Everyone has a reputation. The first impressions you make, the relationships you form with your peers and leaders, and how you communicate will influence how others see you. However, your brand is much more intentional; it’s how you want people to see you.

It may seem fake and forced for you to develop your own personal leadership brand (shouldn’t it just happen organically?), but the reality is that you already have a leadership brand: it’s what people say about you when you’re not around. Your brand exists, whether you have claimed it or not. 

Why Is It Important To Establish My Authentic Brand?

A strong brand sets you up for success as you grow in your career, and it is critical for you to establish and hone your unique brand. Here are some essential points about establishing your authentic brand to consider:

• A personal brand combines experiences, skills, and abilities that make you unique and set you apart from the crowd. By developing a personal brand, you are giving yourself a competitive advantage.
• When people have a good sense of who you are and what you stand for, they feel they have a relationship with you and so are more likely to trust you.
• Everyone has an online presence these days, so personal branding will make you stand out from the rest and can open the door to a multitude of opportunities!

What Is A Personal Leadership Brand, And Why Does It Matter?

A strong leadership brand can grow existing businesses, position you as a thought leader, build a following, foster powerful connections, and positively impact the employer brand.

Over the past three years, business leaders have been challenged to the nth degree on almost every level; many have not survived. Those who gave no thought to their leadership brands and chose to focus on driving results in a shaky economy were those who didn’t make it.

What are some hallmarks of a strong personal leadership brand/style?

• Research shows that traits like humility and inclusiveness are some of the most favored qualities for a leader in a professional environment.
• Strong leaders take the initiative and gain the trust of their team members through a courageous and authentic leadership brand.
• Others’ success does not threaten leaders who are comfortable and confident in their roles and respect people at all levels of their organization. They embrace opportunities to mentor, develop and encourage up-and-coming leaders, knowing that an established succession plan is a recipe for success. 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

― Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t

I’m AnnaVija McClain. I’m dedicated to the Nashville business community and enjoy seeing others succeed. If you need help establishing and honing your leadership brand, I’m here for you.

Check out my blog for business and marketing tips and information. I would love to sit down with you and discuss ways I can help you achieve your business goals; call me at (615) 348-7768 or contact me online today!