I feel the need to change every September. That used to include dubious hairstyles or pastimes that I gave up after two weeks. I made the somewhat more astute decision this year to concentrate on my professional appearance. Personal branding, in other words. In the “what do people think when they hear my name?” sense, rather than the influencer sense (no ring lights in sight).

Your reputation—how others see your abilities, principles, and character both online and offline—is the foundation of your personal brand. Tightening it up may boost your confidence, lead to new prospects, and help others immediately grasp your strengths—even if you’re not looking for a job.

I divided the process into a few easy phases and relied on resources that made it simpler (like MOO, for the minor elements that create a large first impression) to avoid making it seem overwhelming. This is where I began:

1. Clearly define what you want to be recognized for:

I had to decide what I wanted my personal brand to represent before I could take any more action. It came down to having a pleasant, if not completely crazy, online presence, being a writer, and being creative. I wanted to project a sense of thoughtfulness and approachability while maintaining a lighthearted demeanor.

I spent some time writing in my diary on topics like: What three things do I wish someone would say about me if I were introduced to someone new by a friend? Or what do I want my coworkers to think of me if my name was mentioned at a meeting? I was able to focus on the attributes I really wanted to emphasize by doing this, which also served as a filter for everything else I released into the public. For instance, I made it a point to update my LinkedIn bio to a friendlier, more conversational tone and replace my photo with a less formal one after realizing I wanted to be seen as accessible.

Simple exercises like these may assist you in identifying your “lane” and ensuring that your communications, introductions, and web presence accurately represent who you are. A fun reminder that the process doesn’t have to be serious or stressful, I also came into this Substack piece that offers additional imaginative activities for identifying your unique brand.

2. A physical initial impression should not be undervalued.

LinkedIn profiles and Instagram bios are often brought up while discussing personal branding. However, first impressions often take place offline, such as at a coffee shop, a networking function, or even a fortuitous meeting. This is where having physical instruments is important. Having a well-designed website or personal logo is not necessary, but it may make a big impact.

That meant business cards for me. Since I’m not a designer, I wanted something basic yet elegant, and one of our real graphic designers introduced me to MOO. They are renowned for producing high-end, personalized goods that leave a lasting impact. My cards were simple to design, and the finished product seemed both professional and authentically me.

Carrying cards has changed my life since I work remotely and don’t have colleagues to share my information with. A week after I offered one to a participant at a nearby writing program, they contacted me with a freelancing job. Evidence that little things may have a big impact.

3. Update your web presence:

I posted some fresh writing samples to my portfolio and LinkedIn, archived some old pieces that didn’t seem like “me,” and changed my Instagram bio to better match my voice and current job since it was long time to update my online accounts. Everything seemed more finished and deliberate, even with little adjustments like replacing an old photo, updating my bio in a more casual style, and adding a few keywords related to my business. I just tweaked my profiles to express the tale I really wanted to portray, without completely redesigning them.

Here’s your cue if you’ve been putting this off: take a moment to examine your online presence objectively. Consider if the results of a Google search for me today would accurately reflect who I am at this moment. It’s time for a little refresh if the response is negative.

4. Concentrate on the platforms that are important:

You feel as if you must be everywhere while using the internet. The list is endless and includes YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and newsletters. However, attempting to keep up with them all can only lead to exhaustion. I thus allowed myself to concentrate on Substack and Instagram since they supported my objectives and allowed me to demonstrate my competence. My current schedule consists of a few Instagram stories spaced out throughout the week and one Substack piece each week, which is often an essay or personal reflection. That’s all. Nothing overpowering or difficult, simply a beat that seems enduring.

Here, consistency is crucial. Even while I don’t publish every day, I do appear often enough for folks to know what to anticipate. Furthermore, being consistent fosters trust much more than always being flawless.

5. Quit analyzing your voice excessively

You’ve most likely pressed “delete” on a draft more times than you can remember if you’re anything like me. In the past, I would tweak captions until they hardly resembled me. The problem is that your personal brand should really feel like you. I now write as if I were texting a buddy. The comments? People comment that it seems relevant and real, which is precisely what I was previously deleting.

The next time you write a caption, try reading it aloud. Rewrite it till it sounds like you if it doesn’t. It’s simpler for people to connect with you when you seem authentic in emails, LinkedIn posts, and Instagram captions.

6. Request input

It’s beneficial to sense-check your personal brand with individuals you trust, even if you believe you understand it well. I asked several friends and colleagues how I come across both in person and online, and their responses helped me identify blind spots that I never would have discovered on my own.

The secret is to concentrate on those whose viewpoints you respect and who share your objectives. Although you don’t have to take every comment personally, looking for recurring themes may help you improve the way you present yourself and give you confidence that the narrative you’re sharing is genuine to other people as well.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and are based on personal experience and research. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to use their own judgment and seek professional advice where appropriate. The author and publisher are not responsible for any losses or outcomes resulting from the use of the information presented.