What is Personal Branding for Executives?
Well, in simple it is what you are known for (how you are perceived), and you have two types of “You”, your physical self and your digital self.
In the past, personal branding involved having great business cards, being well dressed and well-spoken, that was up until the internet came along. The internet is a game-changer, these days people simply search for you online, then start looking at your digital footprint and that’s how they create an impression on who you really are.
They go through your social profiles to define for themselves who you are and what they find if they find anything at all, creates their definition of you.
Why is it personal branding important?
In most cases it is directly linked with your professional goals, personal branding offers a promise of increased success in the business, personal and professional world.
Personal branding can also help you in your love life when a potential mate searches for you on the internet, which most of us do, you need to stand out in a positive way.
Where to start?
You need to reinvent yourself and you can start by defining the following;
- Who you are (values, mission statement, and objectives) just like a company would.
- What makes you different from others.
- Your education and qualifications.
- Your key skills, attributes, and interests.
List of your achievements and the proof to back it up.
Start with your CV/ résumé, then move on to social media platforms and if you are really serious about your brand, consider getting a personal website.
Make certain that your message is consistent across all platforms. For instance, your CV and LinkedIn profile must be in sync.
Platforms you can use to brand yourself
How to promote your personal brand?
It’s no use having a great personal brand with nobody to see it, so you must connect and engage with relevant people, people who can assist you in your professional and personal life.
Associate yourself with strong people and develop mutually beneficial relationships.
To draw attention, you need to post meaningful information on your social media platforms, website, and blogs. Evidence of your professional capacity is key, such as original articles that show your understanding of your industry. In simple become a thought leader.
What are the advantages of personal branding?
- Being labelled a professional or an expert
- Receiving promotions and other career advancements
- Getting regular job offers within your industry
- Potential business partnerships
- Living life with a defined purpose
Top executives have influence, they influence their environment, they connect with everybody interested in their thoughts and they happily share them.
If you want an outstanding executive career you need to be bold.
Here are websites and articles to read more on personal branding and how it can help your career to grow.
