For many of us, our business lives will see a new change in direction in the next few years. And in this respect, more and more of us will become our own Personal Brand, including myself. Whether intended or whether out of necessity, there's very likely to be a considerable shift in the way we do business. So what my's reason for discussing about this today? Well if you run your own business, then the likelihood is that your Personal Brand will become significantly more critical for several reasons. Firstly, and if organised correctly, your personal brand will help promote you and your business, attracting your ideal customers. Secondly, by inviting your clients into your (business) "story", allowing them to engage and to understand your brand's ethos, you build up a reputation as an authority, which in turn helps you build a community around your brand.
People buy from others whom they feel they can trust, or relate too.
Personal Branding Photo session.
They need to like you, and more importantly, they believe you, before they will do business with you. To build trust, you need to be authentic and genuine to who you are.
Being genuine with your message is I believe at the heart of your messaging. If your clients feel your being being 'real' and that what you offer is pertinent to their needs, then your message will come across that there's no one else out there who can do it better than you. So be yourself, be sincere and confidence and allow yourself to stand out from the crowd.
We have to now intentionally think about how they can develop a personal brand that speaks to your core or your target audiences.
Luckily building a brand isn't the hardest thing to accomplish, it just takes time and dedication.
So here are five questions to help you get thinking about your own Personal Brand; (I have inserted some ideas that might help you answer what you feel about yourself.)
1) What are your favourite leisure activities outside of your work? Do love to exercise or play sport, playing music, love the arts, or are you big on cooking?
2) What brings out your emotional side? Is it your children or extended family, favourite places, is there a specific type of food or dish, could it be that dancing brings out happy emotions for you?
3) What's your most significant trait within your circle of friends or family? Are you the joker of the pack, are you a talker, do you particularly like to on the one in charge or someone who'd rather be in the background?
4) What are your favourite topics, something with which you can talk about all day? Are you into politics, sport, the arts or sciences? Or do you love the world of fashion, so much so that it's always on your mind?
5) What differentiates you from your friends and family? What’s your own special sauce? Maybe you can ask 5-10 of your closest friends and family members about what makes you different from everyone else – or you may well know already.
Personal Branding Photography - by John Ferguson
We use these questions and answers to understand you and your "brand stories better". We then put together your visual content, that reflects your brand's message and the person behind the brand - you.
Now you have answered the above questions you are well on your way to crafting a genuine, authentic Personal Brand!
If you would like to know more about working with me, or if you need more information on how I can help, then drop me a line here, I'd be happy to help.
