The big corporates do it, the supermarkets do it, the restaurant chains do it. They all promote their brands unashamedly and can easily rattle off half a dozen things that their companies offer, sell or deliver – in fact, most of their employees and customers can too. But why is it that when it comes to promoting Company Me, that is, our personal brand (ourselves), many of us are left speechless or need a while to think about what it is we can offer?
As Australians, perhaps we can blame the old Tall Poppy Syndrome for us being slightly hesitant when it comes to blowing our own trumpets. But personal branding is not about ‘big-noting’ or ‘having tickets on yourself’. Having the confidence in what you do as a professional and being able to articulate the value that you bring to your business and its customers is integral to your success.
Professional services firms are prime examples of businesses that invest heavily in personal branding. These firms’ entire value proposition is based around the service their people can offer to their clients. Their marketing departments are devoted to promoting the specific expertise and personal style of each of their employees.
So when it comes to promoting Company Me, you must think of yourself as the CEO, marketing department, employee and sales person all rolled into one. How would you market yourself to your customers? What do your customers want and need to know about you? What is unique about the way you do business? To help you get started, we’ve outlined below our three top tips for getting Company Me up and running and on the road to success.
1. Your mission, should you choose to accept it
Much like any company, Company Me should have a mission statement that underpins everything you do, every day. This needn’t be long-winded, in fact, the shorter the better. For example: “My mission is to provide exceptional customer service with a focus on truly understanding and exceeding my customers’ needs.” Give yourself a reminder to check back on this mission regularly (or even better, stick it to your wall or somewhere you will see it every day) to ensure you are fulfilling it. You may also find it helpful to list three or four goals that will help you achieve your mission.
2. Know your strengths
Most of us can easily think of things we could do better, but what about what we are already doing really well? Make a list of at least five personal qualities (or key achievements) that you bring to your business and its customers and have the confidence to talk about these strengths when the opportunity arises (eg. at a networking function). Having confidence in yourself encourages others to trust in your abilities. Just think about it: would you employ a builder who thinks his houses might fall down?
3. Spread the word
So now you’ve identified your mission and personal strengths, how can you get Company Me out there in a way that you are comfortable with? The beauty of basing Company Me’s promotional strategy on your personal strengths is that these are things you should be comfortable with because you know they’re true! Promoting Company Me doesn’t always have to be about the ‘hard sell’. For example, if one of your personal strengths is that you’re a confident public speaker, seek out speaking opportunities with professional associations that are interested in your area of expertise. Or if one of your strengths is ‘compassion for those in need’, consider joining the management committee for a local charity or donating some of your time to a cause you believe in.
Being able to back up your claims shows you have conviction in your beliefs and presents you as a confident, reliable person - somebody who others will want to deal with and the results will manifest in to life and business successes.
If you would like further information about promoting your personal brand, please contact me on 07 3899 8335 or email megan@marketsavvvy.com.au .
Best wishes – Megan.