As a promo professional, knowing your value is key. But, perhaps even more important, is ensuring that your colleagues, clients and the world at large also understand the unique attributes you bring to the table.

That’s where personal branding comes in. The term itself has ring of inauthenticity to it. After all, who wants to think of their character traits and job skills in the same terms we use to describe a fast-food chain’s marketing tactics and social media presence? But cultivating a personal brand is imperative if you want to stand out from the crowd and create opportunities for professional advancement.

What Is Personal Branding?

Think of your personal brand as the combination of skills, experiences and personality traits that define you. It’s the story you tell the world about who you are, what you stand for and what you can offer. Having a strong and consistent personal brand will help you differentiate yourself from competitors, creating a memorable and lasting impression. It will also help establish credibility and trust with your audience, positioning you as a thought leader in your chosen field.

Try these five steps to create your own personal brand.

Build Your Personal Brand on Biteable.

1

Know Thyself.

The first step in creating a personal brand is defining your authentic self by thinking about your values and assessing your strengths and weaknesses. You can do this through self-reflection, or even by asking trusted friends, family or co-workers to describe what they see in you.

An easy exercise to get started: Write down three adjectives you would use to describe yourself – or how you would like people to think of you. Your personal brand can be somewhat aspirational, as long as it’s grounded in reality.

2

Craft a Personal Brand Statement.

Think of it as an elevator pitch for you. The statement should be a pithy summary of who you are, what you stand for and what you offer to prospects and peers. It should encapsulate your unique value proposition in a clear and compelling way.

If you’re stumped, try using this formula: “I help [target audience] achieve [desired outcome] by [unique value proposition].”

3

Be Authentic.

Once you’re clear on who you are and how you want to be perceived, you can begin sharing that with your audience, whether it’s on social media, at networking events or another venue. Sharing your personality through your voice, tone and storytelling is essential. Use personal anecdotes, insights and passions to give life to your content. Don’t be afraid to get a little vulnerable, but do be cautious about over-sharing.

4

Leverage Visual Branding.

How you present yourself plays a significant role in shaping perceptions. While creating a personal logo may be a step too far, it is a good idea to invest in professional headshots and stick to a consistent color palette and design style across your various social media platforms.

Some networking experts also suggest cultivating a signature look that you’ll be remembered and known for. Just as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright would send diplomatic messages with her bold brooches, you can use sartorial shorthand to telegraph your personality and make a lasting impression – whether that’s through brightly patterned ties, fun socks or even a pair of bright-red cat-eye glasses.

5

Network, Network, Network.

This includes both in-person and online networking. Share your thought leadership on LinkedIn, volunteer with professional associations, and attend trade shows and mixers to meet your peers. Look for ways you can make connections between the people you know, rather than just interacting for your own personal gain.

You can also network within your own company by joining various committees or seeking out mentorship opportunities.