Ready To Start Building Your Personal Brand?

There was a time when a person’s reputation was one of their most valued possessions.  It allowed others to know what to expect from you long before they met you.  If that sounds a lot like what we call your personal brand in today’s world, you’re right.  Building your personal brand is the new personal reputation.

Nowadays, social media and the internet present you, as a personal brand, to the entire world.  And since virtually everything is forever in cyberspace, it’s critical that the personal brand you build is both effective and powerful as part of your image, reputation, and legacy.  In a very real sense, your personal brand is who you are.

But wait . . . there’s more!

Yes, there’s more.  Your personal brand isn’t just about being well thought of.  All those likes, loves, and shares add up to influence.  People trust you.  They listen to you.  And that can pay huge financial dividends.  Companies large and small will pay for your endorsements, just as they do as traditional media sponsors.

While most people won’t cultivate and monetize their personal brand, there’s also another payoff.  Personal brands are increasingly important in landing great positions.  As well, business owners and corporate leaders personal brands are part and parcel of the business’s image and success.

Building a Personal Brand – Yes, it’s Critical!

It should be clear that there’s no question about it.  You cannot leave your personal brand to chance.  To do so would be the modern equivalent to allowing your resume to haphazardly fall together.  But it’s a very different process than developing an impressive resume.

Initially, it’s do-it-yourself for most of us.  At some point, having a professional to assist is worth considering.  But whether you’re just starting out or already have a substantial online presence, it is essential to be sure you’re giving constant consideration to nurturing your brand.

If you’re struggling with the how-to of personal branding, and want more insights into how it’s done, as well as the potential rewards, you’ll want to pick up two reads that I highly recommend.  Together, they’re like a full year college course on personal brands, being an influencer, and building for long-term returns rather than short-term fixes.  Here’s a summary:

Influencer – Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media

Anyone can throw up an Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook page.  If you’ve got one or all of those and consider it not much more than a random collection of pet, vacation, and food pics, you’re missing the value and potential. Your future and a potential gold mine resides on those pages.

Author Brittany Hennessy has put together a step-by-step guide to help you create a shining personal brand and take it to whatever level you desire.  Whether you have visions of being the next big Instagram star, or just want to polish your online image, her book is a must read.

Legacy in The Making – Building a Long-Term Brand to Stand  Out in a Short-Term World

Obviously, having a polished personal image is crucial to creating an enduring business image.  For the business owner or for the aspiring CEO, taking your brand to the next level is all about creating not just a good bottom line.  It’s about creating a legacy.

Think about that word and what it conjures up in your mind.  You’re likely to find it dripping in “old fashioned” terms that are sorely lacking in  much of today’s business world.  Terms like:

• Contribution
• Sharing
• Empowering others
• Integrity
• Choosing to do good

I hope those words resonate with you.  That you see and feel the value of reputation, image, and your personal and business brand.  If you’re ready to shift your mindset from short-term goals to long-term business branding that endures through generations, Legacy in The Making by Mark Miller and Lucas Conley should be on your reading list.

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Main image via flickr.