In this crowded world, there are two types of people: those who use themselves to benefit others and those who use others to benefit themselves. Personal branding is important for helping others and for others to rely on you or seek help from you. When people come to know the true form of who you are, they will acknowledge and appreciate you. If they understand who you actually are, they can connect with you and you can have a positive impact on them. It’s not about how much knowledge you possess; it’s about how much you care. Just like popular brands get larger displays and priority in malls or shops because people benefit from their products, personal branding works similarly. We need to earn our place among people, as life is like a high school where popularity matters.
To cultivate a strong personal brand, there are three steps to follow. The first step is self-awareness, which includes self-identity, self-reputation, and the level of acknowledgment among people in general. We have our personal identity, but it’s important to understand if it aligns with how others perceive us. Therefore, we should have honest and faithful friends or colleagues who can provide feedback on what they think about us. If public opinion doesn’t match our self-perception, there is room for change and self-development. Think of ourselves as similar to Mr. Potato, a toy that looks simple on the outside but has many hidden features inside. Others won’t know what’s inside us unless we reveal it. Hence, the first step is to define ourselves, reflect on who we want to be in front of others, what we want to bring to the world, and what we need to showcase to prove our capabilities.
The second step is to provide the world with a living proof of our true selves. It is essential to share our life stories, as it is a great opportunity to connect with people. People value and appreciate personal and professional interviews. It would be a missed opportunity if we don’t share our stories. Stories can be attention-seeking, relevant, and memorable. Everyone seeks attention and wants to catch people’s eye, so our stories need to be attention-grabbing. They should also offer relevant benefits to others. People are interested in what benefits we can provide to the world and to them personally. When our stories resonate with others, it helps create a stronger connection and builds a memorable personal brand. It also elevates our status, as others know who we are, where we come from, and where we are now. This knowledge can lead to opportunities such as job offers, relationships, and mutual growth.
Lastly, we need to deepen our relationships with people. We should have a mindset of embracing challenges, building bonds, and accepting and respecting others’ feelings.
In essence, we need to create a vast network of connections with people. Every person is an opportunity, and we never know who may come into our lives to change them. Following these steps can help us create a strong personal brand, establish a deep-rooted position among people, and benefit others.
