Ever wonder how someone moves out of obscurity into the spotlight of an industry? Odds are, they’ve developed a successful personal brand.
Building a personal brand means strategically positioning yourself as a niche thought leader and influencer. You bring so much value to a specific industry that your name and success are synonymous. It also helps you stand out as a highly-qualified candidate for a new job.
Gary Vaynerchuk said, “It’s important to build a personal brand because it’s the only thing you’re going to have. Your reputation online, and in the new business world is pretty much the game, so you’ve got to be a good person. You can’t hide anything, and more importantly, you’ve got to be out there at some level.”
So what do you want people to say about you?
What’s your one thing?
Whether you realize it, you already have a personal brand. Your LinkedIn profile, Facebook page and Instagram pictures weave together to form a story to a potential employer. When you intentionally develop your personal brand, you can drive the narrative and present yourself in a way that sets you apart from the competition.
There are countless articles and books about building a personal brand, but a simple place to begin is by asking yourself what you want to be known for. What unique skills do you have that set you apart from others? What kind of projects spark joy for you? What do you value?
Remember, this has to be something you’re passionate about and enjoy doing because you’ll be talking about it a lot.
Start with social media
You don’t have to spend hours deciding exactly how you’re going to brand yourself. You’ll flesh that out as you work. Instead, start with social media.
Since personal branding is all about becoming a thought influencer, you need to share your thoughts in a public forum.
Pick a platform that best fits your interest and start creating the best content you can. For example, if your brand is helping others develop personal brands, you should live on LinkedIn. Post, share and collaborate as much as you can to get your voice heard.
The right platform gets your brand in front of the right people in the right way. And all that could land you the job of your dreams.
Career impact
According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen potential hires. A carefully crafted and curated social media presence can position you as a front runner for the job you want.
Most jobs require some kind of degree, but the skills and knowledge you bring beyond that is what can skyrocket your career. shows potential employers that you’re innovative, hardworking and strategic before you even have an interview.
Creating a personal brand takes hard work, and you probably won’t get it right the first time. But when you put the work in, you’ll reap the benefits of becoming a respected thought leader in an industry you care about – including a job you love.
