10 Tips to take your personal brand to the next level (2-part series) – Part 2
Here are the tips to help you while you are implementing your plan along with some examples to get you started.
1. Be genuine.
Because being someone else is lame. Being “authentic” (such and overused word but actually is what we need to be) is essential. First of all, it’s just easier. You don’t have to keep up a charade. Second of all, it will really help people connect with you. I love working out and add that as part of my personal brand. What is unique about you? Are you obsessed with dogs/cats? Do you sing showtunes in the car? Is your fashion style a little different than others? What makes you quirky is what will make you stand out. Own it.
Think about the most authentic person that comes to mind. How do they show up?
2. Blog.
I’m doing it right now. Why did you come here to learn? It is the same reason others will come to you to learn. Consistently creating content is another way to stand out, because people are going to come to you for advice on your chosen topic. You will build an audience around you and your expertise. Create your own or maybe ask others if you can write for them as a guest poster on top blog in your niche.
Check out Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies. She writes about lifestyle, fashion, and beauty. She has built up her reputation as an influencer and has over 1 million followers. She now has an online store selling fashion. Her self-branding paid off. Build your audience with blogging about topics close to your niche.
3. Step out of the spotlight.
It may seem counterintuitive. We all know that being “on” all the time can take a toll on your life and drain you. And sometimes people need to miss you for a minute to realize how much they love you! Kylie Jenner kept her pregnancy secret even though she is a public figure. She wanted that to be a private, special moment. It’s ok to not share every piece about you and to take a step back sometimes.
4. Provide value.
Help people that you eventually want to sell to. Don’t always be selling and use the 80/20 rule – provide awesome value 80% of the time and sell 20%. Be the brand that educates your audience. Create the video, write the articles, host/speak at the events. When you share your knowledge, you become the expert. When you are the expert people want to buy from you.
5. Be consistent.
This is one I struggle with. I did not start with the plan mentioned from last week. This is the secret sauce though! It’s not just about posting consistently every day – it’s also about having a cohesive look. Some places you will read that your posts need to look the same and others say the opposite. The more consistent it is, the better people will resonate with you though. They will know your brand, and know it is you in a lineup of other businesses.
6. Network.
When you don’t put yourself out there, you won’t be able to practice and master your brand’s voice. Find that networking group (I love Reservoir Career Women, Flowood Chamber, and Madison County Chamber locally). Go to a conference or ribbon cutting. Grab a cup of coffee with someone you don’t know well. Interact with others on social media. The more you interact with others, the more your network will grow. It’s ok to expand into other categories. Someone may be able to offer a different perspective and may be able to offer advice somewhere down the road.
Check out Doug the Pug for an example. Yes, I’m using a dog as an example. Doug has over 3.8 million followers on Instagram. He attends dog events, media interviews, concerts, etc. He takes pics with other “influencers” who share it on their account which extends his network even more! All this to say, when you are with other “brands” make sure to post an image of you two+ together which could strengthen your own brand.
7. Be an expert.
I mentioned this earlier about being an expert. What is your area of expertise? This will help you figure out your niche. If you have an online store selling buttons, make sure you know how to sew and share that info. Become the expert on buttons – how they are made, where they are from, all the uses, types of stitches.
8. Amplify you.
At the beginning of the tips, we talked about being real and authentic. How do you make yourself stand out in a crowded world? Make whatever it is you do, BIG! Take something that is at the essence of your brand and blow it up! If you like fitness, then start competing in competitions and sharing your journey. You don’t have to do something extreme out of your comfort zone necessarily, but you do get bonus points if you do!
9. Be social.
You need human interaction to actual build your business. Respond to messages and comments, send messages including video messages. Take the time to interact with those who are showing you love. They will become your biggest fans. I personally love thanking everyone. It’s one of my core values as a person and business owner. I want to take the time to say “thank you” for anyone who goes out of their way, and I never take it for granted. When someone has a question, answer it. And do it quickly. That’s what the people want. If you post something, make sure to stick around to respond to feedback. While you are waiting for the responses to roll in, reach out to others in your niche and interact with them. It’s very important to show the human behind your brand.
10. Become a creator.
Creators and doers are the ones who have the most success in personal branding. Being controversial can backfire. Ask the toilet-seat licker girl. The safer route is to create something. Create a unique product, have an online store, photograph, etc. This also give you more content to share and builds your reputation as an expert. See how all of this works together.
Bottom line, there are many ways to take your brand up a notch, but they all work together and can create the kind of relationships and buzz to help your brand soar. It may have seemed too big, but even implementing a few of these ideas hopefully makes it feel a little more doable.
Which combination of tips are you going to focus on first? Take it to Instagram and tag me @StyleBrandPhotography
