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Becoming Boss: Episode #131
Here’s the short version. To listen to the full episode with more stories, examples and insights, click or tap the play button above!
When you hear the term "personal brand," what comes to mind? Maybe you think it’s just for influencers, celebrities, or people in the public eye. But here's the reality—whether you realise it or not, you already have a personal brand, and it's shaping your life every single day.
Your personal brand is foundational to your success, whatever success looks like for you.
What Is a Personal Brand Anyway?
I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the term "personal brand." It can sound a bit cold and corporate. But there isn’t really another phrase that captures the concept as well. We all know what a brand is… it helps companies stand out from their competition.
Your personal brand is simply how you distinguish yourself from others in every aspect of your life. It’s how people see you, talk about you, and remember you. You don’t need to be all over social media to have a personal brand; you already have one just by living and interacting with others.
Ask yourself:
- What do people say about you when you’re not in the room?
- What comes to mind when someone mentions your name?
- Is the answer something you’re proud of? Does it reflect who you really are and what you're capable of?
If you feel uncomfortable with the term "personal brand," feel free to call it something else—the name doesn’t matter. What’s important is how you own it.
Why Does Personal Branding Matter?
Your personal brand affects how people perceive you, even if you're not consciously shaping it. If you're aiming to level up in life, taking control of that perception is essential. Whether it's how you present yourself at work, how you interact on social media, or how you show up in personal relationships—everything leaves an impression. And if you’re not intentional about what kind of impression you’re leaving, others will make up their own version of you.
This matters even more if you're looking to escape the corporate world to launch your own business or freelance. When you’re your own boss, your personal brand becomes your calling card—it tells people who you are before you even say a word.
The Four Key Aspects of Your Personal Brand
01. Your Values
At the core of your personal brand are your values. What do you stand for? What’s important to you? When your personal brand aligns with your values, it feels authentic—and people can sense when it’s real.
For example, I value freedom, independence, kindness, and integrity. These guide my decisions and the way I run my business. So, take a moment to get clear on what your values are, because they form the foundation of your brand. Download my free exercise on getting clear on your core values.
02. Your Strengths and Skills
What do you want to be known for? What are you really good at? Your strengths and skills make up a huge part of your brand because they set you apart. The key here is to focus on strengths that align with your future vision—not just what you’re good at now. If you hate doing something, even if you're great at it, don’t let that define your brand. Highlight the skills you love using and want people to remember you for.
03. What Makes You Stand Out?
This is the fun part! What will make people remember you? Whether it’s your personality, your experiences, your style, or something quirky about how you approach life, owning what makes you unique is a game-changer. Think about how people like Richard Branson are known for being adventurers, or how Steve Jobs was associated with creativity and simplicity (and ‘that’ black polo neck jumper!). What’s your signature trait?
04. Your Story
Finally, your story. This is more than just your resume—it’s about how your life experiences have shaped you into the person you are today. Sharing your story makes you relatable, and it gives people a deeper reason to connect with you. Whether you're in a professional setting or just talking with friends, knowing your story inside and out can help you articulate who you are and why you do what you do.
The Bottom line is...
Whether you like it or not, your personal brand is influencing your life. The good news? You have the power to shape it. When your personal brand is true to who you are, it draws people to you like a magnet. Authenticity is key—the more you embrace who you are, the more powerful your brand becomes.
So, start focusing on those four key areas: your values, your skills, what makes you stand out, and your story. The stronger your brand, the more control you have over your life and your success.
Remember, your influence is your greatest asset, and your personal brand is the vehicle for that influence. Own it!
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you need help creating your vision of success, check out this episode:
Get clarity on your core values with this simple and fun exercise:
