5 Strategies for Building Your Personal Brand as a Business Owner
Many business owners recognize the value of personal branding but often need help to take the right steps toward building it. Various individuals have succeeded in cultivating their public personas. Yet, internet search and social media have greatly expanded the challenges of personal branding.
Small-business owners are not always in control of their personal brands. Online reviews, social media conversations and digital footprints shape their image in ways they had not anticipated. However, the right strategies can help you manage yours effectively so you can reap the benefits of a strong one and resonate with audiences more carefully.
What Is Personal Branding?
Personal branding involves creating a distinct persona that reflects your values as a business owner. It incorporates elements such as unique selling points to influence how others perceive you.
Despite the importance of authenticity, a recent survey found that 57% of consumers believe fewer than half of brands produce authentic content. By crafting a personal brand with genuine values, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and build lasting customer trust.
The Importance of Building a Personal Brand
A strong personal brand is essential for business owners because it influences people’s perspectives of you. It enables you to communicate your strengths and set a clear vision that inspires the team. However, most business owners fail to market themselves well, and it shows in their company’s perception of them as competent leaders — only 12% of respondents in one survey strongly agreed that their leaders had the proper mindset to lead their company.
By establishing a compelling personal brand, you can lead your employees more effectively and share your vision for success. This aspect of personal branding leads to a culture of trust. It also establishes a sense of authenticity that resonates with employees and customers. As a result, you can encourage many to follow you and start conversations that create a positive reputation for your identity.
Personal Branding as a Small-Business Owner
Creating a personal brand requires several strategies to ensure success:
1. Define Your Brand Identity
It is possible to build a brand when you know who you are and the skills you possess while enjoying doing it. Tune into yourself and identify what you care about most and what makes you different. Approximately 61% of U.S. consumers will buy from brands that reflect their personal values. Use these qualities to craft a value proposition and a personal mission statement to align with your vision and who you see yourself as.
A brand identity should also reflect your personality to stay consistent across all platforms. For instance, Gary Vaynerchuck is a serial entrepreneur and digital marketing guru known for his authenticity and energetic personality. It would be odd for his followers to see him talk about parenting when his content concerns entrepreneurship and success. A clear brand identity is crucial to creating a memorable and relevant image.
2. Embody Your Brand in Every Interaction
To create a personal brand, you must live it daily. Every interaction is a step toward consistency. This includes how you communicate with customers and the way you present yourself on social media.
Every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce your brand identity. Ensuring your actions align with brand values — whether through networking or daily business operations — is important. Doing so will create a trustworthy and memorable experience that your audience will want more of.
3. Share Your Brand Story
Communicating your brand story is another strategy that helps you connect with an audience. Ask yourself what lights up your soul and feels most true to yourself. What challenges and successes have you experienced throughout your journey? Use these questions to craft a compelling narrative and implement storytelling techniques to make your story relatable.
Once you have constructed your brand narrative, use media platforms to share it. Stories help you connect emotionally with your audience, humanizing a brand that customers crave.
4. Identify Gatekeepers to Promote Your Brand
Gatekeepers can be influencers, media professionals and industry leaders who can amplify your brand’s reach. Find these people by attending industry events or networking groups. Seek media exposure through guest blogging or podcast appearances. Building relationships with these people is key to promoting your brand and establishing authority in your industry.
5. Continue Refining Your Brand
A personal brand will evolve as you grow. It is important to return to your brand identity, messaging and strategies and adjust them based on feedback. Be open to adapting because as your audience changes, so will your messaging. Continuous refinement will ensure you remain authentic and aligned with your business vision.
Take Charge of Your Personal Brand
Building a personal brand as a business owner takes time but requires intentionality and consistency. Define who you are and stay true to it. When you implement the right strategies, you can differentiate yourself, inspire your audience and leave a lasting impression in your industry.
