5,000 brand messages per day, that is the how many the average person is exposed to daily. With all that noise, there are some bands that are recognized the most; Google, IBM, Walmart, Visa, Ebay, FedEx, 3M, and Coca-Cola to name a few. The logos for these companies are ubiquitous – they are everywhere. But what else do they have in common? They are some combination of simple, consistent, and unmistakable. This is what makes them work. Branding is more than just a logo, it is also the message and everywhere it is delivered.
Companies use branding to identify and distinguish themselves and their products from other companies and products. Once the brand message is established, all departments (leadership, sales, and support) and corporate culture can live the message attributed to the brand. Understanding company branding is easy, but have you ever personally branded yourself? If branding works for companies it can work for a person too.
People can use branding to uniquely identify themselves from other applicants, employees, or students. Personal branding allows us to quantify our value, live our value, and then show our value so that others can see it. Once you personally brand yourself you can focus your activities on furthering your brand.
Reasons for personal branding:
- Improving your recognition – The more interesting people find you, the more willing they are to connect with you at social events or on social networking sites such as LinkedIn. Your brand is a part of that recognition.
- Adding meaning – The process of developing your personal brand helps to develop who you are. Your personal brand is what makes you unique. When you live that meaning, you are more confident and those you meet will react positively.
- Accelerating your career – Personal branding is all about connections and relationships. These are the same things that will put you in the right place at the right time for potential jobs, recognition awards, and contracts. Be sure to focus your personal brand to a target audience. Maybe you have set your sights on working for a specific company. Be sure your brand aligns with the company and then live your brand.
Like any other content marketing strategy, content is king, and you are in charge of the content. You are creating a digital footprint that tells all the right things when another person or company is evaluating whether they want to work with you. This is a strategy, not a one-time thing. Building a personal band takes time. The benefits of the new relationships you will build or a new job you are offered as a result can benefit your career exponentially.
Check out these examples of personal branding:
10 Amazing Individual Websites & Useful Personal Branding Examples
8 AMAZING PERSONAL BRANDING EXAMPLES YOU CAN LEARN FROM TODAY