FACT: Branding isn't just for companies. We as professional individuals also have our own story to tell, goals, skills, expertise and perspective to share. We live in a digital world and in it a personal branding is no longer a nice-to-have, it is expected.

What is a Personal Brand?

A personal brand is somewhat similar to a corporate brand. It is:

Who you are
What you stand for
What your values are, and how you express them
What your goals are
What you offer
How you are different than the others.

It is your story...

Why is Personal Branding Important?

I have a client who comes to me for several photoshoots a year. Once he told me this story that the company hired two trainers within a year. One of them came with experience written on his Resume but the other one had a very strong social media account where he shows his talents and training capabilities with photos and videos. In the end the trainer who had an inspiring social media account ended up signing a contract for no less than 50% higher salary than the first one. This is true. I can tell you the name of the organization if you ask me offline.

Your story is your identity. It is an important influencing factor for managers during hiring process. It should demonstrate and reflect your strengths, establish a reputation (online and offline), and help build trust. Your personal brand will be one of the decision making point for employers.

The same applies not only for new hires but also those who are looking to change careers and go into a new company or a new field.

Developing a personal brand might sound challenging but there are simple steps to take to build it around your name. Here is a short list and how I can help you get there.

Personal Branding Photography Session at Nordix

2. Find out what you want to be known for.

Your personal brand is beyond what you're today. It is rather in road map where you want to get. It's a good idea to assess your strengths and weaknesses and demonstrate the ones that will help you to reach your goal for the next step.

3. Define your audience

This is one of the first questions I asked my clients to come to me to create a personal brands. You need to determine who you're trying to reach and impress. Is it a company or specific manager? Recruiters? The sooner the better if you find the audience the easier it will be create your story.

If your target audience is hiring manager of the recruiters, you might start by updating your LinkedIn profile because 90 per cent of recruiters leverage social media to find high-quality candidates and check the background of the candidates. If you're willing to updates or create your LinkedIn profile you need to start with a professional head shots so the first impression that people will have about you will be positive.

4. Check your desired company and follow the experts and leaders

As you start mapping out the goals and career as you want, I suggest to go on a research with the experts and managers in those roles. Find out who those leaders are and follow them, go online and find out if they have blocks or were they contribute their vision. Also look for other people were successful and examine what they are doing. Get inspired, even imitate them and then do even better.

6. Find a mentor and ask for a call

This may sound scary but it's usually easier than you think as most of the managers are going to be very genuine and generous. When you get to speak with them you can ask questions to find out more about the desired field and they will help you find out a wise plan.

How did you break into the company or industry?
What steps would you take if you were to make the transition all over again?
How do you see the future of the company / industry?
How do you stay up-to-date with trends?
Are there any professional or trade associations I should join?

7. That famous elevator pitch

When I was a corporate worker I never met any leader in an elevator but usually in the men's room but I guess it is the same concept.

No matter what you do, you need to spend some time to create an elevator pitch - roughly 30-60 second story about who you are, what you are good at and where you want to go next.

It can be a network event or just speaking to a potential client, your first 30 seconds is the most important time to impress.

8. Network

As you have a good personal brand, now it is time to grow your professional cycle. Connect with peers and leaders for formal but also informal events. Did you know that 80% of jobs are filled through netwoking? So make sure you are meeting the right people in the right time but be sure you have your social media is also carefully cultivated before you go.

9. Grow your online presence.

One of the most important aspects for a succesful personal branding is making sure your online presence is engaging to hiring managers, other managers in the company and others.

I always suggest a complete makeover in your social media. When you have the personal branding approach, it is worth starting over and create a perfect harmony between what you say to people when you meet them and what you show them in your social media.

Makeover in your social media requires a bunch of great photos that are tailor-cut for your skills and helpful to reach your goals.

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Personal Brand in 2021