “She is critical for me, I trust her, and she is the reason why I ‘m committed to your company. I tell other companies that she is the model of account manager they should have”. I kept her in that account, of course.

When you promptly answer emails and calls, act as a trusted advisor, or build a close personal relationship with the customer, they ‘buy’ your brand. The same they do with Nike, Volvo or Apple.

How are you creating your own brand?

• Your Style: The way you dress reflects your personality and values.
• Communication: The way you speak—your tone, vocabulary, and clarity
• Responsiveness: Your approach to answering inquiries and requests
• Trustworthiness: Foster an environment where others feel secure
• Leadership: Be available to provide guidance when needed.
• Knowledge Sharing: Regularly impart your knowledge to position yourself as a valuable resource in your field.

A great mentor I had in my first years in sales at Microsoft, (Fabricia Degiovanni) told me “People buy to people, not to companies. An impactful company may open the door for you because of the logo, but after that, it’s you who makes (or not) the sale”

For building a personal brand, you need to be authentic, (your brand reflects who you are), stay focused (get clarity in your messaging) and build credibility (share knowledge and insights that position you as an expert in your field)

Steps to reinforce your personal brand:

If you want to create or reinforce your personal brand, there are some steps you can take:

1. Define your purpose and passions: What are your strengths and unique offers?
2. Self asses your current brand: Get feedback from peers.
3. Build your story: Craft a compelling narrative that highlights your unique journey and value proposition.
4. Identify who your key customer is: Who will benefit the most from your expertise?
5. Define which platform will you use: Choose the platform where your audience is most active
6. Create relevant content: Develop content that showcases your expertise and resonates with your audience.
7. Engage and network: Actively participate in discussions within your industry and connect with others in your field.

By following these steps, you can take proactive measures to shape your personal brand, ensuring it aligns with your goals and resonates with your audience in today’s competitive landscape.

In today’s interconnected world, your personal brand is more important than ever. It’s not just about what you do, but how you’re perceived by others. By consciously crafting and nurturing your personal brand, you can create opportunities, build trust, and differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace. Remember, your brand is a reflection of your authentic self, your values, and your unique strengths.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a sales professional, or climbing the corporate ladder, investing in your personal brand is investing in your future success. Take control of your narrative, be consistent in your messaging, and let your personal brand work for you, not against you. After all, in the words of Chris Ducker, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” Make sure it’s saying exactly what you want it to.

At Power Inside Out, we specialize in helping you elevate your personal brand. Our expert coaching focuses on defining your unique purpose and passions, ensuring your brand authentically reflects who you are. We provide tailored guidance to assess your current professional brand, craft compelling narratives, and engage effectively with your audience. By building credibility and visibility, we empower you to stand out in your field and attract the right opportunities, helping in career development.

Connect with us with us to transform your personal brand into a powerful asset that works for you.