If you don’t give the market the story to talk about, they’ll define your brand’s story for you.
- David Brier, President & Creative Director of DBD International
When it comes to establishing yourself as a thought leader, a solid personal branding strategy is essential. Your personal brand is how you appear to the world and more importantly, how you communicate your value to others.
So how should you get started? In today's day and age, besides actually knowing what you’re talking about (we don’t recommend faking your understanding of a particular industry), becoming a thought leader involves being proactive about your digital presence.
We rounded up a few tips to keep in mind as you begin your personal branding journey:
First and foremost, make sure you are discoverable. Google yourself right now. What pops up? Taking advantage of social media and updating your profiles regularly can help you connect with other people in the same space. If you're no stranger to social media, double-check to make sure your accounts aren't collecting dust and that you are presenting yourself effectively and in a positive light.
Get a professional headshot. A low-quality, grainy photo makes you stand out - and not in a good way. Your online profile picture should reflect your attention to detail and demonstrate that you take your career seriously.
Build a website for yourself, the reason being that it gives you more control over your online presence and how your name pops up in search rankings.
Practice your writing and think carefully before you publish an opinion online. Make sure it is reflects how you want to be perceived by others. You don’t want to go viral for the wrong reasons (remember: the Internet never forgets).
All in all, don’t skimp out on the little details when it comes to building a digital presence and personal brand - we promise it pays off!
“Once people know who you are and begin to identify you with a specific area of understanding or expertise, you'll be well on your way to becoming the go-to person in your niche or industry.”
For more about personal branding, check out this article by Entrepreneur contributor Rose Leadem.
---
Want to learn how we can help you establish thought leadership for your business?
Get in touch at HELLO@CREDPR.COM.
