5 Personal Branding Tips for Introverts

My friends and family find it hard to believe, (since I talk so much), that I'm really an introvert deep down.  Sometimes this can give off the impression I'm aloof; when I'm really just uncomfortable chatting with people I don't know well.  Not a good idea when you're trying to build your personal brand. Here are a few (relatively painless) tips to help build your personal brand.

 1.    Talk about your accomplishments.  If you wait for others to brag about your great work; it may never happen.  There are subtle ways to get your message across.  You could ask a co-worker how the new process you implemented has improved operations, or mention to the boss how pleased you were with the praise you received from a coworker..

 

2.    Build strong relationships.  A mentor or trusted manager can help you succeed.  It's hard for people who don't know you to vouch for your abilities.  Seek out a mentor in your organization and nurture the relationship.

 

3.    Share your great ideas.  When you  have a great idea, share it with your boss so he/she will recognize how much you contribute to the organization.  If you're uncertain about how to begin, write down key points and rehearse what you plan to say.

 

4.    Have a plan.  Before you attend networking events, have a few questions ready .  Try something different, like "If you could have any job in the world, which one would you want?" or "What city were you born in?"  Remember, you don't need to collect business cards from everyone in the room.  Focus on having a conversation with (4-5) new contacts; and celebrate when you accomplish this.

 

5.    Focus on your strengths.  If you're better at writing than speaking, take advantage of online networks.  Join groups on LinkedIn and contribute by asking or answering questions.  Share your expertise by writing a blog or a contribute to the company newsletter.

Making Your Business Real

Now that you have started a new business, it's time to promote it.

1. Secure a URL for your business.  I use Go Daddy for my URL and
    web hosting.  www.godaddy.com

2. Establish an email account for your new URL (example:  me@myurl.com).

3. Establish a Google Voice Account. www.google.com/voice I didn't want to publish my mobile number for all to see and I wanted the ability to screen my business calls. 

4. Establish a "faux" website by creating a blog.  I found www.blogger.com to be very easy and intuitive to set up. 

5. Get business cards.  I use www.vistaprint.com.  They offer high-quality products at a fair price.   

     Thoughts?  Please share.

    

Your Brand is so much more than a logo.

A brand is the essence of the promise you make to customers, employees and other stakeholders.  Each touch point with your company is an opportunity to reinforce or undermine your brand.  Do each of your employees understand that he/she is a brand ambassador? 

 

Have you communicated to each employee specifically how to reinforce your brand promise in his/her job?  Is delivering on your brand promise integrated into your culture?  Is it part of hiring decisions?  On boarding?  Performance  reviews?  If not, it should be. 

 

Companies with strong brand ambassadors enjoy increased employee retention, higher customer satisfaction, reduced costs, increased profits and market share.¹

 

 Click here for the full report.

¹ Source:  People & Culture training course on strategic employee engagement 2009.

Do I really need a personal brand?

  YES!


Personal brands are a key element of success.

 

Personal brands allow us to differentiate ourselves by consistently articulating and leveraging our unique value proposition. 

If you’re not branding yourself, you run the risk of other people doing it for you.  Do you really want that?


How to get started on your personal brand.

Give these 5 questions a lot of thought.  They will clarify what you stand for and help craft your personal brand.

1.  What are your goals?  Where do you see yourself in 3, 5 or 10 years?

2.  What do you value?  What makes up your character?  What are your boundaries?  What values do you want to embody in your work?

3.  What motivates you? Are you motivated by personal fulfillment or external rewards?  Do you like helping others?

4.  What are you passionate about?  If you won the lottery tomorrow and didn't have to work, what would you love to do?

5.  What makes you remarkable?  What is your unique selling proposition?  What makes you, you?

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Please share.