Personal Branding

What is your personal brand? If you do not have a clear answer to that question, it is time to formulate one. In fact, it is always time to formulate one, because personal branding is an ongoing process.

Wherever you work, in an organisation or out on your own, managing and promoting your individual brand means being yourself for a living. We all need to know what we offer, to whom we can be of service, and how they can benefit.

Because you are always growing, and clients’ needs are constantly changing, your personal brand is ever-evolving. It is refreshed with every business encounter. As an established consultant, I still refine my personal brand on a daily basis, which is an exciting part of operating in the new economy.

Your personal brand belongs to you and is not synonymous with the place you work. It may function within a broader brand, but it should never lose its own identity. As the founder of BEntrepreneurING, the people development consultancy, I am part of that brand but I am my own brand, too.

I run the training business with my partner, but equally I am called on personally as a growth-promoting consultant, coach and speaker. As I am good at doing complete projects that turn vision into reality, I am contracted to bring about short and medium term business vision by inspiring and developing people.

I use my ability gained from building my business to support others building theirs. I may often do this under the BEntrepreneurING banner, but I always do it as Robin Wheeler, my personal brand.

Here are some tips for building your personal brand:

1. Define the essence of your service and value, and convey it concisely according to each project’s needs. The more work you put in behind the scenes, the more effectively you will know and communicate your worth. There are no shortcuts to a quality brand and business.

2. Market yourself creatively and persistently. Get you name and services known in the marketplace or organisation, and keep your brand in good view. When marketing, give people something of value and mention your services as an extension of that.

3. Reinvent yourself continuously. At the end of last year I re-evaluated what I offer, what the market needs and where I want to head next. As much of my earlier business vision had been realised, I reinvented my personal brand to do more consulting to companies to ensure that people perform at their personal best and realise their collective vision.

Operating as a personal brand keeps you relevant, fresh and inspired. It is tough world out there, but it is great growing stronger in yourself and your business every day!

Your personal brand is your biggest asset, your stake in the economy and your ticket to personal success. Identify it, grow it and enjoy it.