Personal Branding: Your Secret to Business Success

You've probably heard a lot about it, and maybe some of it sounds like fluff. But personal branding is actually pretty straightforward and can make a big difference in your business. All the influencers are talking about it. So I thought I'd just go over it and break it down into a simple explainer article.

Personal branding is like showing the world who you really are. It’s about being real and genuine so people trust you. In business, people buy from people they trust. That’s why your personal brand is a big deal. It’s all about building trust and making connections.

I've met folks with tons of followers who still struggle to make money from their influence. They might have great numbers, but without a strong personal brand, those numbers don’t always turn into success. You want your personal brand to not just be about numbers, but about trust and results. There is more to it than just selfies and personal stories. It's about being remembered and associated with specific things, so you become to go-to person for that. It's about build trust so you create preference.

When people trust you, they’re more likely to buy from you. If people don't trust you, they might take their business elsewhere.

The Character of Your Personal Brand

Think about your favourite movie characters. They have depth and personality, right? That’s what you want for your brand. Imagine Indiana Jones—a professor, archaeologist, and adventurer. He’s got a unique mix that makes him unforgettable. Your brand should be like that, too. What are your characteristics you want to be known for? What are the parts of you that make you stand out from everyone else. Share your stories, what you believe in, and what you’re good at. It’s okay if your brand doesn’t show every single detail about you. Be real, but keep some things just for yourself. You don't need to share every aspect of your life.

Showing your personality makes you stand out and convinces people you are the best person for the job. If you try to be like everyone else, you might get lost in the crowd.

Building Trust Over Time

These days, trust is rare. People aren’t sure what to believe anymore. Your personal brand is your chance to be the real deal. Keep showing up, being yourself, and sharing your knowledge. Trust takes time, so be patient. When people need help, they’ll choose the person they know and trust. That’s why keeping your brand consistent is so important.

Trust leads to more clients and a better reputation. Without trust, people might be wary of working with you.

Standing Out with Your Unique Personality

Your personality is what makes you special. When you mix your personality with your expertise, you create something unique. It’s like Liam Neeson in his action movies—he’s known for a certain type of role, and that makes him memorable and the best choice for action-packed roles. Movie producers know, if they produce an action movie with Liam Neeson, it's more likely to be successful. For many people, the fear of being typecast holds them back. They don't want to be known as the action hero person, they don't want to be known as the person who solves X problem. They want to be known because they can solve W, Z and Y too. The problem is media and memory. Yes- we can solve lots of problems, we can do more than one thing, but it's had to stand out and be remembered or build a reputation across lots of different things.

Don’t be afraid to show what makes you different. Sure, it’s scary to stand out, but that’s where the magic happens. Being unique makes you memorable and convinces others you are the best at solving their problems. If you blend in, you might not get noticed.

Consistency is Key

Think of personal branding like a campaign. Keep sharing your message, values, and what you do best. People are always discovering you, so keep it clear and simple. Track your progress and celebrate your wins. Building a brand takes time, but it pays off in the end. Consistent branding helps people remember and trust you. If your message changes too often, people might get confused. You have to say the same things over and over again. It's like an election campaign - you have make your message clear and bang on about it. 

Personal branding isn’t about becoming famous; it’s about being authentic and making genuine connections. When you show the world who you are and what you stand for, you’ll attract the right audience and achieve your business goals. Focus on being remembered for the right reasons, and let your personal brand do the work.

Final thought...

You'll know when you've cracked your personal brand because....

People will be able to say what you do like this.

"Dean's that's guy who talks about building your business on social media right?"

"Yeah. He wears quirky shirts and breaks everything down really well. Got loads of great stuff from him"

😉