We are living in some interesting times. Right now, you may find yourself questioning who you are and what you bring to the table. Maybe you are asking these questions:
- What do I want to be known for?
- What am I passionate about?
- What can I bring to the table?
- What is my story?
- Why am I here?
If there is one thing I want you to know, it is this: You have a voice, and you have expertise that can impact and influence culture. You’re here because you want to make a difference. You want to grow your Kingdom influence. Somewhere in the middle of your busy schedule, you want to know that your life counts for something – but you do not know where to start.
Enter Personal Branding.
Now, I know the thought of developing your personal brand may make you feel a bit uncomfortable. Why? Because for so long, we have believed that personal branding is all about:
- self-promotion
- me, me, me
- being famous
- being extraverted
- selling yourself
- being known
However, here is the good news: Those are all personal branding misconceptions. Your personal brand goes so much deeper. Personal branding is about:
- empowering others with your God-given knowledge and wisdom
- using your gifts, skills, and talents for the Glory of God
- helping and serving others through your expertise
- inspiring others through your story
- impacting & influencing culture for Christ
God has gifted you with specific skills for a Kingdom impact. Please do not shy away from them. Instead, be open to sharing what you bring to the table. Why? Because when you do, God can and will open doors of opportunity for you to use what He has given you to impact and influence culture for Him ultimately.
Here are four ways to start building your personal brand online:
- Claim Your Name: If you have not already, I highly recommend you "claim your name" on the social media platforms you are committed to being active on and a URL with that same name (if you choose to build a website). This will undoubtedly require you to brainstorm some different ideas, but this is the first, most important step you can take. When I decided to "rebrand" myself, finding a social media handle and URL with my name, Jennifer Bennett, was not easy since this is a popular name. However, what I soon realized was that DrJenBennett was available everywhere. I grabbed it! Brainstorm different versions of your name, including initials, abbreviations, nicknames, middle names, etc.
If you find yourself not having the time to be as active online as you would like, let me encourage you to focus on one platform: LinkedIn.
- Claim Your Message: What message are you passionate about? What idea moves you? What area do you have much knowledge in? What message do you want to become “known” for? When I first started building my personal brand online, I was very passionate about social media marketing. I noticed that while everyone else was teaching on social media vanity metrics (likes, followers, etc.), I was excited about helping people #BeWorthFollowing. So, I ran with this message – so much that I wrote a book about it. What is your message?
- Claim Your Content: Once you have claimed your main message, begin creating content around that central message. Break it down into smaller pieces. Write blog posts, create videos, create social media posts around the central message, etc. Share your ideas and your thoughts. Building an online personal brand will build your credibility, but it will also help you stand out from the competition. Position yourself as a thought leader.
- Claim Your Opportunities: It used to be that hard work and being good at something were enough. Those days are long gone. If you want to step into new opportunities, be open and willing to step out of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Do not be fearful of engaging in projects and opportunities outside of your job description. See a conference where speakers are needed? Apply for it! See a chance to write a blog post around your area of expertise? Go for it! Claim your opportunities.
Remember, building a personal brand does not happen overnight. It takes time. It takes changing your course of direction at different points throughout your journey. It takes consistency. Nevertheless, I can promise you this: If you are committed and open to helping others on their journey, doors of opportunity will open for you!
As you build your personal brand, our team at IWU-National & Global wants to support you. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.