NSA Communications

Personal branding is the name of the game. Read my top tips for leaving a lasting impression on your industry or potential employer.

We’re all salespeople, even if you don’t work in sales. This was a piece of great advice from one of my editors during my early days as a journalist.

Daniel H. Pink says, to sell is human. In organizations, heads of departments are selling to their fellow peers in the leadership team to achieve organizational and team objectives, budget and buy-in.

As a parent, I am constantly selling to my kids to eat their vegetables, get to bed, or ready for school.

Your personal brand needs just as much of your time and commitment. Strong and compelling brands are authentic, confident and exude professional command.

Whether you’re in the competitive job market looking for employment, or are a business owner trying the garner more clients to service; effective personal branding is the cornerstone to standing out and succeeding professionally.

Strong and compelling brands are authentic, confident and exude professional command.

How to develop a compelling personal brand:

1. Define your unique value proposition: before you go and pick out your logo, brand colours and professional headshot, it’s crucial to identify and articulate your unique value proposition (UVP). Begin by assessing your skills, strengths, and passions, and then align them with the needs and demands of your target audience. This should be as specific as possible.

According to Entrepreneur, 92% percent of individuals trust recommendations from people over brands. Sales professionals who use social media as part of their promotions outperform 78% of their peers.

Marketers that focus on content marketing and blogging are 13 x more likely to attain positive ROI.

Organizations also rely on employees using their personal branding for social media advocacy which is considered more credible than a branded, corporate message. Leads developed through employees’ social media activities convert 7 times more frequently than other leads.

2. Leverage social media: these are powerful platforms individuals can use to establish and amplify their personal brand. A study by CareerBuilder revealed that 70% of employers use social media to screen job candidates. By curating a consistent and professional online presence across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, individuals can showcase their expertise, network with industry professionals, and gain visibility. Gary Vaynerchuk, a renowned entrepreneur and social media influencer, has effectively utilized platforms like YouTube and Instagram to build his personal brand and become a thought leader in the digital marketing space.

3. Cultivate a strong network: building and nurturing a robust professional network is vital for personal branding. Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Center has found that 85% of job success comes from having superior interpersonal skills. Strong personal brands are built by actively seeking opportunities to connect with industry peers, attending conferences, joining relevant associations, and engaging in networking events. By being a valuable resource and fostering genuine connections, you can enhance your personal brand. Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, has effectively leveraged her network to establish herself as a prominent advocate for women in leadership positions.

By being a valuable resource and fostering genuine connections, you can enhance your personal brand

4. Consistently deliver quality content: creating and sharing high-quality content positions individuals as thought leaders in their field, attracting followers and opportunities. A study by Content Marketing Institute found that 91% of B2B marketers use content marketing to reach their target audience; which has jumped from 82% in 2022. Using blogs, podcasts, or YouTube to share your knowledge, insights, and experiences can also augment your brand. Neil Patel, a digital marketing expert, consistently produces valuable content through his blog and YouTube channel, establishing himself as a go-to resource in the industry.

91% of B2B marketers use content marketing to reach their target audience; which has jumped from 82% in 2022

In an increasingly competitive landscape, individuals must invest in crafting a compelling personal brand to stand out and seize opportunities. By defining their unique value proposition, leveraging social media, cultivating networks, and consistently delivering quality content, individuals can establish a strong personal brand that not only leaves a lasting impression but also opens doors to success in their chosen field.

Are you looking to make a lasting impression on potential employers? Or are you looking to be seen as a thought leader in your industry?

NSA Communications can work with you to flesh out your personal brand. Contact us to be seen and heard.

E: noha@nsacomms.com M: 0405 383 190