At All You Branding, we share a lot of tips on how to create and cultivate a personal brand. (Check out our top tips on our blog, starting with The 5 Ps of Personal Branding, How to Develop Your Personal Brand, 6 Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid, and The Eight Facets of Personal Branding!)
Let’s say you’ve done the hard work of determining who you are and what you stand for—you’ve kept your commitment, with consistent messaging that both aligns with your brand and helps you link to your target audience—what’s next?
An established personal brand means you are a trusted voice among your cohort. You’re seen as knowledgeable, experienced, and as someone who has information of value to add to the conversation. Step into one or several of these roles with your well-earned reputation:
- Thought Leader. A thought leader’s voice holds authority in her field. Not only does she have her finger on the pulse of current conversations, but she’s able to anticipate emerging problems and solutions. Thought leaders engage in the defining conversations of their time, with knowledge of the latest developments and fresh insights. Networking with other movers and shakers online, at conferences, and through professional publications will ensure you’re making your mark with the right people. Being considered a thought leader will open doors to further opportunities, solve problems, and make changes you care about! (More about being a thought leader here.)
- Endorser. As a respected voice in your field, you may be approached to endorse products, programs, or other people—you may also decide to seek out endorsement deals with brands you believe in! Your reputation means that your opinion and recommendations are valuable, both to you and to others aiming to make an impact. Embrace the power that comes with being well-regarded, but be sure to only endorse products, programs, and people you really believe in. Tying yourself to subpar brands making a quick buck or people who can’t see projects through will affect how others view you. Be judicious and use the skills you gained while building your personal brand to choose authentically and wisely.
- Advocator. Use your platform to speak out about issues that are important to you! What are the pressing problems of our time that you feel passionate about, and how can you build will to make real change around these issues? There are some great suggestions here on how to get started. The work may turn out to be more rewarding than you can even imagine! From food instability to mental health awareness, racial justice to medical research, there are countless opportunities for you to get involved, get your followers involved, meet amazing people, and make a difference.
- Salesman. Because of your reputation, your people will trust your recommendations. Is it time to create the product or program you’ve been dreaming about? Maybe it’s time to link with companies that offer products in your field of expertise and begin to work in sales. You’ll be more competitive for these positions because you’ve established your personal brand. As an expert in your field, you offer knowledge that others simply don’t have! Here’s a great piece about what expertise brings to a sales position.
- Community Builder. You’ve defined your audience. What qualities do they share? Can you find ways for them to connect with each other, either on your website or blog, on social, or in person? Building supportive niche community around your brand, including your field, your areas of concern, or facets of your identity (and intersections of these) enable you to market new products, engage in new kinds of discussions (hello, book clubs!), and make new and meaningful connections. Niche communities are getting a lot of buzz, and you can be part of this growing opportunity!
Regardless of where you go next, you will find success when you make choices that are authentic to you and your brand! Be sure you never lose touch with the heart of what makes you unique! It’s ALL ABOUT YOU!
