Debunking Common Misconceptions
“What is a personal brand?” is a question I hear all the time. The reason I get asked this question so much is that many people misunderstand what a personal brand really is. They associate it with influencers, social media, or digital marketing strategies. Let’s clear the air: a personal brand is neither a business model nor a marketing gimmick. It’s not your course, your keynote speech, your book, or your coaching program. Those are just business models—things that you do.
What a Personal Brand Is NOT
Before diving into what a personal brand is, it’s essential to clarify what it isn’t. Your personal brand isn’t associated with your website, social media platforms, or even your content videos. While these are great vehicles for sharing your message, they are not your personal brand.
Defining Personal Branding
So, what exactly is a personal brand? Personal branding is the process of defining who you are, who you serve, how you serve them, and how you make money doing so. It is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, evolution, and defining your unique place in the world. At Brand Builders Group, where I have the honor and challenge of being the CEO, we believe that a personal brand is the “formalization and digitization—and even monetization—of your reputation.”
Your Brand is Your Reputation
A personal brand is a modern term for an age-old concept: reputation. What people think of when they hear your name, how they introduce you, and even what they say about you when you leave the room, that’s your personal brand. It’s what you’re known for, your reputation.
The Importance of Intentionality
We often neglect the importance of being intentional about our reputation. We invest time in planning vacations and making shopping lists but rarely put effort into shaping how we want to be perceived and remembered. Your personal brand is a lifetime asset. It can take decades to build a solid reputation but only one event to tarnish it. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest intentionally in building the personal brand you desire.
A Proactive Strategy for Your Personal Brand
Building a strong personal brand requires a proactive strategy, a roadmap if you will. This strategy is about more than what any one person says or thinks. It’s a comprehensive approach that stands the test of time. It’s about defining your core beliefs, even when they’re not popular, and standing firm in them. It’s about deciding how you can contribute to the world, serve people, and still make a good living doing it.
Why Choose Brand Builders Group
Now, if all of this sounds like a daunting task, that’s because it is—unless you have the right strategy and the right people to guide you. That’s where Brand Builders Group comes in. We specialize in helping people like you formalize, digitize, and monetize your reputation. We provide the resources, strategies, and insights you need to build the personal brand you’ve always envisioned for yourself. With us, you’re not just building a brand; you’re building the life you want.
The Final Word
A personal brand is not something you do; it’s who you are. So if you haven’t started working on your personal brand yet, the truth is you already have one. The question is, is it the one you want? Make it intentional, make it yours, and above all, make it matter.
