Personal branding isn’t all about you.
Equally important, is how it affects others.
Navigating this two-way street requires care and attentiveness.
To help you do just that, here are 7 missteps you’ll want to sidestep:
Radio Silence: Ever spend time updating your LinkedIn profile but then went MIA?
Remember: Engaging is as important as updating.
Being Unclear: How Many Times Have You Run Across a Vague Title that Leaves You Guessing?
Example: Mark’s title is ‘Change Catalyst’. Is he a life coach? A corporate innovator? A chemist?
Be specific and don’t leave people scratching their head.
Inconsistency: Don’t speak out of both sides of your mouth.
Example: Deb promotes eco-friendly products on Monday but promotes disposable plastics on Tuesday.
Branding means staking out your territory and embodying it.
thoughts; it’s also about engaging with your audience and creating a dialogue. When people comment on your content, take the time to respond. When people ask questions, answer them. And when people start conversations, join in.
The Cookie Cutter Syndrome: A friend of mine likes to say that cookie cutters are for baking, not branding. Discovering what distinguishes you is essential.
Example: How many profiles have you read that use the words “passionate” and “driven?” If you’re alive, you’re passionate and driven. Use words that describe you, not the human race.
The Brag: Sharing achievements are important, but don’t boast.
Example: Alex gets an award and says he’s now the best in his field and superior to everyone else.
Show a little grace and humility, which makes you more accessible and credible.
The Laundry List: Listing tasks without showing impact is a missed opportunity.
Example: Bev writes on her LinkedIn profile “Organized 20+ team meetings.”
Instead say “Facilitated 20+ meetings, boosting team productivity by 30%.”
Focus on results, not just to-dos.
Personal branding needs to reflect the real you, not a manufactured version. Stay true to your values and image and don’t make it all about you. Be giving, accessible and there for others.
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