5 tips on creating your personal brand

Now that we've introduced personal branding, let's apply this concept and start creating your personal brand.

1. First, conduct an initial Google search of your name and variations of your name, where you live, specific organizations and other keywords that could potentially lead you to anything someone else would find related to your name. In order to develop your personal brand, you need to know what information is already out there, even if it refers to someone else with the same name.

2. Next, take a look at your social media presence and any online accounts you have. What message are you conveying? Would you be embarrassed if a potential employer saw anything currently posted? Quick tip: Avoid showcasing drinking photos, bathing suit photos, and any foul or degrading posts.

3. It may be a time for an online cleanse, or it may not. You need to figure out now how professional you want your online presence to be, and this depends on what career(s) you want. The profile of an aspiring business executive will be vastly different from an aspiring fashion designer, as it should be.

4. Start creating and organizing your goals. Know whether you want to start using a new social media or plan to create a website devoted to your online portfolio. You’ll also need to prioritize the importance of completing these goals.

5. To quote Brand Yourself: “Remember the 3 Cs of personal branding.”
Clarity – be clear about who you are and who you are not.
Consistency – steadfastly express your brand across all communication vehicles.
Constancy – strong brands are always visible to their target audience.