How to Build Your Personal Brand Through Self-Awareness

ONE IDEA FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT

How often do you think about your unique story? About what you bring to the table? Have you ever thought about what people say about you when you are not in the room? If these questions resonate with you, you are in the right place!

A personal brand defines who you are, what you do, and what you stand for. It is what people feel when they see you, what comes to mind when they think of you, and what they say about you when you're not in the room.

A personal brand is your unique reputation. A good brand is crucial for building trust and effectively communicating your value to employers, coworkers, and clients. Whether we like it or not, we all have a personal brand. Instead of allowing your branding to be on autopilot, why not take control of how you present yourself to the world?

Now let’s dive into a couple of questions that will help you grow your self-awareness as it pertains to your brand.

Click here to download the printable worksheet.

SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. What are my unique strengths and skills?
   Why it matters: What are you exceptionally good at? Pick out a few functional skills, strengths, or attributes that you do well.  
2. What am I passionate about? Do certain tasks/people/things light me up?
   Why it matters: The things that light you up usually bring out your authentic self - let that passion guide you towards things that align with your interests.
3. What am I known for?
   Why it matters: Recognizing what you're known for helps you emphasize your unique qualities and contributions, shaping how others perceive your personal brand. But get honest here - are you the one who comes late to meetings, or never answers emails? Take note of the positive and negative things you are known for. Awareness gives you the power to pivot.
4. What are the things (either hard or soft skills) that people compliment me on?
   Why it matters: Being aware of the skills others appreciate in you allows you to emphasize these strengths in your personal brand. Look out for the things that the people around you compliment you on, and if that is in line with what you want your brand to be, double down on those things.
5. What do people come to me for help with?
   Why it matters: Understanding what others ask you for help with highlights your expertise and areas of influence. This could be your superpower.
6. What are my core values?
   Why it matters: Clarifying your values helps you align your actions and decisions with what truly matters to you.
7. What is my unique story?  
   Why it matters: We all have a story. What part of your journey sets you apart from others and makes you stand out? 

ONE EXERCISE FOR YOU TO TRY THIS WEEK

Asking yourself these questions is such a good way to become aware of how you perceive yourself, while also shedding light on how others view you. 

Another tangible way to see how others view you is by asking for feedback. Ask 1-3 people (preferably a manager and a few colleagues) to give you feedback on what they think you are really good at, on what makes you unique. Sometimes we are so blind to our strengths and what we bring to the table - why not get help from the people who know us best.  

Share this blog post with a friend, family member, or coworker. Encourage them to reflect on their brand as well.

Let's get one step closer to building our personal brands! Click here to download the printable worksheet for this lesson.

Until next time,
Sheena