Personal branding toolkit

Your personal branding toolkit is just a way of communicating your personal brand. There are a number of very simple ways that you can do this:

• Your networking card. On this card include a photo of yourself, what you do and your contact details. Include a QR code linking to your LinkedIn resume or online resume/portfolio. By having your image on your card, people can put the name to the face.
• Your own logo. If you’re a consultant or working freelance, then consider getting a logo done. They don’t have to be expensive, but then again, don’t do it on the cheap either.
• Your LinkedIn profile. Your image, headline and summary are all part of your personal brand. Be clear about what you do and what your value is to others.
• Your Google+ account. Having a Google+ account gives you access to a wide range of tools that can help increase your visibility online. For example, you can set up your own YouTube channel and become the go to person for videos on your area of expertise. You could also monetise your channel.
• Your other social media accounts. Use the same photo, logo or cover image across all your social media accounts, so that it is clear that it’s you. Keep things consistent.
• Purchase your own domain name. Check with websites like GoDaddy.com and see if a domain name in your name is still available. If, like me, you have a common name and it’s already been taken, then consider adding something like consultant at the end e.g. JohnSmithConsultant.com. Once you have your own domain name, then you can use this to:
  • create a website that becomes your online resume and portfolio
  • create your own blog and write about your area of expertise. Publish a copy on your LinkedIn account.
  • alternatively, forward users to your LinkedIn profile for example www.thelinkedinoptimizer.com redirects users to my LinkedIn profile
  • create your own personal email address for example [email protected]
• Your email signature. Whether it’s your personal branding email address or your work email address, keep it professional at all times. Include a link to your domain or LinkedIn profile URL.
• Your personal style. When you look at certain people in the public eye, they have their very own clear sense of style. The Duchess of Cambridge for example has a conservative, demure style, and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour is always impeccably dressed. Choose a style that is easy to manage and reflects your true personality. My sister for example was always known for her shoes. As a nurse practitioner she had to wear a uniform for patients, but being office based, she was able to let her personality shine with her shoes. If your job restricts what you wear, then think about how you can fit in with the organization’s requirements whilst showcasing your own style.

These are my eight suggestions for creating your own personal branding toolkit. Can you add to the list? I’d love to hear your ideas.

If you’d like some 1:1 help and support, then consider becoming a VIP client. My VIP package includes 13 weeks resume and LinkedIn coaching, weekly coaching calls (in person, by phone or via Skype), email support and so much. Let’s turn you from a job seeker to a job magnet.

See you here tomorrow where we’ll look at how you can go about monitoring your personal brand online.

Take care for now and have a very Happy Easter

Karen x