As an executive success coach with over two decades of experience guiding C-suite leaders to new heights, I’ve seen firsthand how a powerful personal brand can catapult one’s career into the stratosphere.
But simply “having a personal brand” isn’t enough anymore. Social media has made it so that we all have a default brand the moment we make a profile or get featured in an article. The key is knowing how to embrace your brand and maximize it for your overall success.
Here are some tips and insights you can start using today to take the reins on your personal brand and build something unique in your market.
Embrace Your Quirks
Your quirks are your secret weapon in a sea of polished LinkedIn profiles and cookie-cutter headshots.
That unusual hobby? Your penchant for colorful socks? The fact that you meditate in your car before big meetings? These are the details that make you memorable. They are what help you stand out and connect with others on a deeper level.
Don’t be afraid to showcase these quirks in your personal brand. Embrace them and use them as part of your story. People are drawn to authenticity and genuine personalities, so don’t be afraid to show yours.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to building a personal brand. This means being consistent in how you present yourself online and offline, as well as staying true to your values and messaging.
Your personal brand should reflect who you are as a person and what you stand for, not just what you want others to see. If there is a mismatch between your online persona and how you act in real life, it can damage your credibility and make it harder for people to trust and connect with you.
Cultivate Controlled Controversy
Playing it safe is the riskiest strategy of all. Don’t be afraid to take bold stances on industry issues. The key is to be thoughtful and nuanced, not inflammatory for its own sake.
I’ve had clients who are willing to take a risky step and go against the grain, and it has paid off tremendously for their personal brand. People are drawn to those who are confident in their beliefs and willing to stand up for them, even if it means going against popular opinion.
Naturally, don’t be reckless or overly controversial just for the sake of attention. But don’t shy away from sharing your unique perspectives and opinions on topics related to your industry.
Master The Art Of The Micro-Story
Forget long-form content. Your executive personal brand needs to be communicated in bite-sized, shareable moments (because the average attention span is now only eight seconds).
I call these “micro-stories”—anecdotes, insights or observations that can be shared in 30 seconds or less.
Practice distilling your experiences and wisdom into these micro-stories—and turn those into content that you can easily share on social media, in networking conversations or during events. These snippets of your personal brand will be more likely to stick with people.
Develop A Signature Framework
Every executive should have a unique framework or model that encapsulates their approach to business. This becomes a powerful tool for brand building and thought leadership. There are tons of ways to do this—and it’s likely that you’ve already begun to build a framework without even realizing it!
Think about how you approach problem-solving, decision-making or leadership. What values or principles do you consistently rely on? How do you bring your unique perspective to the table?
Take some time to reflect and develop your signature framework. Once you have it, weave it into your content and conversations to reinforce your personal brand.
Invest In Your Physical Presence
Your brand isn’t just digital—it’s how you show up in the world. Invest in your physical presence, but not in the way you might think. Instead of just focusing on clothes and grooming, think about your energy, your handshake and your listening skills, too.
You’d be amazed at how much your physical presence can influence the impression you make on others. People are drawn to those who exude positive energy and confidence. So take care of yourself—exercise regularly, get enough sleep, eat well—and practice good posture and body language.
Craft Your Origin Story
Every great brand has an origin story. Craft yours carefully. What moments shaped your leadership style? What failures led to your biggest breakthroughs? A compelling origin story makes you relatable and memorable—and puts you up there with the greats.
Practice Radical Transparency
Here’s the truth: Radical transparency can set you apart. Share your struggles, your doubts and your learning process.
Don’t be afraid to keep a “failure log” and be willing to let others learn from your mistakes. Transparency builds trust and authenticity—two key components of a strong brand.
Develop A Personal Brand Metric
What gets measured, gets managed. Develop a personal metric to track the strength of your brand. It could be a combination of factors like media mentions, speaking invitations, talent retention rates or a custom “influence score” based on your industry.
Are You Building Your Brand?
Building a powerful personal brand as an executive is no longer about polished headshots and carefully worded bios. It’s about authenticity, controlled boldness and strategic differentiation. It’s about being memorable in a world of forgettable content.
Your personal brand is your most valuable asset—treat it as such. Invest time, be deliberate and don’t be afraid to stand out. In the words of Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” In the executive world, I’d add: “Be your best, most authentic self—consistently, strategically and memorably.”
