Branding Yourself

Personal branding is how we market ourselves to others. We all have a brand because we are constantly being judged based on first impressions. According to Careerbuilder.com, 22% of managers screen their staff using social networks like Facebook, and Kaplan says that 10% of admissions officers verify potential students using social networks. Personal branding is also about unleashing what is true and unique about you and letting everyone know about it. As a brand, you are your own free agent: you have the freedom to create a ….. path that links your talents and interest with the right position and ability to move both vertically and horizontally. (Schawbel). Branding means equating your name to a certain topic, product or service. Through branding, your expertise is transformed into a valuable commodity. Author, Garr Reynolds, has a partial list on what branding can do for you: Differentiate yourself from others in similar fields Position yourself clearly in the minds of others Focus your message and your mission Project credibility Develop loyalty Make emotional, visceral connections

Developing your brand makes you a more valuable asset, whether to the company you work for, a potential employer or your own enterprise. You have the opportunity to stand out and make a name through your brand—for yourself. There are a few step processes for building a powerful brand:
Step 1 Discover
You should spend some time learning about yourself, your values, personal mission and unique attributes. If you don’t, it will be at a disadvantage when marketing your brand to others. You can start by removing yourself from distractions and ask yourself, “Who am I?” and, “If I could do anything, what would it be?” Before presenting your brand to the world, reassess your life, career and what you have achieve. You can also ask yourself:”What are my strengths? What are you already known for? What are you passionate about? Your brand should be a natural extension of