10 Ways to Create Your Best Personal Brand
You are going to have the most success and create your best personal brand when you are genuine and true to yourself. When you work with your strengths and natural talents rather than work against them. When you go against the grain and fight to be someone your not or imitate someone else it is going to be much harder to create your best brand. As Judy Garland put it, “always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
When you fully understand yourself and your strengths and put those on the table you are going to attract people who like you and like what you have to offer. As you reveal your true self you are attracting people who find common ground with you and want to work with you, buy from you and interact with you.
Here is my list for staying true to yourself and creating your best personal brand:
1. Be Genuine Being authentic and genuine is so important for your brand. People can see through an act and tell when you are not being authentic.
2. Stay Consistent Stay consistent with the tone and feel of your brand. When you are writing try to stay consistent with your style and try to write how you would speak. Work to keep a similar look or feel all across your social media sites. This will help with your brand recognition and make it easier for people to recognize your brand in multiple locations.
3. Give Value Give as much valuable information that you can. What things do you know that would be valuable to others? As part of your brand share what you know and share the things that have helped you out. You will build respect and build your brand when you are giving people value.
4. Keep it Simple You don’t have to over complicate things to create a killer brand. The old acronym K.I.S.S. or “keep it simple stupid” is a good way to look at creating your brand. Be clear, consise and to the point and you will be much more effective than being long winded.
5. Work with your strengths and not against them If you are good at certain things focus on those strengths and use them to your advantage in building your brand. Don’t try and fight your natural abilities to be something you think you, “should be.”
6. Distinguish yourself The more you can distinguish your brand the better off you are going to be. What makes you different than your peers? Spend time finding out what others are doing and figure out how you can bring something different to the table.
7. Educate Yourself One of the best ways to build your value is through continuing education. Working on your personal development and spending time learning daily will greatly increase your knowledge and therefore increase the value of your brand.
8. Network Networking is an important part of creating your brand. You have a great opportunity to meet a variety of people when you are out there networking. Building relationships through networking you have the ability to represent yourself in a positive and memorable way. When you are networking with people don’t make promises you can’t keep. Be true to your word and help people when you can. One thing I can’t stress enough is to not spam people or lead any networking opportunity with a sales pitch. This is a quick way to turn people off and detract from your personal brand.
9. Add Your Personality Be yourself, let your personality shine through. You are not going to be every ones cup of tea no matter what. You can work tirelessly to try and cater to everyone but will find you are spinning your wheels. Be yourself and you will attract people to your brand who like you and like what you have to offer.
10. Be Approachable Being friendly and approachable will help build your brand. One small way I think you can represent yourself as friendly online is to use a nice photo of yourself where you are smiling. You seem much more approachable and less intimidating when you are smiling and look friendly and warm.
Be true to YOU: your strengths, your values, and the unique things that only you can add. When you do so you will be well on your way to creating a strong brand. I would love to hear other things you think are important for building your personal brand.
I always appreciate you sharing my posts with your friends on social media.
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I love living life to the fullest and I am complete believer that life is what you make it. I love to empower and encourage others to go after their dreams. Why not? Life is too short not to enjoy it or go after what you want. |
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Neat top 10 list you have there Angela! #1 is a must in my opinion. There is a bit of a contradiction in the mass networking realm with many people trying to build their brand like a virus.
Like an infectious disease – everything is automated -twitter messages – youtube subs -even blogs outsourced – a million connections are created without an ounce of personality – and it seems a bit soulless to me if its all ‘just a numbers game’
Thanks for sharing
Cheers Kiaran from mostly sunny Perth!
kiaran´s last [type] ..Wake up and Smell the Roses-Coffee-Chocolates-The Life Balance Paradox
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Yes, I have seen that too. A lot of people not putting any of themselves into their social media just setting everything on autopilot. I think those people will find they are not as successful if they are building their brand like a virus with no interaction.
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Angela,
I like your ways to create your own brand. Very clear, easy ways to build yourself as a presence online. These are so key to everything!
Being open and honest by being yourself is the only way to share!
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
I agree you have to be open and honest and be yourself. If you are trying to be something your not you are going to be unhappy.
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Hey Angela, some excellent points you cover here and very clear and easy to follow.
I love that quote by Judy Garland, and it is on my wall here in my office to remind myself of it when I feel myself getting into a bit of a slump.
Great work
cheers
Nat
Nat´s last [type] ..I Found It – Wibiya’s Cool Cousin!! What Is It and How To Install It!
