Why Personal Branding Matters?

You possess a personal brand, whether you are aware of it or not. What comes up when you Google yourself? People’s initial opinion of you will come from these outcomes. Is this one up to the same level? Do you consistently share the same content on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms?

It’s likely that someone will Google you to find out more about you, whether it’s for a job interview or a date. It all comes down to whether you want to be in charge of the story or let your internet reputation run away with you. Everyone needs to embrace personal branding in light of the gig economy and the widespread use of social media.

A Personal Brand: What is it?

The well-known phrase from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos reads, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” Prior to the emergence of social media and the gig economy, the term “branding” was exclusive to companies; nevertheless, personal branding is now essential.

The distinctive set of abilities and life experiences that define your own brand. It’s the way you show yourself to the outside world. A strong personal brand will set you apart from the competition and help you gain the confidence of potential employers and clients.

Why is this more crucial than ever?

Building your own brand is more crucial than ever, regardless of your employment status. Recruiters are increasingly using social media throughout the interview process, which is one reason. A 2018 CareerBuilder poll found that 43% of companies use social media to check up on current employees and 70% of employers use it to screen prospects throughout the hiring process.

Employers might derive benefits from personal branding as well. Because it’s a smart business, companies should support their people in developing strong personal brands. Allowing employees to represent the company at conferences or events helps them grow personally and increases visibility for the company.

When employees are seen as reliable thought leaders, they can assist in bringing in new business and keeping hold of current clients. The gig economy is here to stay, which is another reason personal branding is important. The average person changes occupations every two to three years, and by 2020, 43% of American workers will be contract and freelancers.

Author of The Gig Economy, Diane Mulcahy states; there is only one trend that we can identify in this situation, and that is the growth of the gig economy. Businesses will do almost anything to avoid having to hire full-time workers. In addition, workers are becoming more conscious of the idea that they must work in a different way if they choose to, and there is no longer any job security.

Employees must therefore be able to express themselves succinctly in order to differentiate themselves from the competition to potential employers and clients. You can miss out on business if you’re not taking good care of your online reputation.

Master Examples of Personal Branding

Building a strong personal brand takes time to develop. Being able to honestly convey your purpose and aim to your audience is essential. Here are a few well-known individuals who, by perseverance, hard effort, and a long-term vision, have developed amazing personal brands:

Oprah Winfrey: Unquestionably, Oprah Winfrey is the queen of personal branding. According to Forbes, she is constantly increasing the value of her brand, which is believed to be worth $2.5 billion. Oprah has consistently remained true to her specialty, which is inspiring millions of viewers to reach their full potential and lead the best lives possible. She has encouraged millions of people to be their best selves by staying true to herself.
Richard Branson: Without a doubt, one of the most well-known, prosperous, and visible persons living is Richard Branson. He has consistently adhered to his basic principles, which include taking chances and seeking experience. Being true to himself, he has frequently taken risks that other business titans have advised against, such as absurd PR gimmicks like posing as an airline flight attendant. Due to his unconventional approach and unwavering dedication to his interests, he has developed a strong personal brand. “Too many businesses want their brands to reflect some idealized, perfected image of themselves,” claims Branson. Their brands thus lose their texture, character, and public trust.
Marie Forleo: Marie Forleo is an incredibly motivating educator, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She is an expert in sharing thought-provoking information in a lighthearted and captivating manner. Marie, who has a fan base in more than 195 nations, urges her followers to alter their lifestyles in order to transform the world. Her genuineness and love for serving others are highlighted on her website, which reflects that of a personal branding specialist.
Gary Vaynerchuk: Vaynerchuk, often known as Gary Vee, began his career as the host of Wine Library TV, a YouTube video blog. He reportedly paid over $1 million for a 10-book deal with HarperStudio in March 2009, at which point he published his debut novel, Crush It! Why October 2009 is the Perfect Time to Profit from Your Passion. He now ranks among the world’s most successful marketers and enjoys a sizable, devoted fan base. According to Vaynerchuk, “Your reputation is your personal brand.” And the cornerstone of your profession is your reputation, which lasts forever.

Personal branding is more crucial than ever, regardless of your goals—improving your career or increasing sales for your business. It’s not necessary to be Richard Branson or Oprah to have a strong sense of self. It just comes down to maintaining and selectively creating your online persona—and above all, staying authentic! If you need help with personal branding, reach out to Trajital, a reputable Digital Marketing agency to help you with your journey to success.