Why Personal Branding is Important

Written by: Chane da Costa

Tardar Sauce is a cat with over 5 million likes, just from effect personal branding.  Do you know who Tardar Sauce is?  If you Google it, you will most likely know exactly who she is. But let me save you the time and energy, Tardar Sauce is known globally as Grumpy Cat. What started out as just a random post on Reddit, turned this cat into a public figure and a perfect example of personal branding.

If personal branding works for a Grumpy Cat, why would it not work for you?

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos says “Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room”.  This is personally the perfect summary of a personal brand, because in essence personal branding is what people think of you.

Whether you like it or not, in this day and age there is always information on you, out on the internet.  The world is focusing more and more on social networks and connecting with those individuals whom they share similarities with.  This trend has become so popular that is has even starting affecting ones professional career.

Brands are normally generalised around superlatives. For example, Starbucks has quality coffee, Hooters waiters are hot with big breasts and Iphone is the best phone. Your online personal branding should be clear about the promise of your value to people. This is what you are naturally good at, what makes you great and what makes you unique. Often these characteristics are part of our natural behaviour that we don’t notice it. If you are struggling to ordain your differentiator, ask your family, friends and acquaintances what makes you unique and valuable to them and what you do. This will assist you in creating a clear value that you can promise people.

Previously, branding was orientated around companies, ensuring a holistic outlook is portrayed to the public. As times have changed and information has become available at our finger tips, not only do companies have to manage their brands, but so do public figures, celebrities and every other person out there. Industry leaders have even started dedicating a lot of time and effort in creating and maintaining their personal brand to ensure they are known for their unique brand.

So how do you create and maintain your personal brand?

Choose the social media platforms that you enjoy and want to be followed and known on. Here are some popular platforms you could consider:

•  Facebook
• Twitter
• Linked-In
• About Me
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Blog
• Klout
• Behance

It is always better to create the foundation of the content displayed about you online. The top Google searches on your name should be about the content you created. This is so that anybody searching your name on Google will view who you are and how you want them to perceive you on your personal content.  Always update and maintain the platforms you decide to sign up with. Imagine what your social media platforms say about you, if they are left collecting dust online.

A recent article Why Should You Care About Personal Branding? On the Undercover Recruiter Blog listed 5 great reasons to create and maintain your personal brand.

1. Grow your network
Expanding your network is hugely important to business success, it opens up avenues you never thought of. When you have a strong brand you will notice that people want to know you and help out any way they can. Your personal brand works like a magnet and it attracts like-minded people which can be very useful for your business or career, just like you can be useful to them. Networking is all about karma, help others and they will help you.

2. Attract opportunities

As a result of your expanded network and you having a strong presence online, not only will people help you but some will actually have relevant opportunities for you. This could be a customer referral, a joint venture, co-writing a book, a new job or an investment in your business. Your personal brand demonstrates success and that is what others will be looking to tap in to.

3. Establish credibility

Your personal brand is your unique promise of value and as long as you add this value to others on a consistent basis, you are gaining trust and credibility. This trust will be your best and cheapest promotional activity, as word travels fast when you do great work. Let your customers be your fans and become your brand ambassadors.

4. Increase your online clout

As you build your personal brand, you will notice that you get a loyal following online. This following will put you in a position of influence, as others listen to what you have to say. You can turn your clout into business as long as you do it in an authentic and trustworthy manner.

5. Securing work

A magnetic brand will ensure that you keep busy. You and your services will always be in demand, as long as you live up to your personal brand. This is a good comfort in case your workplace is facing downsizing, or one of your biggest clients are in financial distress. There is little you can do about external factors but you can rest assured that your strong brand will help you attract other opportunities instead.

Transforming your name into a personal brand that others will recognise and follow is a smart move in terms of a career and long term success in a business aspect. By Differentiating yourself from other individuals or competitors in your industry, potential employers and customers will immediately notice the value that you are offering them on these platforms. Therefore, to place yourself in a position of growth and a high sense of demand, it is essential that you create and maintain a strong personal brand online.