This week saw the return of the Met Gala a celebration that is a highlight on the calendar of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City and attended by the rich and famous.
The benefit, a glamorous, and at times, quirky fashion affair is the primary source of annual funding for the museum and certainly showcases and publicises The Met to an audience far and wide.
Special events and award ceremonies are back with a bang in some parts of the world and haven’t lost their spark. They will always be an important brand building and awareness exercise.
Many associations and organisations hold awards to highlight and promote their individual association or business, raise the bar and quality of work that is undertaken and to recognise those within the group. There are awards of all types, think media, literature, hairdressing, sport, film, music, fashion, architecture…and the list goes on.
Entering and perhaps winning an award creates acknowledgement of your work and dedication, greater awareness of you and your personal brand or business.
I have been blogging for over ten years and before that writing online and magazine articles. With that consistency comes expertise and luckily for me, acknowledgement. I was awarded number two of the top ten of Top Australian Branding Blogs by Feedspot. I have been the recipient of other awards over the years because I put myself “out there.” And so should you if growing brand awareness is important to you.
These tips will help build your personal brand authority and influence.
- Winning awards in your industry will add to your credibility. Many industries, associations and networks host award competitions. Seek out one in your area of expertise and participate. Being seen as a winner in someone else’s eyes will help you believe you are.
- Become a qualified member of your industry’s association or gain qualifications in your field to demonstrate that you are good at what you do. That you walk the talk, are a leader in your field and are believable. This will give you credibility. As an image professional I belong to the Association of Image Consultants International and as speaker I belong to Professional Speakers Australia.
- Belonging to your industry association will give you further insight. Deep learning and understanding of your topic will help you develop content and clearly communicate your knowledge to your audience with confidence. By developing significant insight into your field, you are in a better position to stand out when the media or clients come calling.
- Put in the effort. You know the saying, “It takes ten years to become an overnight success.” Gain the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to become an expert in your field. Increasing your income potential and charging for the value you provide, will help back up your claims.
- Do other people back up your claims? Do you have testimonials or endorsements and referrals from others or to say you are successful at what you do? Display these on marketing documents, proposals and your website.
No matter what your industry or calling – from being a creative through to corporate or coaching services – gaining credentials and qualifications will add to your authority and influence.
Learn more about your brand with the free video series, NOOK, LOOK, HOOK 3 Steps to Build a Stand Out Personal Brand.
Sue Currie is a speaker and the author of IMPRESSario, Present and Promote the Star Within You. She is passionate about helping business executives and entrepreneurial professionals elevate their personal brand, image and professional presence. Sue’s suite of services delivered through workshops, consulting, coaching and keynote presentations provides a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
