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If you are planning on growing your business and looking for ways to achieve results then think about this…You can 10x your success if you do this one thing: Commit to creating your personal brand.  And if you are thinking “I have no idea how to do that-you are not alone!”  This article uses Roz Usherof’s book “The Future of You: Creating Your Enduring Brand” as the blueprint to building your personal brand..

Before we embark on this project-remember we are striving for progress-so that when we look back, we can think- ‘Yes!  I did that!’ Don’t worry you got this.

5 Steps to Creating Your Personal Brand

1. Conduct Your Own Personal Market Research

For entrepreneurs familiar with focus groups-understanding habits, experiences and perceptions directly impacts the way brands plan strategies.  It is no different for our personal branding-we need to first know where we are to go forward.  This is the hardest part of the process-don’t let it stop you.  Survey what you think is your perceived personal brand and then compare it against what the truth is.  Roz says, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it!”  Remember – knowledge is power.  Harness what others think and if you don’t feel the feedback is aligned with your own perception the good news is that we all have the chance to course correct any time we choose to do so.

2. Create Your Personal Mission Statement

Just like a company who has a mission statement-yours will help remind yourself and express to colleagues, leaders, and your boss-this is what I aspire to be.  Roz identifies that “The mission statement helps you identify and articulate your beliefs and core values”.  Here are her tips to develop your mission statement:

  • “Who? Describe yourself…talents, gifts, and attributes”
  • “What? Outline your goals for the use of those talents”
  • “How?  Describe the outcome, including the impact that you want to make and the impression you want to leave behind”.

3. Find Ways to be Memorable

Consider finding what makes you unique by examining talents you have right now using what people ask you about the most as a starting point.  Think about customers who seek you out for help on projects.  Is there a pattern of something that comes up over and over again?  Roz reminds us that “your personal brand is ‘the sum of every experience others has of you’”. Try using this question:

Create your personal brand and find out what makes you unique by asking this question: “What qualities do I possess that make you think of me for advice?

4. Harness Your PR Power

So how do we achieve recognition without seeming to brag about it?  Roz points to changing our definition of PR to be “the means by which you can share how your unique ability can assist those you seek to serve in terms of getting them to where they want to go.”  How have you helped a client, leader, volunteer, client or mentor shine?  When you take an interest in helping someone else, there is gratitude expressed by the recipient and they are happy to share appreciate for your help.

Still unsure where to go for inspiration-think about LinkedIn.  It is the perfect platform to recommend a colleague-not just click on the recommend a skill but really write a recommendation.  As Roz calls this “…true PR and personal branding is one of drawing attention to what others can achieve with your help and expertise.”  By helping others achieve success you will “become indispensable” and your personal brand will reflect who you truly are.

5. Intentionally Network and share your brand

Now that you have your mission statement, and all the tools in your personal branding kit, it is time to create your elevator pitch. Identify where you can share your story-at networking events, industry events, as a speaker and even guest commentator on a blog or industry publication. Visibility to who you are will help perpetuate your brand.

A note of gratitude about this book and to Roz Usheroff. She is truly someone who exemplifies her personal brand.  One of the things she says in the closing of all of her emails is “Always Be Amazing”. Her uplifting spirit and incredible dedication to serving others is an inspiration for all of us!

Special Challenge– share your personal brand, mission statement and elevator pitch so we can all build on the amazing qualities you each have.