subject: Personal Branding Demystified [print this page] Personal branding is all about you - this statement is so often thrown around every where that it is now cliched. But despite it being reiterated so much, the gist of personal branding remains an enigma for many. It is absolutely essential to understand personal branding for what it is to succeed at it.
A foreword - Personal branding is not new to anyone. In fact it is an endeavor that all of us are always pursuing in our daily lives. It is just that we do not recognize it as an independent process that needs to be focused on. If you are not able to get it, consider an example.
There are two people A and B who are vying for their boss's attention. Both A and B try to impress their boss through their work. What would you call their efforts? Is it not a subconscious effort to stand out or to 'Brand' oneself? It indeed is. Now you probably realize how common personal branding is.
Now that you have seen personal branding for what it is, you have to make it a conscious effort. To brand yourself, you have to project to others your skills, virtues and also a differentiating factor called the USP or unique selling proposition. This determines how different you are from your peers. Difference is essential for a mere name to become a brand.
How would you let others know of you and your brand? You can use all kinds of media to let others know about you. Cards, word of mouth, it could be anything. Perhaps today the most effective media are social media on the Internet. You can reach thousands of like minded people to pitch yourself at a low cost and in very little time.
The need for personal branding transcends all professions. It does not matter who you are. Personal branding is essential for one and all. So take cognizance of it and make efforts to transform your name into a well recognized brand.
