Imagine this. It’s 4 am. You’re standing outside an Apple Store feeling damp and cold, wishing you could be in your bed sleeping. As you exhale, you can see your foggy breath. “It’ll be worth it,” you think. You peek over your shoulder trying to find the end of the line. It doesn’t matter because you and your camping chair were lucky enough to save the 36th spot from the door… Sounds insane right? Most people can wait a few extra days to get their new iPhone. Others need it now! Everyone has a different opinion of Apple, negative or positive. Whatever your stance, there’s no denying that a strong brand moves us emotionally.

What’s in a brand?

Let’s consider your personal brand. Often, you’ll hide behind your images, logo or inspirational quotes when marketing your business online. You’re putting yourself in a neat little “business persona” box. Yes, your customers may be seeing your beautiful photographs, design work or weddings for example. However, an emotional connection is made by showing up visibly and sharing your story. Take Virgin. They own many businesses across the world but no matter the service, there’s a personal touch. This doesn’t come directly from Virgin. Instead, Virgin is associated with the man who used makeup and wore a wedding dress to launch a bridal store! Any project Richard Branson launches is memorable, talked about and shared virally. That’s the power of a personal brand!

Trust Me, I’ve Got This.

Your personal brand reveals your goals as well as your big why. People see the drive and motivation that gets you out of bed in the morning. Your intention becomes clear and people feel like they know who you are. There’s a sense of trust, empathy and comfort when they hear your name. When people start trusting you, they feel secure and certain about your capabilities. You’ll gain their full support in allowing you to help them. If your identity and authenticity are inconsistent, gaining trust will be hard. People are starting to see through the BS bandied about online! They’ll see you as an unpredictable force of nature, making them feel uncertain. A strong brand aligns your audience with your core values and beliefs, creating trust.

No Need to Compete.

We live on a round ball with more than 7 billion people. There’s guaranteed to be someone with a similar skill set as you. But this person isn’t you. They don’t have your story or unique experience in life and business! Personal branding is important in differentiating you from the herd. You’re able to stand out from the crowd for people to see. Guessing becomes a thing of the past as clients know the experience of you before they sign up with you. Personal branding gives you a competitive advantage in improving your identity in the market. Don’t be afraid to share the authentic ‘you’ with the world. Share your quirks, struggles, achievements, goals and what you love to hate.

Becoming an Expert Thought Leader.

You google ‘pot roast recipe’. Countless recipes pop-up all claiming to be ‘the best’. As your eyes scan for important keywords that are worthy of a click, you recognize a familiar name. It’s Martha Stewart. “She definitely knows how to make a mean pot roast,” you think while saving the recipe. So why choose Martha Stewarts recipe over the others? Because we know she is a brilliant chef. Personal branding shows people you’re an expert in the field. You become recognized for your skills and leave a lasting impression. Your opinions on topics you know get listened to, shaping your audience’s lives. You too can become the Martha Stewart of your industry.

Good Weather Ahead in the Financial Seas.

Everyone needs money. Money buys you necessities and can be used for the little luxuries we all lust after. Now, you might not become the next billionaire tomorrow, but a strong personal brand means you can work with clients you love and increase your rates. New connections will be made and you’ll experience an exponential network effect. As they say – it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Doors start opening for you and things snowball from here. Speaking events and guest blogging are possible opportunities. Ultimately, a strong personal brand means a higher income.

What Are You Waiting For?

You know the importance of building a strong personal brand. Now it’s time to take massive action! A good place to start is by looking at your online presence. Make sure your website and social profiles share the same voice. Don’t be afraid to share your knowledge. This can be done through videos, writing, or general conversations with your audience on social media. The most important thing to remember in your personal branding journey is to be you!

You can find me on Instagram @segeriusbruce where I share my life and my inspiration.

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