There is often controversy around the term “personal brand”.
The concept comes across to some as fake.
Trying to create a persona around ourselves that isn’t authentic.
For those individuals, they tend to prefer the word “reputation”.
When you look at the difference, you find this:
Personal Branding
Intentional and strategic.
Consciously choosing how we want to be known.
This is about crafting a specific message that can be shaped over time.
Reputation
Result of actions and interactions.
Built over time through our behavior and experiences.
This is how others view us and can be influenced by factors beyond our direct control.
The key difference is that personal branding is intentional effort and reputation is the outcome.
My Perspective
I believe the problem isn’t personal branding.
The problem is lack of authenticity.
Working on our personal brand can reinforce our reputation.
Being self-aware of their strengths and proactively communicating the value of those strengths.
This awareness of the value we bring gives us confidence to put ourselves out there.
Write an article in our field.
Post our thoughts on social media.
Personal branding is simply sharing our strengths more broadly.
It starts with self-awareness.
The definition of a brand is
The overall perception and emotional connection that customers have with a product, service, or company.
Sounds a lot like reputation to me.
Let’s not get hung up on words.
Let’s focus on self-awareness of strengths.
And the confidence to put yourself out there and let those strengths shine!
Your Turn
What is your opinion of personal branding?
Do you see how it can be used to help communicate your strengths?
Do you have the self-awareness needed to build your brand?