According to Wikipedia, personal branding “is the process whereby people and their careers are marked as brands. It has been noted that while previous self-help management techniques were about self-improvement, the personal branding concept suggests instead that success comes from self-packaging. Further defined as the creation of an asset that pertains to a particular person or individual; this includes but is not limited to the body, clothing, appearance and knowledge contained within, leading to an indelible impression that is uniquely distinguishable.â€
Branding began a great many years ago when ranchers created symbols to put on their cattle and horses to represent their property. They did this with a branding iron.
If This is’ Branding’, What is ‘Personal Branding’?
Personal branding is best described as how others perceive you. It isn’t how you think of yourself, but rather is how other people think of you. When you really stop to ponder this, it can make your head spin. It would be normal to assume that the perception that others have of you wouldn’t really matter. The truth is that it is very important for the personal brand or image you want to project. This has a definite impact on your business, whether online or offline.
Have you ever put your name in the Google search field? You should definitely do this because chances are you will be surprised or even shocked to see what comes up. If you have a profile on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn for example, it is likely that when you do a Google search you discover information about yourself that is on the net. The good, bad and the ugly are out there for all to see.
A Big No-No You Should Never Do
Consider this… if you are posting information about yourself or others that is not friendly, nice or constructive, then chances are you will get negative responses back. All of this contributes to your personal branding. This means if you are attempting to build an online business and there is already a less than desirable perception about you on the Internet, you have to remedy this perception as quickly as possible as it can negatively affect your business.
Intent is also an important consideration in developing your personal brand. What exactly is your intent when posting on the Internet? What is your intent regarding your blog or website? What do you want viewers to go away with when they visit your site? Do you want viewers to like what they read or see there? Do you want them to buy something from you? Do you want them to opt in to your newsletter or special report?
People Buy or Opt In from Those They Believe & Trust
Ask yourself this important question before you set up shop online. Why should people like, trust and believe in you? How are you demonstrating who you are and what you stand for? This is how you create your personal brand. Let others see who you are by how you present yourself, online and off.
Promote Yourself by Branding Your Site Using Logos
Once you have established your personal brand, you might want to get a logo that is a graphic representation and reminder of you, your blog, your website etc. Where your personal brand is how others perceive you, your logo will be a visual reminder for those who see it and then think of your services and products.
You can read more about logos and the importance of having a logo by following this link: Why You Should Have Your Own Logo
