Should I focus on my personal brand or business brand? The answer is both. When you align your personal branding with your business branding, you humanize your brand – making it more relatable to consumers. And when people feel that they can relate to your brand, they’re more likely to trust your business and support it by paying for your products and services.
What is business branding?
Business branding is also known as corporate branding. When we think about branding, the first thoughts that come to mind are logos and other identifying characteristics of a business, such as iconic color combinations. It’s the symbols or designs we see printed on storefronts, business cards, marketing assets, staff uniforms, and corporate swag. However, branding is so much more than recognizable visuals. Branding is also an experience. It’s how people experience your brand.
To build a powerful corporate brand, unify your employees under a well-defined company policy that specifies the purpose of your products and services and the promises and values you offer. Increase your business’s visibility by building a network, leveraging the power of social media, and implementing a data-driven marketing strategy.
What is personal branding?
Your business aside, you have a personal brand that revolves around your personality, lifestyle, and values. Your brand is how people perceive you. Because a personal brand is essentially one’s reputation, some people act strategically to create only a positive public image. Therefore, the personal brand that one presents to the world won’t always be entirely authentic. While many celebrities, politicians, and other public personalities follow this approach, the downside is that it dehumanizes the person. After all, a perfect being is unrelatable.
Create a compelling personal brand by figuring out what you’re passionate about – it may even be your business. Share content on your social media profiles that reflect your personality. Share your story and engage with your followers.
Aligning your business branding with personal branding
The key to branding is awareness. It involves attention and commitment. And while it includes strategy, it should not involve ill-intent. Deceiving your audience comes with costly consequences. Strive for authenticity. Be clear about your vision, mission, and values. Knowing why you do what you do and who you do it for helps define your messaging. And for your business to be successful and authentic, the brand you build should reflect your personality and values. Attract customers who will remain loyal to you by sharing your story, such as how you came up with the idea for your business, who helped you on your journey, what obstacles you had to overcome, and where you hope to take your business in the future.
Manage your brand by maintaining consistency. This is why it’s important to be genuine from the start. After all, putting on an act can be exhausting. And at some point, people will see through the act, and your reputation will be even more at risk. How often have we seen public figures exposed in the media for behavior that didn’t align with the image they were projecting?
Connect with me today to learn more about branding and the right business opportunity that can change your business and your life.
