It is not just you; the trend of personal branding in a professional setting and amplifying one's value on social media has indeed become more prevalent across financial services. As social media continues to evolve and play an integral part of our daily lives, professionals are recognizing its potential in building their personal brands and gaining influence within their industry.
In today's interconnected landscape, personal branding is no longer an option but a necessity for advancing in your career and making a significant impact within the community. Just like any product or service, individuals are seen more and more as brands, and the art of personal branding is crucial for a successful job journey.
It is common for people to find it easier to identify and highlight the strengths and talents of others but struggle to do the same for themselves. Imposter syndrome, is that you? If you are feeling unsure about what you are naturally good at or what you have to offer, you are not alone. Overcoming this frustration can take time and definitely entails some self-reflection. Here are a couple of steps to help you start building your personal brand:
Step one is identifying your unique strengths and passions. By answering the following questions, you can unlock the potential for creating impactful content that resonates with you and your audience. You can also download these questions here.
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What do people seek your advice on?
Take a moment to reflect on the topics or areas where people often turn to you for guidance. This is a valuable indicator of your expertise and the subjects that are most relevant to your personal brand. By identifying these areas, you can leverage your knowledge and experiences to create compelling content that provides valuable insights and advice. -
What can you discuss endlessly?
Discovering what subjects you can talk about endlessly unveils your passion or passions if you are lucky. This deep well of enthusiasm ensures that you will never run out of engaging content. Whether it's technology, career development (hello ETFs), personal growth, or any other topic close to your heart, embracing your endless fascination enables you to establish yourself as an authority in that arena. -
What are your strengths: visuals, videos, writing, or speaking?
Consider your preferred medium of communication. Are you a visual storyteller, a charismatic speaker, a talented writer, or a skilled videographer? Identifying your strengths helps you determine the best channels to showcase your personal brand. It could be creating captivating YouTube videos, hosting an insightful podcast, crafting thought-provoking articles, or delivering impactful presentations. Your strengths are the foundation for building a brand that authentically represents you.
After you have your answers it is time to dive into step two. craft your brand. Not sure how that looks? Check out the examples below.
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Engineer at a top tech company:
If you're a software developer with a penchant for offering career advice and a love for creating videos, consider launching a YouTube channel focused on helping aspiring professionals break into the tech industry. Share your insights, interview experts, and provide valuable guidance to empower others in their career journeys. -
Passionate about engineering and prefer verbal communication:
Suppose you have a deep passion for engineering but prefer speaking over visual content creation. In that case, a podcast could be an excellent platform for sharing your expertise. Create a podcast dedicated to engineering topics, invite industry experts, engage in insightful discussions, and inspire your audience through the power of audio.
Remember that personal branding is not about self-promotion solely for the sake of attention, it is about showcasing your value, expertise, and contributions to others genuinely. By embracing your strengths, being authentic, and consistently engaging with your audience, you can establish a strong personal brand.
Related: We All Know What CX Means, but What About EX, WX, DX, UX and More?