The biggest decision you will have to make this semester will be made in the next 1-2 weeks: defining what your personal brand is about. Many students struggle with this. Some think of too many things they want to write about. Others can’t think of anything – though often they actually have thought of something but need some help defining it and some validation that it okay to want to write about.
Here are a few resources to look at as you begin to think about your personal brand:
Don’t forget about your Emotional Appeal
There are many introductory articles about personal branding. Some are awful. This one isn’t. I really like how the first step of defining your brand has to do with what the author calls your “emotional appeal.” We often forget that we have a personality that can come through in our writing. The characteristics that make up that personality are powerful branding tools – because they are so personal and elicit emotional responses.
Make your Brand Statement a mantra
I love this helpful post by former Apple Evangelist Guy Kawasaki on creating a concise three or four word mantra rather than a mission statement. Mantras are memorable – and that makes them powerful.
An alternate view
This article by Ryan Rancatore appears to recommend not having a personal brand statement – but read a little deeper. What he’s really saying is that if you have one, you have to really live it.
Your personal brand does not have to encompass everything you are – just what you want to focus on right now. Good luck!
3 Good Articles About Personal Branding
