So, What is Personal Branding and Why is it so important in Marketing?

Personal Branding simply put is a clear, powerful, compelling public image

When it comes to business it  needs to sell:

 1)  Who you are as a person

2) What you specialize in doing

3) What makes you different, or how you create value for your target market

This is much more than a logo design and matching pens.  Although, a nice design does build a trust factor that encourages visitors to stay a little while longer. We are talking about total representation and how people view you in their minds. It’s very true that we have already established a brand long before we thought to give it a name. In school we developed a perception of who we are and so did our instructors and peers. Throughout your working career people decide whether or not you are someone who knows your stuff, a great resource, a pleasure to be around, or the person everyone raises an eyebrow at and imagines a “kick me” sign on your back when you turn to walk away.  

Personal Branding is what makes you stand out when it seems like 101 people doing the same exact thing your doing in your field of work. Because let’s keep it real, there is nobody quite like you, DNA proves it!

You are Your company.

As a small business owner, incorporating your personal brand with your business brand is essential to building a business you love as well as  a business that oozes with authenticity. When people shop your business they know they are shopping to support you, their trusty advisor, and online “friend” (if you give that kind of impression). When you are being yourself online and offline, it makes marketing that much easier because you are essentially saying “ buy from me, work with me, shop with me” the awesome person you know, like, and trust.   

Besides a logo and matching pens, have you taken the time to leverage your personal brand to aid in your marketing efforts?

Resources: The Brand Called You By Peter Montoya

Flickr Credit: Ivanpw