Personal branding expert Jennifer Holloway advises using tools to enhance your packaging, making it appealing to your audience. Authenticity is also crucial in personal branding, and being true to oneself without feeling contrived or fake is key. Experimenting with different mediums and platforms can help figure out what works best for you.
Six Dos and Don’ts for Success in Personal Branding
Do Use New Tools
Personal branding expert Jennifer Holloway advises using tools to enhance your packaging, making it appealing to your audience. This can include creating a website with polished images and video, posting engaging content on social media platforms, or producing cleverly designed marketing materials.
Do Be Natural – But Also True
The best personal brands don’t feel overly curated; they effortlessly capture someone’s personality and unique qualities. Being authentic is essential, but it can be difficult to pin down what being authentic means in practice. Strive for an authentic look without feeling contrived or creating a conflict between being your real self and the best version of yourself.
Do Experiment
Try different mediums, platforms, and channels to figure out what works best for you. Start on LinkedIn, write a newsletter or Substack, or create written content on Instagram with visually designed carousels using Adobe Express. Research the channels and focus your efforts on one or two that really work for you.
Do Learn from Others
Look at people who do personal branding well and take inspiration from them. Stay up to date with how others are raising their game in today’s dynamic world of personal branding, thanks to evolving tech and best practices.
Don’t Feel You Have to Share Everything
It’s okay to keep parts of your life private. Think about what you want your personal brand to be. Some people prefer openness, while others take a strictly professional approach. Make sure your personal brand is something you feel comfortable with.
Don’t Expect Overnight Successes
Social media encourages the idea of zero-to-hero successes, but those whose personal brands really work have almost always put in the hours. Take your time, stick with it, and don’t be disheartened if you don’t have a million followers in your first month. Allow yourself time to experiment with your content and use the block and mute button if needed.
Don’t Overly Curate Your Personal Brand
The best personal brands aren’t overly curated; they effortlessly capture someone’s personality and unique qualities. Avoid creating a persona that feels contrived or fake, as this can be off-putting to others.
