When it comes to building a personal brand, many people assume they can go at it alone. They think that branding equates to creating a few social media profiles, sprucing up their LinkedIn profile, and calling it a day. But building your personal brand is not a one-and-done task; it is a continuous process of self-discovery, strategy, and execution.
Remember, your personal brand is much more than just a logo or a tagline – it’s the sum total of who you are, what you stand for, and what you bring to the table. It’s the unique combination of your skills, experiences, and values that sets you apart from everyone else. Having a positive and strong personal brand on social media is essential, as 70% of employers use it to screen job applicants and 43% of employers monitor the accounts of current employees.
To truly stand out and make an impact in today’s highly competitive business world, it takes a strategic approach. That’s where a personal branding strategist comes in.
What exactly is a personal branding strategist?
In high-performing organisations, it’s common for people to be highly competent and adept at their roles. But skills alone won’t necessarily win you that promotion or that door-opening meeting with an executive that’s a stepping stone to your next big career move. To truly stand out and clearly communicate your unique value, having an outstanding personal brand is essential.
A personal branding strategist is a professional who helps ambitious employees and self-starters to build a strong personal brand through developing and communicating their unique value proposition. They work with clients to identify their strengths, values, and goals, and then develop a strategy that will help them stand out in the marketplace. This can include creating a strong online presence, developing a brand narrative, and identifying key messaging and positioning.
What sets a personal branding strategist apart from a coach?
When it comes to personal branding, a strategist and a coach serve slightly different purposes. A personal brand coach helps you define your unique brand, while a personal branding strategist takes it a step further by helping you develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to connect your brand to your target audience. They have the ability to look at the big picture and the details – both strategically and creatively.
Think of a personal brand strategist as a GPS for your brand journey. Just as a GPS guides you through unfamiliar territory, a strategist can guide you through the process of building and promoting your personal brand. They provide direction and a clear path forward, helping you navigate the often-overwhelming world of personal branding.
Personal brand coaches, on the other hand, focus more on the individual themselves, helping them to understand and improve their brand, but not necessarily connecting it to their audience. They mostly help with self-discovery, self-awareness, and personal development to better align with your brand.
Why it’s worth hiring a personal branding strategist?
Think about it this way – why would you normally turn to an expert? It’s because they have the skills and specialised knowledge that can help you to achieve your objectives more efficiently and effectively. In the case of personal branding, working with a strategist is worth it for building your personal brand because they bring a level of expertise and experience that you simply don’t have.
They have a deep understanding of the branding process and can help you navigate the complexities of building an original brand from the ground-up. By helping you identify the areas where you need to focus your efforts and creating a plan of action, a personal brand strategist saves you time and gives you invaluable guidance, which will lead to a better, more authentic brand under your belt.
But perhaps the most valuable asset a personal brand strategist brings to the table is their ability to help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Social media and online platforms are constantly changing, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and best practices for how to market yourself and your brand online. A personal brand strategist stays on top of these changes and can help you adapt and create a consistent and cohesive brand across all of your social media and online profiles.
So, how do you choose the right personal branding strategist for you?
– Industry experience matters
The first thing to consider is their level of experience and expertise in your industry. An experienced personal brand strategist who knows the kind of industry you work in will have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities you’re up against. They will be able to offer more tailored and relevant advice, which can help you to effectively build and communicate your personal brand.
– Results speak for themselves
Look for someone who has a demonstrated history of success in helping clients like you establish and enhance their personal brand. They should have a well-established and effective approach to assisting clients in building and promoting their personal brands.
– Align your vision
Another important factor to consider is their approach to personal branding. When it comes to creating a personal brand that truly represents who you are and what you stand for, it’s crucial to find a strategist whose approach aligns with your goals and values. One way to do this is by identifying personal brands of thought leaders you admire and figuring out what it is about their brand that resonates with you. Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can start searching for strategists who can help you bring your ideal brand to life.
– Chemistry is key
Lastly, when choosing a personal brand strategist, it’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable working with. Keep in mind that building a personal brand is a deeply personal journey, so it’s best to look for someone who you can trust and feel comfortable with sharing your thoughts, ideas, and challenges.
The bottom line
Crafting a one-of-a-kind brand is not something you do overnight. It takes time, effort, and a fair amount of strategising. And while it is possible to establish your personal brand on your own, working with a strategist can be the difference between a brand that ticks all the safe boxes and one that resonates and connects with people.