5 Stupidly Effective ways to boost your personal brand
(for when you nearly can’t be bothered)
It’s 5.15pm. I need to collect my kids at 5.45pm. I was supposed to start this newsletter at 2pm. It usually takes two hours. I’m terrible at maths but even I know – this doesn’t add up.
The reason I’m late is I’ve spent all day putting the finishing touches to the Personal Branding Boost workshop I’ll be delivering in the next few weeks.
I’m in too much of a rush now to write the kind of newsletter I want. But at the same time, the irony is not lost on me:
The core message in The Personal Branding Boost workshop is…
People feel more comfortable receiving your message when you show up just as you are.
So instead of allowing perfectionism (chance would be a fine thing) to stop me from turning up in your inbox…
Here I am - hair scraped back, Hula Hoops in bowl, 0% beer on the go (you can start ‘drinking’ at 4pm if you don’t drink). Let’s go…
Before we dive in, a quick reminder: your personal brand is how people describe you when you’re not in the room. And whether you like it or not, YOU have one.
Wouldn’t it be great if YOUR personal brand was so potent it led to exciting opportunities. Here are 5 tips that could actually make this happen. And even better: they all take ten mins or less.
1. Share stories that resonate with yours
A great way to reinforce your message is to share others who say it well.
Someone told me their favourite thing about my Instagram was the posts I reshare. I was outraged! I spend HOURS creating content, and the thing that takes 0.7 seconds and only requires my thumb to move gets the love?
Then I realized: What a win. I often have friends or clients in mind when I share other posts I find touching so it feels like a small act of love.
2. Chat to a super-connector
Some people LOVE introducing the right people. And being top of mind is a power move for your brand.
Think of three people in your network who thrive on connecting others. Drop them a quick voice note or better still, give them a call. They’ll love it - and you’ll stay visible without doing much.
3. Recommend stuff you love
How handy is a friend who knows the best plumber, podcast, or productivity tool? Be that person.
Write a quick post listing 5 things you love - people, books, apps, whatever. Bonus points if it links to #1 (who you help and why).
4. Create a Sunday clothing rail
Ok this one is left field - but I love it for its audacity.
Your personal brand isn’t just what you say - it’s how you show up visually too.
Vanessa Kingori (Google Telecoms MD, ex-Vogue) preps a clothing rail on Sundays to make dressing effortless.
This is a level up from my current approach (sniffing my jumpers to check what needs a wash) I will admit. But I love the idea of making this easier.
Need help? My brilliant pal and stylist Alexandra Fullerton can help with this. She runs a service taking all the hassle out of deciding what to wear. Its like having a stylist in your pocket. Check out her website here and sign up to her newsletter.
5. Tell people what you’re working on
We underestimate how little people know about what we actually do.
But when you actually tell them – it’s easier for them to see how you could help them (or someone they know too). Don’t assume people already know and don’t be shy to talk about it. Next time you have an opportunity - explain how you’ve been helping people and the impact it’s had.
Could you try one of these today
Do you have another quick personal brand boost to add to the list? Hit reply—I want to hear it.
February Boosts:
On Friday 14 March, Rosie Nixon - former editor of Hello Mag is running a retreat to help women build their personal brands. We’ll be helping you find your why, tell your story and share it on social media in a compelling way Tickets here
Try this confidence boosting meditation. Here
Need a self-belief boost Try This