subject: 3 Steps to create a personally branded video [print this page] Personal branding is incredibly powerfulPersonal branding is incredibly powerful. I have seen many different definitions of personal branding, but I would like to tell you my definition. I like to think of personal branding as the ability to have people recognize you before they recognize the product or service that you actually sell.
For example, if I worked at Computer Store USA, I would be an extension of the store brand. I would have to wear their corporate logo shirt, and my identity would be locked into the corporate brand so that I would be known as an employee of Computer Store USA.
Now contrast the above example with an example of being your own personal brand. In my case, I am personally branded as Ray, the Firefighter and Internet marketing guru who loves to help people succeed online. Did you notice that the first thing I was branded as was "Ray"? This requires people to get know Ray first. This method establishes me as the brand instead of the employee of a brand.
So how do you personally brand yourself? Many people have a tough time personally branding themselves because they don't know where to start.
Here are my step-by-step recommendations:
Step 1 Create Your Story: An easy way to start the process is to think about how you would you like your story to be told. Your story should have a personal side but also a business edge so that people can see your personal values and understand your business style. Remember, in the very first chapter I said, "Your lifestyle reveals what you value and non-verbally shows others your core values, so it will be equally as important to market yourself offline as much as you market your website online." So, show your lifestyle. People love a good story. Write down an outline that has a beginning, middle, and end that would tell your story in 5 minutes.
Step 2 Create a Video: Creating a video that captures your story is the fastest way to brand yourself online. I would suggest you hire a video graphic designer if you can't do it yourself. This will be money well spent because this video will be working for you 7 days a week and can be the catalyst for the rapid growth of your online business.
Step 3 Promote Your Story: Don't be afraid to put your story out there for all the world to see. Make sure you have your story on your "About You" page. Share your video on YouTube, Viddler, MetaCafe, LiveVideo, Kewego, and Facebook to name a few ideal locations. Make sure your video has a website address and phone number at the beginning and end of your video. Remember, you are promoting yourself as well as your website.
Continue producing content that is centered around your personal brand.
Every personally branded piece of content is like a little fire ember just waiting to get sufficient oxygen to ignite your online business on fire.
