Personal Branding for those who can't stand Personal Branding
As our society progresses in this digital age, personal branding has become more vital than ever before. Today, we are judged not only by our face-to-face interactions but also by how we present ourselves online. Often, entire job interview processes are conducted solely online, and many times you'll never meet your main client - only ever experience their digital brand.
While our reputation is formed from people’s real life experience with us, our personal brand is how we want people to see us. It’s the curated image we project to the world - meaning we have ultimate control over it and must govern it before it governs us.
I’ve been working with companies and individuals on “How to Create an Authentic Personal Brand” since I launched Conscious Careers last year and what I have noticed is there are generally three types of people:
1. People who are innate personal branders (smallest group)
2. People who see it as a necessary evil and at times, embrace it (larger group)
3. People who feel physically sick when I talk about personal branding and might even strongly dislike the idea (largest group)
For those who fall into the 3rd category, let me ask you a question: do you have a growth mindset, or a fixed mindset? If you have a growth mindset (which I think you do, because you are reading this article), then let’s entertain the possibility that you are experiencing a healthy dose of resistance towards personal branding for one reason or another.
This is totally normal, by the way. In fact, even “influencers” with a strong personal brand, have had to go through many layers of resistance in order to get to where they are today.
Despite their inner resistance and mental chatter, they pushed through because:
They wanted to increase the impact of their purpose. They knew that they could increase their impact and reach and work with even more people by working on their personal brand.
They understand that we live in a digital world. Whether we like it or not, social media use is increasing and in person interactions are decreasing. It’s becoming even more important to foster a brand online.
They know that if they didn’t own their personal brand, their brand would own them. Either they decide what image they project to the world, or the world decides for them - it’s that simple.
They know that their personal brand is ultimately linked to their value. Having a strong brand gives them an edge of security over their earnings and exposes them to more opportunities.
They know that in order to grow, they must push through the resistance. It’s called expanding their comfort zone.
So if you are still falling into category three, I invite you to question the reason for your resistance. Is it because:
You are worried about what people will think. The opinions of those who love you will stay the same, as will your stellar reputation.
You’re hesitant to spend even more time online. Not everyone needs to be a regular poster, but when people visit your page/ profile/ website - you want people to know who you are at your best and what you stand for. I would recommend having a personal branding makeover, then letting your brand do the rest of the work for you.
You feel like personal branding is a form of bragging and that’s just not who you are. Take a look at your belief systems - is there a part of you who feels unworthy? Or doesn’t want to be seen? Did you grow up in an environment where you had to play small to fit in? Is that belief still relevant and serving you today?
Reflection
Few things were easy the first time we tried them. Speaking, writing, driving a car - all of these things took practice and consistency in order to build competence and confidence in doing them. It’s the same with personal branding.
If you want to know more about how I can help you develop your personal brand, you can download an information pack. If you enjoyed reading this, then share with a friend or subscribe to the newsletter.
