What is Personal Branding?

It's been a while since I dropped a post here, but I couldn't resist sharing some thoughts on the topic of personal branding. As creatives, we all know how important it is to build a strong, authentic brand that sets us apart in a crowded market.

But before I dive into the nitty-gritty, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Back in the pre-digital era, personal branding was all about good old-fashioned face-to-face networking and making lasting impressions. Instead of perfectly curated social feeds, people had to rely on business cards, print portfolios, and in-person introductions to get their names and skills out there.

One key way folks built their personal brand was by attending industry events, conferences, and networking mixers. These were prime opportunities to meet potential clients, collaborators, and influencers, perfect their elevator pitches, and follow up diligently to keep those relationships alive.

Ah, the good old days! While the tools and channels have certainly evolved, the core principles of personal branding remain the same; however, they are different. I wasn't born in that era; we do things digitally here. Your personal brand is still your digital calling card - it's how you present yourself to the world and what helps you stand out from the competition.

So, what exactly is personal branding, and why is it so important for creatives like us? Well, personal branding is all about crafting a unique identity that showcases your skills, expertise, and personality. It's about embracing what makes you unique and letting that shine through in everything you do.

And the benefits are stellar. A strong personal brand can help you establish credibility and trust with potential clients, set you apart from the competition, and allow you to attract the kind of work and collaborators that align with your values and vision.

Now, I know what you might think - "But personal branding sounds like a lot of work!" And you're not wrong. It takes time and effort to nail down your brand identity. But trust me, it's worth it.

One of the best ways to kickstart your personal branding journey is to get crystal clear on your values, your niche, and what you want to be known for. Jot down a few keywords that capture the essence of your creative identity, and use those as a guiding light as you start building out your online presence.

From there, it's all about consistency. Use the same tone, style, and visuals across your website, social media, and any other touchpoints. And don't forget the power of professional headshots and a killer "about me" section - these elements help potential clients and collaborators get a sense of who you are as a person, not just as a creative.

Tell your story; people are drawn to individuals, not merely organizations. Personal branding allows you to reveal what makes you unique by showing your personality, viewpoints, work, abilities, and eccentricities.

Alright, I've covered a lot here, but personal branding is a topic near and dear to my heart. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you the rambling and leave you with this:

• Embrace what makes you unique.

• Show up authentically.

• Watch your personal brand start to shine.

Catch you on the flip side, friends!