​​​Branding is everywhere.

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Anyone who is serious about being noticed needs to have a brand identity to stand out from the noise. The most successful companies and individuals do just that. What do Beyoncé, Oprah and Lady Gaga all have in common? They have a strong sense of self and think carefully about how they present who they are, what their story is, and what their values are to the public. 

 

Branding is key for those who want to be remembered and take their career to the next level. Whether you are a small business owner, a college student, or the CEO of a successful company, branding, specifically personal branding, is essential to your career success. Personal branding can, and should, be used by anyone who wants to up their game in the job market, grow their business, or share who they are and what it is that they do. 

 

In this blog post, we’ll cover 6 points that will help you on your personal branding journey: 

• How to get started 

• How to zero in on what makes you tick 

• How to fully embrace who you are 

• How to tell your story 

• How to be consistent

• How to deal with fear 

 

 

What is personal branding? 

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It is the opportunity to present yourself; what your values are, what drives you, and what you’re passionate about. Essentially, you take your best traits, skills, interests and work accomplishments, and roll them all into a package that people can easily understand and get inspired by. It doesn’t have to only be what you post on your website and Instagram; it goes further than that. It extends to how you present yourself at work, how you talk to your friends and family, and how you have fun; these are all a part of your personal brand. 

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Why is it important? 

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It’s important because how else is anyone going to know all the exciting, interesting and unique layers that make up who you are? Carving out your brand can set you miles ahead in terms of success, because what it all boils down to is this: when people feel like they can relate to and connect with you, they want to be part of your story. Whether that’s giving you your dream job, buying your super cool products, or just listening to what you have to say, it’s all about showing the world why they should care. 

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So, how do you do it? 

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Now for the age-old dilemma of getting started, especially with a task that can seem so daunting. But fear not! Putting together your personal brand is easier than you think, once it's broken down into smaller steps. The most important part is to take your time, start early (you know, before you suddenly need an “About” blurb for your work bio), and take deep breaths. 

 

 

Here, we’ll break it down for you on how to get it done so that it’s thorough, concise, and stands out. 

 

Observe

 

Take some time for self-reflection. Answer questions on what you like doing, what your goals are, what you’re passionate about and what your strengths are. Make sure you don’t just focus on your job title or the career you’re striving for. Bring your hobbies and topics that you care deeply about into the equation. Also, ask yourself, what do you want others to think when they hear your name? Is the way others see you consistent with how you see yourself?  

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Choose a Niche 

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What do you spend most of your time doing? Do you play video games? Read fashion magazines? Or do you always know what the best vegan recipe is? These are the things that will help you determine your niche and help you to appear unique. Things that you already love doing should be woven into your story (even if you don’t do them in your day job!), because you never know what doors they will lead to and open. 

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Be Authentic

 

This one is very important, especially if you want to ensure the longevity of your brand. You want to be able to build and maintain your image throughout your career, and authenticity is at the centre of it. Being authentic to who you are will not only make you happier but will also allow people to connect with you on a deeper level.

 

 

Tell a Story 

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How did you get to where you are? Did you have a career before the one you are in now? Does your mission to clean up the planet touch everything that you do? Narrow down how you can connect the dots of your life to tell an exciting and dynamic story. Doing so will get people intrigued and wanting to know more. For example, maybe you were a professional skydiver before you landed your role in marketing, which is a pretty cool thing to be able to say. 

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Be Consistent 

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Consistency is key! No matter where you are expressing yourself, whether on social media or during a work presentation, being consistent with your personal brand across the board is important. If you say on Instagram that animal welfare is important to you, make sure that shows up in other areas of your life, for example, volunteering at your local shelter. 

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Lastly, Don’t be Afraid

 

Everyone gets scared to put themselves out there; it’s human nature. It’s critical to keep in mind that people want to know who you are. We are social creatures, and love learning and interacting with each other. Sharing yourself will allow others to connect with you and will strengthen your credibility in your career.  

 

Tips 

• Start building your brand on a free platform like Instagram or a free website builder like Wix.com (Instagram requires more engagement, so if that’s not for you, a website is a great option) 

• Make sure you showcase achievements, awards and significant work you’ve done that you’re proud of 

• Have fun! Showcase your interests and side projects that support your brand 

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Conclusion 

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Figuring out what you’re all about and then putting it on display for everyone to see can feel overwhelming at first. But personal branding is a crucial part of the job market today, and it’s likely here to stay. Getting comfortable with being self-reflective, focused and authentic to who you are will make your personal branding story (and career) a roaring success.