In the future, your personal brand will exist in a rapidly expanding internet environment. One thing’s sure; personal brands are here to stay.
Your future is your past, just not yet. And your past is your future, at some point. Looking into the future is a tricky business. It’s one that great prophets and great charlatans have often done. And both, in the end, have often ended up in the hoosegow.
How about you? Do you think much about the future? Your post-pandemic future? You need to. It’s imperative. Those who ignore the future are in turn ignored by destiny.
Aren’t personal brands just for celebs or influencers? Maybe once, but now and in the future everyone is regarded to have a personal brand. The only difference is that today anyone can find it online with a simple search.
Personal branding has progressed. It used to be “what people say when you are not in the room.” Then “what people see when they search for you on Google.” Entrepreneurs and decision-makers continue to embrace the growing online space. Today more opportunities are arising to attract your ideal client, generate leads, find the right employees, and even potential investors.
However, with so many experts online, it can be tough to differentiate oneself from the crowd. Here’s the issue: Some lack social evidence to back up their knowledge and skills. If so, your ideal customer may select the next best thing they see online, and no one wants that. Listed below are ten things you can do today to boost your personal brand in the New Year.
1. Clarify.
Take some time to reflect on your personal branding experience so far. Do you know who you are as a person? What do you stand for? Now…and in the future? Are your ambitions congruent with who you are becoming?
2. Unicorns are the future.
Recognize the unique value that only you can provide to your intended audience. What problem do you tackle better or differently than others in your field?
3. Know your audience.
Once you’ve figured out who you are and what you’re worth, you need to consider the problem you’re solving. Get clear about who needs your product or service and where they reside online.
4. Use the future headline.
Incorporate who you are, what you do, how you do it, and for whom in your headline. It can then be used in online profiles and as a presentation when contacting new people. It should consistently convey your brand.
5. Revise online profiles.
Ensure your profile contains your updated headline and proper brand information. It’s the first thing people see when they visit your internet profile. Act like you wish to be addressed. Use all the available tools on your page — every touch-point is an opportunity.
6. Hey Siri, look up [_____].
Try searching for your name, brand name, and any terms related to them on Google. Keep track of your Google ranking…and which links appear first. You need to know what people see when attempting to discover you so you can update or edit your profile.
7. What’s past is also future.
Consider your industry’s reputation. What would you like people to use to search for you online? What would your dream topic be if you could speak at an event? Make sure you discover your niche and then narrow it more. The more particular your service, the simpler it is to locate you.
8. Produce and share media.
Jot down the top ten queries from your consumers or clients. Create content for your audience using this template. Decide on the ideal format, graphics, video, and audio for each inquiry.
9. Cooperate and…
Don’t just post on social media. Like, share, and connect. Begin connecting across platforms. It all helps your future. The connection may lead to cooperation, which can quickly enlarge your audience and build your online community.
10. Decide on the platform.
The greatest place to post your content is anywhere your desired audience exists online. Find out where your people are online…and meet them there. Learn the platforms and start producing content that benefits your community.
Parting Shots
The human aspect is restored when a strong personal brand promotes thought leadership and competence in a particular subject. It fosters community and builds confidence in your brand. Great brand names are becoming highly relevant for innovators, workers, and CEOs.
What will happen in 2022? Who really knows? One thing is for sure. Successful branding is here to stay. Start now, and let future Google do the talking.
