Is personal branding really as hard as diamonds?

Ever increasing emphasis is placed on an individual’s personal brand. “Diamond in the rough” people of the professional world are those who excel in networking and personal brand communication.

From strong LinkedIn profiles to expert elevator pitches, these individuals stand out.  While learning effective networking tools and knowing how to work a room is crucial, too many people undervalue the first step in success. In order to communicate effectively, one must understand their own personal brand. But first, they must understand themselves.

Understanding one’s self isn't simple. In fact, Benjamin Franklin said “there are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond and to know one’s self.” He had an excellent point. However, creating your personal branding statement doesn't have to be “as hard as steel.”

Personal Branding Statement Pointers:

·         Spend some time with yourself to reflect on personal and professional accomplishments. Utilize your emotional intelligence skills to evaluate who you are and where you stand in life.

·         Write your statement down on paper. This step involves heavy refining, editing and care. Remember to include the following:
1. Your introduction: “Hi, my name is ______.”
2. Communicate your current job title or area of expertise.
3. Let your light shine. The most captivating individuals are those with a cause. Spend a bit of time to explain what interests you about what you do. What would excite others about what you do?
4. Everything you do provides value. Who are you serving?

·         Read your statement out loud and get acquainted with keywords that will help you remember and deliver smoothly.

·         Be prepared to repeat the process above regularly. You change as time goes on. Your title, your top concerns and your audience will not always be the same.

·         Speak with confidence. If you've taken the time to understand yourself, all that is left is delivery. Communication is complex as it relies heavily on non-verbal factors such as body language. Knowing where you come from and getting the words right are the first steps. Becoming a strong communicator is another discussion.

If you’ve read this, you are on a great track for personal brand statement success. Just remember to look inside, keep re-evaluating and stay confident.