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How to Build Your Personal Brand

I have been pursuing a career in marketing since 2010 and have learned a few things about building my personal brand over the years. Whether you work or not, these tips can benefit many aspects of your life. Your personal brand is all about who you are and what you want to be known for.


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1. IDENTIFY YOURSELF
Identify your talents, your expertise, and your core values. What sets you apart from others? What are you providing to others? A service, a skill? What do you wish for people to associate with you when they think of your name? Now that you've narrowed this down, you can start to be more strategic about building your authentic personal brand. 

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2. START A WEBSITE
I started this blog while living in Abilene, TX working full-time and taking MBA courses at night. I desperately needed a creative outlet, and I loved reading blogs. My favorites were Kendi Everyday, Snappy Casual, Jen Loves Kev and A Beautiful Mess, and I still read them to this day. I never imagined how blogging would take off, but it's been exciting to be a part of it. 

Not only have I met hundreds of new friends and created quality relationships from it, but it has benefited my career in many ways. Even if your job title has nothing to do with marketing, social media, or writing, you should still have a website or blog. Write about whatever interests you or showcase your talents. Maybe your passion is cars, and you're an engineer who dreams of working for BMW. When you apply for a job at BMW the first thing they will do is look you up online. If you have a car blog and they see the love and passion you have for cars through it....boom, there's something you have your competition might not! Blogging has given me a foot in the door for many of my job opportunities. Starting a website or blog can seem DAUNTING, but I promise it's not too difficult. Check out my blog post here which lays out 5 simple steps of starting your own.

Also, make sure you are proud of everything you post online. You never know who could be reading your tweets ; ) 

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3. MAKE GENUINE FRIENDS 
I sometimes cringe when I hear the word networking, but it's true. Networking is SO important when building your personal brand. It could be business professionals, mom groups, neighbors, fellow church members, waiters at your favorite restaurant, you name 'em they are part of your network. Having a wide range of friends is extremely beneficial in all areas of life. Maybe you are starting a business, planning a birthday party, trying to find someone with a specific skill set for a project you're working on, or simply need to get a foot in the door at the company you applied to. Be kind to everyone and good things will come. I think the most important rule is to be genuine with your relationships. Yes there are certain people I've seen across the room at an event, and thought "I NEED TO MEET THEM!" Not only could they potentially benefit my career, but I genuinely want to be there friend. Invest in learning about them, don't just use someone for a connection. They will sniff out your fakeness in a heartbeat. If you're looking for places to network I highly recommend local Facebook groups and search events on Eventbrite in your area.

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4. SET GOALS
Goal setting has been a GAME CHANGER in my life the past 6 months. It's not the generic, where do you see yourself in 10 years question, but much more granular. What can I do this week or this month to accomplish small goals? Yes, ask yourself where you want to be in 10 years, but think about the small steps it will take to get there. Setting such big goals can be daunting, but setting small monthly goals is achievable and has a snowball effect. Once you accomplish one, you keep going! What small goals will it take to reach a large goal? WRITE THEM DOWN! Don't simply think about them. Have a friend, mentor or spouse keep you accountable.

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Now go out there and be you! Share with the world what makes you awesome! Also, dressing in outfits that make you feel like a total bad a$# help too! Shop my modern Everlane dress here, and my clogs here.

7 comments:

kelsey williams said...

I love this and I totally agree. My blog helped me get the job I have (and LOVE!) because the interviewer knew who I was because of a video opportunity I got through my blog. Also, as a writer/editor, having a blog is a huge part of my resume/portfolio.

And Eric also basically got his job (that he LOVES) through his blog/book. His boss read his book and then reached out to him to have lunch, and the rest is history! He was able to totally switch career paths because he did the side hustle and it paid off!

P.S. Thanks for the link love, friend! :-)

Elise said...

such a great post!! I need to get better at setting goals. so important! Love your outfit too!!!

Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat. said...

These are great tips! The two I find most useful are networking and goal setting. I've really been focusing on those these days.

Unknown said...

Blogging has opened the door to so many networking opportunities. I'm not shy, but I am an introvert, and I sometimes find it difficult surrounding myself with people, especially new people. However, blogging has helped with making me more comfortable with networking, even in person.

Unknown said...

I love what you say about being proud of what you're posting. I agree we have to be aware that if we're setting a brand for ourselves, then what were posting should match up to that brand. Also, there's been times where I've taken posts off of my blog to re-word them just to keep them fresh as I learn new things. Setting goals is one thing that I know I have to be more consistent in, I know success really depends on consistency. I just need to get better at this. All of these are such great tips thank you for sharing.

Queen in Between said...

Great tips Jesse! I so struggle with really figuring out what I have to offer the world.:) Meeting you in person I can 100% agree you are authentic in your space. Great pictures of you!

Susannah said...

I love these tips so much! I think it's great to be intentional in all areas of our lives! <3