Build Your Personal Brand Image

We’ve all heard about brands like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Instantly recognizable names that evoke specific feelings, values, and trust. But what about your brand? Just like these companies, you also have a brand, and it’s called your Personal Brand Image.

What is a Brand?

A brand is more than a name or logo. It's the total experience and impression people have of a product, service, or company. All three of these companies sell similar products. But when you see them, we bet you have immediate, different reactions for each of them.

What is a Personal Brand?

Think of figures we all know today, like Taylor Swift, Joe Burrow, and Mother Teresa. Their personal brands are distinct, powerful, and instantly recognizable. So what exactly is a Personal Brand?

• It's YOUR story – who you are and what you stand for.
• It's how you differentiate yourself.
• It's also how others perceive you.

Why Does Your Personal Brand Image Matter?

Your Personal Brand Image is important for several reasons:

• It's with you throughout your life and career.
• It affects the first impression people form of you.
• It affects how people relate to you and how you can expand your impact.

Steps to Build Your Personal Brand Image

Now that you understand what a Personal Brand Image is and why it matters, it's time to create your own. By following three key steps, you'll identify your unique strengths and learn how to harness them to make a meaningful impact on the world.

1. Define your Personal Brand Image

Start with a clear understanding of what makes you, you. Ask yourself:

What makes you unique? 

• Your differences are your superpowers
• What is your mix of background, culture, gender, class, ethnicity, etc.?
• What is your area of expertise?
• What's an example of how you have used your background, skills, experience to help others?

What do you value?

• What are some moments when you were happiest? Why?
• What are some moments when you were most proud? Why?
• What are some moments when you were most fulfilled? Why?
• What are words that you used to describe the moments? (Examples: Honesty, enthusiasm, hard work, confidence, perseverance, beauty, family, respect, power, service, achievement, security, generosity, faith, etc.)

How do you show up? 

• What's your attitude? 
• How do you behave/act?
• How do you present yourself?
• Do your actions reflect your values? How?
• How do you communicate and engage others?
• How do you dress and look?

2. Make an Impact

Next, think about how you can leverage your strengths to help the world.

• What type of impact is important to deliver? 
• What’s your expertise?
• What type of situations do you work well in?
• Who is involved in delivering the impact?

3. Expand Your Reach

Finally, consider how you can make a bigger impact.

• Who is in your network now?
• How strong are your connections? 
• Who else would you like to have in your network? 
• How could you communicate your Impact within your network?
• How could you build your network to make a bigger Impact?

Draft Your Image & Plan to Build it

With your personal brand clearly defined - what makes you unique, what you stand for, and how you show up - and have a plan to build it, you’re ready to put it into action. Make it part of your everyday actions, and watch how your strengths make a real difference in the world.