Personal branding has become a popular concept in the digital space in recent years. But what does that mean for you, the business owner? Is building your personal brand online really worth the time and effort if your business already has an established brand?
In our experience, yes, it is. Chris Ducker once said, “Your personal brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room.” Like everyone, as Forbes notes, your personal brand already exists in “the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you who you are.” Simply put, it is how others view you.
So, by maintaining your personal brand within the digital space, you can control your own narrative and shape how others see you, as opposed to them making incorrect assumptions that can impact you or your business.
There are other positives to building your personal brand. Here are a few tips on why you should make this a focus – if you haven’t already.
An established personal brand can increase your visibility (and the reach of your company brand)
Social media offers a valuable means of networking or discovering new brands to follow. With that in mind, it is possible, through shared connections, that your personal digital brand might be the first introduction a prospective customer has to your business. As you can imagine, this can broaden your company brand’s visibility and reach, potentially increasing sales or website clicks.
An established personal brand can also have a positive impact on your own visibility. As a business owner, you have valuable knowledge to share. Maintaining a regular social media presence or blog wherein you discuss your insights and business techniques can help to attract more followers and establish a thriving place in your business field.
It makes you stand out in the crowd
Let’s face it: being noticed in the crowded digital media marketplace can be difficult. How do you establish a strong following for yourself and your business when everyone else is trying to do the same thing?
Personal branding can help you stand out from the competition. A strong personal brand that showcases your values and makes an impact is more likely to garner attention, differentiate you and your business from other brands in the industry, and make an enduring impression on your current and potential consumers.
It helps to build trust and credibility with your consumers
As Forbes says, consumers are interested in seeing the truth behind the company brand.
Authenticity is a valued commodity that drives user interest, and creating a personal digital brand offers consumers “behind the scenes” access that humanises your company brand. Knowing there is a real person behind the company and engaging with you as a person helps consumers build a personal connection with you and, therefore, your business.
Along with this, consumers also want to engage with brands that align with their own ideologies; allowing consumers access to your personal values, therefore, has the potential to strengthen your credibility in their eyes. And the better their opinion of you, the better their opinion of your company, with the positive effect of your personal brand creating a halo effect on your company brand.
Ultimately, establishing a personal brand can result in increased trust, a stronger connection and the chance of consumers becoming loyal customers.
Did you know we work with CEO’s and Business Leaders to manage their personal brand? If you are interested in finding out more, get in touch.