You may have asked yourself ‘what is personal branding and why you need one?’ When asked about what personal branding is the simplest way I can explain it is by saying it’s your personality. Most people say a brand is just a website and a logo. Not exactly. A website, a logo, and other promotional materials are visual representations of a brand. A personal brand has a bit more to it.

Personal branding is an identity that stems from a belief and a behavior. Belief and behavior are the foundation of what you stand for and your values. These things lead to having a story. In that story, there’s a passion. In that passion is a uniqueness tailored only to you. You are the brand! 

One thing to keep in mind is not to allow others to define you. You know who you are. Therefore, you let it be known who you are.

Take Chic-Fil-A for example. This particular company invokes an emotion every time you encounter the brand. When you order that delicious Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich meal (my favorite), it’s placed in your hand, and you say “Thank you”. What does the Chic-Fil-A employee say back? “My pleasure!” I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel warm and cared for. Some fast-food restaurants have horrible customer service experiences. Sometimes the service is just dry. The experience somehow makes the food taste either better or worse. It’s the personal touch that makes a brand that much better.

Another example is the Publix grocery store. Their slogan is “Where shopping is a pleasure.” You know what? It is a pleasure to shop there every time. Everything is organized, the food samples are always amazing, encouraging me to check out their recipes, and the people who work there are always helpful and nice.

As people, we are naturally relational. When we build relationships we build trust. Trust is built on consistency, keeping your word, consideration, and intentionality. As we all should know, trust isn’t gained overnight. You have to work for it until your beliefs and behavior are consistent for people to understand and trust. Even when you do gain trust you still work at the relationship. Does all of this make any sense? 

Let’s break this down in a quick exercise.

Belief and behavior define the personal brand.

What you stand for + what you do + how you do it + values = you/company 

1. What do you stand for? This is your belief. For example: I believe we all are called to great purpose and will walk in it and own it 100%.

2. What do you do and how do you do it? This is your behavior. For example: I encourage and empower people to tell their stories and to be unique in who they are called to be.

3. What are your values? This is personal. For example: I value honesty, truth, and integrity.

Essentially, this is the journey to having a foundational personal brand. If you want to connect with your audience you have to be personable. I’m not saying to tell the world your deep secrets or always post your location on social media. Give enough transparency to begin working on a relationship that you intend to have in the long run. 

Where do you go from here? You just need to start. But where? It can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry! I put together a little something called Building Your Personal Brand: A Deep Dive Into the Essential Questions. This e-book will help you develop an authentic personal brand that resonates with your target audience while remaining true to who you are. If this sounds like something you needed last week, grab a copy here!

Rather talk it out? Work with me through personalized coaching and strategic guidance. Book a consultation and we can thoroughly investigate your brand’s identity to ensure consistent messaging, robust positioning, and clear, compelling differentiation.