Twitter: natalielouiseau
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Hey Nat! That quote is one of my favorites too. Thanks for your comment!
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Hi Angela,
your tips are important guidelines when it comes to setting an online identity. The most important piece of advice ? Probably be true to yourself. What do you think ?
Thanks for sharing.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend´s last [type] ..Are You Able To Say “No” To People Questions- Only Questions
Twitter: luckyoliver70
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
I do think that is one of the most important. If you are not true to yourself you are not going to be happy and people can tell. Thanks for your comment!
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Hi Angela,
I love your top 10 list and I think your suggestions fit most things in life, like friendships, marriage, parenting, etc.
Great post!
Heather
Heather C Stephens´s last [type] ..The No Traffic Obstacle- A Beginning Bloggers Guide to Get Over It!
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Hey Heather! Thanks, that is true a lot of these things could translate into other areas of your life. Thanks for your comment!
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Angela,
Very well put… great list here!
It’s always the simple things that
people don’t want to follow. We tend
to over complicate things as human beings.
Thanks for putting this together:)
Eric Goldstein´s last [type] ..5 Basic Skills To Creating A Powerful Personal Brand
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Hey Eric! I agree we tend to over complicate things. The more simple and straight forward you can keep it in my book the better. Thanks for your comment!
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Angela – This is a “must follow” list for developing a personal brand! I like the last one about being approachable. That is something I haven’t heard anyone else mention before but it is key to branding. Thanks
Glyna Humm´s last [type] ..Negativity – What Is It Good For
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Hey Glyna! Yeah, I think it helps to be approachable so people feel comfortable connecting with you and coming to you for help. Thanks for your comment!
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My favorite was #7. Every day must be a day to learn something new. Otherwise it has been wasted.
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Thanks! I think learning is so important to moving forward.
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Angela, as with anytime in life, a good foundation will enhance your efforts. These 10 steps are that essential. I’m always interested in seeing them over and over because it is so easy to get out of the grove and start to lose your way. Thanks for posting them again for me.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Hey Nelson! Yes, you are right a good foundation for anything will help you out. I agree it is so easy to get out of the groove, there are several things that I just have to keep rememinding myself of to stay on task and get where I want to be.
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Hi Angela,
Thanks for another great article. I had to smile as I started reading as I’d recently had a heated discussion about personality and video filming. Like you, I believe that you can really only be yourself and to try to be anything else is actually quite dishonest.
I really enjoyed looking through your site and thanks again for this post!
Regards,
Andrew
Andrew Sayers´s last [type] ..Rolling with the punches pt 2
Twitter: Life_Enriched
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Angela Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Thanks Andrew! Yeah, I think it is going to cause more problems in the end if you are trying to be someone you are not. Thanks for your comment!
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Hey Angela
Thats a great list! I feel I am much more ‘myself’ since I started working online! When you are doing videos regularly it’s hard to be someone you are not and after doing the first few I relaxed and became more natural.
I particularly think the smiling profile picture is important to make people feel welcome.
Thanks for sharing this!
Sue
Sue Collier´s last [type] ..Internet-Network Marketing Event Of The Year!!
Twitter: soocee
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Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Thanks Sue! I think I have discovered more about myself and who I truly am since I started working online as well. It just does not work to try and imitate someone else and be something you are not. Thanks for you comment!
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Hi Angela,
This is such a great list and sticking to it will definitely help you create a great brand. A lot of people misunderstand what building a brand is all about. I usually explain it by saying “you’re not a box of cereal!” LOL. That’s usually gets the conversation going on the right path.
One thing I would add is to “give back”, but you’ve actually said that in your “give value”, just wanted to double up on that one because it can be taken in several ways.
Great post! I look forward to reading more in the future.
Best Wishes!
Deb Augur´s last [type] ..Becoming a Super Affiliate Is Easier Than You Think
Twitter: mywebgal
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Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I am glad you emphasized the “give back” point. It really is important to give back and give as much value as possible. Thanks for your comment.
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Hi Angela,
A terrific post and list for creating a strong personal brand. I think that you’ve included something here that not many address and that is ‘not going against the grain’. While it is included in ‘being authentic’ (which is often advised) I don’t think enough attention has been put on it. Thanks for sharing this great list.
Linnea´s last [type] ..Do You Have a Social Media Strategy
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Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Hey Linnea! Yes, I think going against the grain just does not work. You don’t want to go against your true nature or it will be apparent to people. Thanks for your comment!
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Hello Angela,
Excellent advice! First time here, glad I found you. Looking forward to reading more of your articles and as you stated, continuing to educate myself.
