We all have a story. The one that brought us to where we are today. Our reason for doing what we do. What compels us to keep going.
Everyone’s story is different. Even if there are similar instances between you and a friend, your journey is just that. YOUR journey. That story that goes along with it is what makes you different.
When you are building your personal brand, it is built on that story.
If you are trying to figure out what parts of your story to share (because we all have parts we keep private and don’t share publicly) you should ask yourself some questions.
- What makes you different?
- What aspects of your life are something that others could relate to and learn from?
- What are your talents?
- How do others identify you?
Sit with these questions and journal on them. Let the answers come to you and just write it all down. You can edit your story once you have the core of it and know what you want to share. You may be surprised even that parts of the story you thought you would never tell others are the parts you can now see will help people the most. They may become the best parts of your story after all.
Creating your authentic story is how you get the heart of your personal brand.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Identify your core values
- Reflect on your life and see what stands out. What you don’t necessarily see as remarkable someone else may. It may be the thing that helps them the most.
- Ask colleagues and friends to sum up your professional image. This gives you a great picture of how others see you (that you often don’t see in yourself).
- Share your message
- Be authentic
- Know your audience
- Be yourself
- Use the right vocabulary for who you are trying to reach.
- Live what you say
- Be trustworthy
- Believe in your brand
- Create a portfolio of successes
- Find and share great content and expand on that content with lessons you have learned on your own journey that may help others.
Using these tips will help you to build your personal brand and will help others to quickly identify your company.
There is no right or wrong story to tell. As long as it is genuine, truthful and part of you that you want others to know about and learn from, you can’t go wrong.
If you would like any help in putting together your story or talking through the different aspects you are considering using, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to help.
