When people use the word ‘brand’ the first thing comes to mind might be large companies like Microsoft or Apple. What people don’t realize is that as a professional, you are a brand too! It is so important to establish your personal brand as that is exactly what will help build your reputation and will essentially lead to more open doors.

What is a Personal Brand?

Some people use the term ‘personal brand’ loosely without actually understanding what it really is. Having a personal brand isn’t just slapping a logo on some business cards and handing them out! It is all about establishing and marketing who you are and what you stand for in a professional sense. Having a great personal brand is exactly what will differentiate you from other professionals in your field.

Who Needs a Personal Brand?

Anyone that wants to further their career professionally needs a personal brand. From college students, to professors, to corporate employees, all the way to corporate CEO’s. No matter what level you are at in your career, when others are screening you online, what they find can make or break your career and status in the workplace. Understanding your personal brand and having consistent and clear messaging across all channels can really boost your chances of getting your foot in the door.

How to Create a Personal Brand?

Many people get turned off by how much effort it may take to build a strong personal brand, but the truth is maintaining a personal brand is an ongoing effort. Once you establish what your brand is, you have to become that brand and make sure it really represents who you are both as a regular person and professional. A helpful tip to build a great personal brand is making sure you have great marketing materials. Your resume, website, public social channels, and business cards should all have the same message. Keeping everything clear and concise is an easy way to get your point across. It is also really important when marketing yourself that you have a strong portrait that can be displayed across all your channels. That portrait represents who you are as a professional and should make other professionals look forward to meeting you.

As an experienced portrait photographer I have seen how these photos can help transform someone’s online presence into a more professional and marketable one. Feel free to get in touch with me to schedule your next session and to get one step closer to nailing your personal brand!