Thanks again!
Richard
Richard´s last [type] ..“How To Video”- Creating An Opt-In Form & Auto-Responders
Twitter: RPetrilloMktg
[Reply]
Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Thanks Richard! Looking forward to seeing you back again!
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This is a good list of things to be aware of. Being Consistent, approachable and giving value are key but all of those are needed.
Melodie Kantner´s last [type] ..EFT – Release Emotional Blocks To Network Marketing Success
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Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Thanks Melodie! I agree with you saying that being consistent, approachable and giving value are some of the most important things when building a brand. Thanks so much for your comment!
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Hey Angela,
Thanks for this very helpful post. A lot of us didn’t have the skills needed when we first started our businesses so we pretended to be other people. OK I admit it. I would have done anything to have the exact personality, skills and presence that the top producer in my company has.
What I came to find out is that it takes a significant time investment in sales and marketing training to reach this level.
So I agree, 1. Be Yourself….Someone thinks your great!
Keep providing this valuable info.
Always balancing,
Rafael
Whatever you selling, they’ll take two!
Rafael Cantu´s last [type] ..Blogging – Content- Content- Content
[Reply]
Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I like how you say, “be yourself, someone thinks your great.” This is how you will start creating your brand because you will start connecting with people who like you, your brand and what you have to offer. Thanks for your comment!
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Angela,
Your list is spot on…and love the Judy Garland quote! You give great value to your readers and your personality shines through your writing as well.
To your continued success!
Robin
Robin van der Merwe´s last [type] ..100 Ways to Increase Your Website Traffic
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Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Thanks Robin, I appreciate your nice comments! I always have loved that Judy Garland quote too.
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Angela,
All excellent tips. I continue to have difficulty with #8. But I continue to reach out and try. I always look for ways to close my gaps.
Jeremiah M. Wean´s last [type] ..The Basics of A FHA Loan
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[Reply]
Angela Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Hey! It can be difficult, one to find time and one it might just not be something you are naturally good at it. It takes work but it does get easier. Thanks for your comment.
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Yes… You guessed it… My favorite is #7. Continual learning is what makes YOU interesting and it is what make YOU worth listening too. We all are journeying through this wonderful life. Why wouldn’t you want to make life better for yourself and others??? Yes Angela I KNOW YOU do but what about some of the other folks who do not read your blog?
Thanks for the great list. Is this YOUR personal list of a compilation of others?
Teach Jim´s last [type] ..A Single Training Now Affecting Hundreds in TSA
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Angela Reply:
September 19th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Yes, I think #7 is one of my favorite too. I think we need to constantly be striving to learn, grow and improve. Thanks for your comment!
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Hi Angela,
Thanks for sharing such a great message. I am passionate about personal branding and it is an important part of my coaching program. I teach that we all have unique talents and strengths and our brand should play to these talents and strengths. It should be simple to understand and to see what we are about. Every point you make is important but my favorite is no 1 – be genuine! that is where it all starts.
Thanks for sharing,
Clare
Clare Kelway´s last [type] ..By- Tweets that mention Clare Kelway on Attraction Marketing and Core Values Leadership – Topsycom
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Hi Angela,
I really liked your article. I always call my son “my best creation” but, I can also apply that to myself as being my best creator of what I choose to do. So becoming my own brand makes sense. It’s wonderful to live in a time where you can create your own brand and it’s accepted and encouraged. Your 10 tips were great!
Lesly Federici´s last [type] ..What’s in a Leader
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Great points on building ‘your best brand’. It is so important to be yourself and be real. No one wants to do business with someone who is not authentic.
I think that it is our individualism that makes each of us appealing. Being true to yourself and to those you are building relationships with is the best way to create lasting, valuable relationships.
Great post Ang!
Wendy
Wendy Hewlett´s last [type] ..90 Years of Life Experience
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Walk Disney said it best: “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.” And your personal touch to it and you’re golden!
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Work with your strengths: that’s the one I’m focusing on. A couple of years ago I read Marcus Buckingham’s Now, Discover Your Strengths. After listening to a recent podcast, I learned that the pod-casters have divvied up their business according to each other’s strengths. What a great way to put our strengths to work. I just received my copy of Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath, and I’m looking forward to taking the online test which pinpoints your top 5 strength areas. These will be foundational to my own personal brand.
Steve-Personal Success Factors´s last [type] ..Now You Can Have Optimism: The Key To Personal Success
Twitter: steveborgman
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