Anyone who’s worked in or around a marketing department for long knows the importance of branding. Good branding can not only increase your business’s value, but can also provide your team with direction, and make it easier to attract new clients.
Luckily, businesses are not the only ones who benefit from establishing a clear brand. A strong personal brand can act as the foundation of a successful career. It can provide you with personal direction, increase your ability to find new opportunities, and help others see the value you bring to the table so your worth will be acknowledged.
Many people associate branding with a business’s logo, online identity, or mission statement. What could that have to do with you personally, as a leader within the organization? While how we use language and imagery as individuals is important, authentic branding goes much deeper. Your reputation, professional values, and the style in which you communicate combine to make up your personal brand. It’s how you set yourself apart from others in your space, and make it clear that you provide unique value.
Thinking of your brand with an eye towards consistency is important for many reasons. As we’ve mentioned before, being seen as consistent is an essential quality of being an effective leader. By being consistent, you help your team to know what behavior they can expect from you, which in turn establishes trust. Employees who trust their bosses stay in their jobs longer and are more engaged, motivated, and open.
Consistency is also a tool for establishing other personal values you want to make a part of your brand. Successful leaders know the importance of establishing a track record of performance. When you follow through on promises, people see you as dependable and reliable. When your communication style is clear and consistent, you’re reinforcing a brand that is trustworthy and direct. When you always show up to work in a good mood, your colleagues and team will think of you as positive or easy to work with.
You may not think that defining your values and personal brand is important for your organization, but consider this quote from Katherine W. Dean, MST, CFP, CIMA, at Wells Fargo: “Values-based leadership connotes a plethora of different meanings, but based upon my experience in the corporate world, the concept is primarily defined as leading by example, that is, doing the right thing for the right reasons and not compromising core principles.”
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While the heart of your brand is determined by how you show up every day, consistency is also hugely important in establishing your personal brand online. Even if your efforts online aren’t centered around directly promoting your work, your presence still has a large impact on the perception that co-workers and potential future business contacts have of you. Make sure you post somewhat regularly so you’ll stay fresh in the minds of your contacts, and limit yourself to topics that reflect your personal brand’s values.
In her article for Entrepreneur, branding expert Heather R. Huhman suggests that you “consider yourself an influencer in your field” so you don’t have a social media mess to clean up later.
No matter who you are, making consistency a part of your leadership toolbox, daily schedule, and personal brand is a crucial part of developing a successful career.
If you want to learn more about coaching to build consistent habits for success, schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call with me.
Click to read more about consistency and building trust on DifferenceConsulting.com.
