8 Secrets to Successful Self-Promotion and Building Your Own Brand
A selfie-made millionaire isn't just a pipe dream anymore.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Whether or not you realize it, you are a brand. We all are. Branding is not reserved for just celebrities and big name products and services – we all have individual brand equity. Personal branding as a term is almost as ubiquitous as taking selfies. There is no ignoring either of them!
Essentially – the art ofpersonal branding is marketing yourself – your work, your career, your business, the same way Coca-Cola, L'Oreal, or JetBlue market themselves as products or services. Personal branding is deliberate, creative and skillful self-packaging. Especially now, personal brands emerge at rapid pace and tools to build your brand are more readily available than ever before. These channels have helped individuals launch businesses around their personal tastes and interests, so with some tricks and investment of your time you can build a brand that truly represents what you have to offer. We are our own best PR Ambassadors!
We chatted with the Marie Forleo, creator of the award-winning show Marie.TV and Founder of B-School. Here is what she had to say about creating your own inimitable and successful personal brand:
Personal Branding Is More Relevant Than Ever Before
Whether you realize it or not, you're always selling something: Your ideas, your passions, or your work. Since everybody Googles, first impressions are often made online. So whether you're a student, professional, artist, or entrepreneur - your personal brand is everything.
You get to create (and evolve) your brand by sharing what you most care about. It's a living, breathing demonstration of your passion, creativity, values, aspirations, network, and the unique perspective you offer the world. The best news is that it's 100% in your control. If you want to take charge of your success and the opportunities you're able to enjoy now and in the future, make your brand a priority.
Everyone Can Be a Brand
Realize that if you're not consciously building your own brand, you're letting the world brand you.
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
For example, if you're non-existent online or worse -- the only things people can find are selfies after you've had too many margaritas -- it sends a certain message to prospective employers or partners. If you're non-existent, people may infer that as you don't take initiative or that you're not legit. Are you fun and lively or just a party girl looking for a good time? In today's day and age, you need to be conscious of how you want to be perceived and ask yourself, what do you want to be known for? Celebrities like Beyoncé, Chelsea Handler, and Tina Fey all embody genuineness, accessibility, and a sense of humor; important characteristics that work together to create successful brands.
How It Works as an Entrepreneur Versus as an Employee
If you're a business owner, your brand is everything. You should be actively building your brand and engaging with customers all the time! For an employee, building your personal brand is still very important - it's a fantastic way to express your creativity, build your network, and buffer against an uncertain work environment. Though in this case, it may require less active time and a lot more caution. As an employee, take extra care to ensure you're not violating any agreements you've made under your employment contract or doing anything that could damage the reputation of the company you work with (and you!).
Don't Overlook Good Old-Fashioned Personal Connection!
When you're at a party or any in person event - are you constantly looking at your phone or are you present and engaged with the real human beings around you? With so many people addicted to their screens these days, taking a genuine interest in networking with others goes a long, long way in building personal brand equity.
Ready to consciously create your personal brand? Here are Marie's secrets to get started:
1. Get Clear. When I'm working with artists and entrepreneurs, I often tell them it's not so much about what you sell, it's about what you stand for. What do you value? What are you working on? What's inspiring you? It's equally as important to decide what types of ideas, messages, and photos you're not going to share. Since everything stays online and could be shared publicly with a simple click, remember that every update, email, tweet, and text is a building block of your personal brand. Share wisely.
2. Claim Your Domain(s). Choose the platform(s) that are best aligned with your ambitions and scoop up your name if you can. Business owners tend to be active on multiple platforms - they maintain a blog, and engage with customers on Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and others. If you have less time, choose one platform that suits you and stick to it.
3. Share What You Love. Think about what you'd like to be known for and what topics or ideas you most want to share with the world. If you create things, share your work and your process. Don't forget to share other people's work you admire. Look for ways to actively engage with them on their platforms as well as share their work with your own network.
4. Keep It Fresh. As you evolve and grow, make sure you update your bios, graphics and photos, and keep it consistent across platforms. Tweak anything that's outdated and ensure your messaging reflects who you are now and where you're going.
Remember – there is no one more unique and able to be you than you! Staying true to yourself and what drives you and sharing your gifts with the world is your greatest personal power. Claim it!
Related:
How to Start Your Own Business
Launch Your Own Clothing Label in 7 Steps
Meet the Woman Behind the Tibi Brand
Running the Show: Women Behind Iconic Male Brands
About Marie Forleo:
Named by Oprah as a thought leader for the next generation and by Forbes.com as one of the Top 100 Websites for Entrepreneurs, Marie's mission is to help you realize your greatest potential and use your gifts to change the world. She's the creator of the award-winning show MarieTV, founder of B-School and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and Fast Company, among others. Marie's mentored young business owners at Richard Branson's Centre of Entrepreneurship. Through her Change Your Life, Change The World® initiative, each for-profit training program is tied to a for-purpose partner who supports women, the environment and entrepreneurship.www.MarieForleo.com
-
Rihanna Sizzles in an Opulent Lace Bodysuit and Fur Coat
"Lingerie to me should be worn anyway and anywhere that you want."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
King Charles Will Travel With Two Doctors During His First Royal Tour Since Cancer Diagnosis
The physicians will join the royal entourage after news broke that the monarch decided to “pause” cancer treatments while abroad.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Blake Lively Debuts Sheer Dress During Double Date With Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
The actress ushered in fall during a Friday night out with the pop star and Kansas City Chiefs tight end.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Peloton’s Selena Samuela on Turning Tragedy Into Strength
Before becoming a powerhouse cycling instructor, Selena Samuela was an immigrant trying to adjust to new environments and new versions of herself.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Published
-
This Mutual Fund Firm Is Helping to Create a More Sustainable Future
Amy Domini and her firm, Domini Impact Investments LLC, are inspiring a greater and greener world—one investor at a time.
By Sponsored Published
-
Power Players Build on Success
"The New Normal" left some brands stronger than ever. We asked then what lies ahead.
By Maria Ricapito Published
-
Don't Stress! You Can Get in Good Shape Money-wise
Yes, maybe you eat paleo and have mastered crow pose, but do you practice financial wellness?
By Sallie Krawcheck Published
-
The Book Club Revolution
Lots of women are voracious readers. Other women are capitalizing on that.
By Lily Herman Published
-
The Future of Women and Work
The pandemic has completely upended how we do our jobs. This is Marie Claire's guide to navigating your career in a COVID-19 world.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Are Providing a Safe Haven for POC
For people of color, many of whom prefer to WFH, inclusive coworking spaces don't just offer a place to work—they cultivate community.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Where Did All My Work Friends Go?
The pandemic has forced our work friendships to evolve. Will they ever be the same?
By Rachel Epstein Published