Whether you like it or not, you’ve already established a personal brand. From your posts on Facebook to even the type of toothpaste you use, they all contribute to the perception of what "you" is.
Personal Branding
As Fast Company points out, personal branding is almost a necessity in this day and age. After all, while this perception falls you from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed, people only have a few seconds to digest you and what you’re about.
Success with this requires some self-perception, but it’s not impossible to master. In fact, by following a view of the guidelines below, you’ll not only gain a better sense of personal brand but a sense of identity.
Know Your Story and Tell it Well.
The first question you need to ask yourself is “Why am I here?” While that may sound a little extensional, it’s the first step in figuring out the core of your personal brand.
What drives you to wake up early and stay up late? Why do you care about your industry and what do you want to see changed about it? What philosophies do you subscribe to? Hell, what do you wear, follow on Instagram, or even eat?
The central point of these ideas is to help hone in on what’s honest about your day-to-day. After all, we live in a world that’s quick to call out nonsense, so it’s important to stay true to yourself.
Being real about who you are is the fastest way to start producing for your brand’s blog or social media.
More, your approach to blogging should follow suite. Whether it be to become a thought leader or to just jot down some ideas on the industry, being passionate is crucial.
Don’t Just "Network," Make Connections
While "networking" has become one of those all-too-often used buzzwords, it’s still true that people are more willing to find career success via those they’ve met in person.
However, "meeting" people is only half the battle. The other half is genuinely even wanting to meet them in the first place. Instead of looking out for events to ‘network,’ seek out the places and things you want to do.
Even if it’s an area you’re not familiar with, it’s still important to show up. Don’t be afraid to attend a hackathon or game jam without ever having written a lick of code. These people are there because they care and if it’s something you do as well, then you’re already off to a great start.
Presentation is Important
Almost everyone nowadays has a personal website. It’s vital to showcasing not just your work, but your personality as well. Remember that this is the equivalent of a modern day business card, and what it says is gives people a thirty-second glimpse into who you are. Take some time to hash this thing out, and if you still need some help, The Muse has a list of some incredible examples here.
Beyond your web presence, it’s important to be mindful of your day-to-day look too.
While we’re past the days of wearing "standard business attire," your sense of style can say a lot about you and your approach. Whether you choose a suit or selvage denim, people start to paint a picture of you as soon as you walk in the door.
Conclusion
Finally, remember that to grow your personal brand, you have to be your personal brand in every aspect of your life. But then again, this is something you’re living as you read this very sentence.
Take the time to reassess the elements of your life that inspire and excite you and embrace them. Starting right now, these are going to be the plot for the rest of your story.