Personal branding is the practice of people marketing themselves and their careers as brands: according to Wikipedia. The site goes on to say that personal branding is essentially the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others about an individual, group, or organisation. You can read more about that here.
However you choose to view personal branding, it has certainly evolved over the past number of years to incorporate several principles. Some refer to it as everything to do with social media and how you portray yourself through that medium. It could also be about what you wear and your personal brand image, even the way you are profiled in the media. What terms are associated with your name and profile? Positioning yourself and building a profile also comes under the umbrella of personal branding. For me and my business it is a combination of all these elements that go toward helping you to create a memorable personal brand.
I am a member of The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) primarily known as an organisation to do with stylists and image management. But what is image management really? Members of the association range from stylists to social media specialists, to media mavens, etiquette experts and leadership coaches. We are all in the business of image and managing impressions.
An article in the association magazine titled, Brand is Image, resonated with me. As a personal branding expert and as a member of the association,I believe that brand and image are intertwined. We may believe that image is just to do with outer style, what you wear and the appearance or the look of your communication materials. But as stated in the AICI magazine, ‘effective branding must come from within, tied to core values and identity, expressing what the brand stands for.’ That applies to both business and personal brands.
Having said that your personal brand is made up of many elements, let’s for a moment focus on the outer brand image. Famous personalities and entertainers understand the importance of outer image and how that can be used to continue the inner brand theme. Movie stars such as Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett use stylists and leading designers to create a look that is consistent with their movie star personas. Politicians dress a particular way – generally boring as any look that upstages their political party brand will be a detraction from their message.
Have you ever considered the message your personal image sends? What can you do to differentiate your personal brand through your visual appearance? You may have noticed there’s a dearth of blue shirts and ties in a corporate environment. Is that because those who wear them just want to fit in? Why not celebrate who you are and rather than being bland, create a visual brand statement by the way you style yourself.
If you’ve worked out your personal brand values and identity, is there a certain colour, design or look that reflects who you are but also supports the environment you work in and your lifestyle. Personal branding is about supporting and letting the best version of you shine through.
Like my wonderful, colourful friend who is always dressed in a variety of bright colours, each fingernail painted a different shade, over the top accessories and always wears her signature piece of a beaded choker of which she must have hundreds because they match her many costumes. She has a truly unique personal presence and unforgettable character that also supports her “tropical princess” brand persona.
What image are you projecting? Is it time to consider a Brand New You?
Read more about how your personal brand and image are intertwined by downloading my free eBook The Power of Personal Public Relations.
Read last week’s blog How Business Stars Stand Out Through Personal Branding.
Sue Currie is a personal branding specialist providing solutions to business owners and organisations to boost their image, renown, brand and business. She is the founder of Shine Academy™, providing education and professional development training and Shine Agency™ a firm providing personal branding and public relations services to help businesses and entrepreneurs position and present an impactful professional brand. Through speaking, corporate workshops, and consulting, Sue helps businesses and individuals to stand out and shine.
