3 Ways You Can Improve Your Personal Brand

“What are some ways you can improve your personal brand?”

This is a question that maybe you have even asked recently. Building a personal brand is often assumed to be reserved for CEOs, company presidents, industry leaders, and the like. The truth is, though, that any of us can—and should—have a personal brand. If you don’t build it, it will still exist, and nothing done well is ever done accidentally.

This article will outline steps that you can take to get started in laying the foundation for your personal brand *AND* includes a FREE personal branding worksheet at the end for your brainstorming. Let’s go!

I. Get Clear About Your Personal Brand

In initial discovery calls with clients, I first want to know who they are: their core values, beliefs, passions, priorities, and goals. This helps me to not only craft the proper strategy for them, just talking through these topics often helps them get clear about who they really are and what they want to build their brand upon. It may not be a five minute realization; it may take months to fully realize what their greatest passions and most fundamental beliefs are.

Here are some questions to help you get to the core of your brand:

• What topic could you talk about for hours if given the time?
• What topics make you most emotional—happy, sad, angry, frustrated?
• What are three main beliefs that you think shape who you are?
• Ask your friends to list three words they would use to describe you. What are they?
• What do you want to be known for?
• What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy in your industry/community/family?

II. Take Action

Once you’ve determined your values and primary focuses—passions, if you will—it’s time to take action. Find organizations with like-minded individuals who share these interests and values. Become more immersed in your community in ways that align with these passions.

Your personal brand has much to do with what you say, but I would argue even more with what you do.

I’m sure you know the saying:

Actions speak louder than words.

Don’t let your words do all the talking for you. Take action!

III. Be Social, Digitally Speaking

Once you have narrowed down the pillars of your personal brand, it’s time to become visible and accessible.

Whether you love it or hate it, social media won’t be going away anytime soon. I say it’s best to use it to your advantage. Start small—maybe by sharing posts by the organizations or clubs you’ve become involved in. Slowly let more people know what actions you’re taking. If you’re on LinkedIn, actively share what you’re learning in these spaces.

Take a look at this article to learn more about utilizing LinkedIn for your personal branding efforts:

If you’re passionate about women in sports, share about teams and organizations that you admire. Share podcasts or creators you’re tuning into who focus on this topic. Maybe volunteer to get involved with a local team.

I know this comes with some level of discomfort because it feels like you’re patting yourself on the back, but here’s the deal:

NO ONE IS GOING TO DO IT FOR YOU

As one of my favorite creators, Courtney Johnson (@courtney..johnson on TikTok), often says, “Work loudly.” No one is going to know what you’re doing or what you care about if you don’t tell them. And if it’s important to you, why wouldn’t you talk about it?

“If Your Work Isn’t Online, It Doesn’t Exist.”

Austin Kleon, “Show Your Work”

Just like in marketing a business, if you want to build a personal brand, you have to become comfortable with promotion—but in this case, self promotion. It doesn’t matter the phase in your career or life or your level of experience; it’s not too late to start building your brand. We’re all aware of the benefits of doing so, so what are you waiting for?