10 Personal Branding Tips for Entrepreneurs

 

As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to forget the true value of our own brands. We are so immersed in our businesses that we don’t really find time for ourselves.

 

 

It’s we, the entrepreneurs, who are the ones that our customers buy into. People buy into you more than your products or services. If you are good with people, you will always find success selling.

 

 

However, business owners quite often forget how important their personal brand really is. They focus on developing a razor-sharp brand for their business, which is good, but that doesn’t necessarily get the job done.

 

 

The brand of a business is only valuable as long as the business is yours. What happens to you if your business goes under, gets bought out, or even takes a big hit? You’re left in the cold streets left with nothing.

 

 

We, the individual, are the greatest investment. I choose to brand my name first and then my businesses second. Why? No matter where I go, what I do or, how I do it……my brand will carry on with me forever, whereas my businesses may not do the same.

 

 

Here are 10 personal branding tips for entrepreneurs:

 

 

1. Define Who You Are

 

Before we can build a personal brand, we really need to know who we are. We need to know what our goals, vision, and dreams are. When you leave a room, what do you want people to remember about you?

 

 

Whatever it is that you want them to remember about you is your personal brand. You must understand who you are and what it is that you want others to know before you can brand yourself.

 

 

2. What Makes You, You

 

There are millions of business owners and tons of entrepreneurs out there. What is it that separates you from the crowd? This is a very important question to answer before you can build a strong personal brand.

 

 

You have to bring something unique to the table so that people can easily identify who you are. Whether it’s a weird oddity about you, an inspirational story, or just an amazing accomplishment, find something that people will remember about you.

 

 

3. Get Big Testimonials

 

People want to know who you have worked with. There is no bigger boost to someones credibility than a testimonial from a hotshot.

 

 

Find influential people that you have worked with and ask them to provide insight on their working experiences with you. This is a great way to get people to remember you and your brand.

 

 

4. Get Your Own Name Out There

 

When you’re the brand, you’re in charge of getting your own name out there. The best way to get your name out to a large audience is through publicity/PR.

 

 

Share your accomplishments, experiences, stories, and big news with the press. Not only is it great to say you’ve been featured on numerous different high-caliber programs, but it also boosts your credibility.

 

 

5. Teach Others

 

Whether you hold workshops, give keynotes, or deliver great speeches……find a way to help others. There is no better way to build a personal brand than to help others for FREE.

 

 

Share your experiences, failures, mistakes, and give people an authentic learning experience. They’ll come to you with questions and you may be able to develop great relationships with other. Best of all, they’ll always remember you and thank you!

 

 

6. Develop A Website Under Your Own Name

 

Create a website, similar to mine (www.yourname.com) that people can easily find. Use this website to blog, talk about yourself, and brand your image even further. Personal websites are great because it really lets other people get to know the real you.

 

 

Not only that, but if you do happen to go a separate way from your business, your personal website will never go away. It’s also a great tool to have when people search your name online.

 

 

7. Don’t Hide Behind Your Business

 

Be proud of your business and what you do! Add your personal face to everything involved within your business, something the Kardashian’s are great at.

 

 

Tell everyone you are the CEO or Founder of the company and be proud of it! Everyone likes to know the face behind a company, just think of Steve Jobs and Apple or Bill Gates and Microsoft.

 

 

8. Be Involved In Your Industry

 

As entrepreneurs, we need to be involved in our industries and the entrepreneurial world. Whether it’s commenting on the latest happenings or sharing specific news, do something to position yourself as an expert.

 

 

When I say ‘position yourself as an expert’, I’m telling you to give your opinion on things that are going on in your industry. Provide opinion-based comments and thoughts, which others may find interesting.

 

 

9. Network Like Hell

 

Networking is very tiring, it’s almost like a sport. However, networking really gives you the ability to brand yourself with others.

 

 

Whether it’s establishing business contacts or spreading your name, it’s a great way to let others know about you. Networking can lead to great opportunities and it’s something I highly recommend everyone does!

 

 

10. Be Personal

 

It’s hard to really believe someone is always serious. Show people your fun and personal side. Whether it’s posting pictures outside of your work life or simply sharing things ‘behind the scenes’, do something to get personal with people.

 

 

People love to relate with others. Whether it’s on the business side or the personal side, people want to see the human side of you. Be personal, share stories from your life, and have some fun!

 

 

Conclusion

 

Branding yourself is an extremely important part of building a career. You build businesses around products, but you build careers around yourself. These 10 tips will help you develop a stronger personal brand in no time!

 

 

photo credit: Daviel Stosca via photopin cc