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I’ve been reading a lot lately about personal branding, and have become quite enamored with it, as the Internet has made it much easier to create a positive brand that can help you grow your business. What’s your brand say about you and your business? Or, are you even aware of it? If you’ve been under a rock for the past couple of years you might not be aware of the importance of your brand to your business success.
How do you create and grow your brand online?
When most people think of brand, they think of the BIG ones like Coco Cola, Nike, even Trump (did I just say that?). I’m not talking about big brands, I’m talking about how you can create your own personal brand (voice) online, and garner all the business your heart desires.
In creating your brand, what can you do for your market? What value do you provide? How can you give some of it away? What’s your voice in the marketplace? Be as transparent about yourself as you can, without becoming irrelevant (and too personal).
Once you figure that out, how can you let it be known to the world?
Start A Blog
One of the quickest and most economical ways to be heard in the marketplace is with your personally branded blog. This is your hub or center of your online branding universe. These branded blogs are popping up all over the internet, so you must be unique. You must have your own voice. What is your passion? What do you truly believe in? That is your brand! That is what you will write about on your blog.
Learn From Gary Vaynerchuk
A great example of this is Gary Vaynerchuk. And his Wine Library TV video podcast that has created a massive following and grew his wine business to $50 million plus in just a few short years.
Head over to Gary’s blogs and study them. You will learn quickly how to create your own voice (and brand) online. He is the master at it, and his social presence on the Internet is near the top.
Shoot Videos
Just like Gary does with Wine Library TV, you can shoot very short videos, and post them on your blog and on youtube. These videos really need to show your personality. Don’t be stale or boring. Gary is passionate. He talks about his New York Jets, wine and many other things. Be thinking about what you can talk about in these videos.
Become Part Of A Community
Find a thriving community in your niche. Dive in and become an authority. You do this by giving value. Helping people with their problems. When you do, your online visibility will skyrocket (and so will your business). Type in your niche (market) and then the word community (or even forum) and see what you come up with. I guarantee you’ll find one.
Once you become an authority in your community, people will come to you for help (but the paid kind), as they know you are credible and knowledgeable. This will not happen overnight, but being consistent is the key. The more they see you participating, the more comfortable they’ll feel to use your services.
And as always, I’d love to hear from you! Give me a shout out down below and some FB or Twitter love! Thanks so much!
Mike Pedersen has been an entrepreneur his entire adult life, and really enjoys helping golf professionals, and small businesses grow their revenue through online internet marketing strategies.
18. October 2010 at 1:12 am
Hi Mike,
I enjoyed this post, and I agree with it! Branding is so very important. In fact, this reminds me of a post that I meant to write!
When you figure out the name of your brand, be sure to secure it on all of the main social media sites.
Do as I say, not as I do! My brand name on Twitter and Facebook is “Entrepreneur44.” But because I did not secure it right away with YouTube, when I got there, it was already taken! Bummer!
Don’t let this happen to you!
Later, Mike, Linda
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18. October 2010 at 1:18 am
Hey Linda!
Glad you enjoyed it. Great point of securing it on all the social networks. It’s kind of like domain names a few years back. Get all likenesses of your main one to cover yourself. Wow! Can’t believe the youtube name was gone. That is a bummer. Thanks for stopping by.
Regards,
Mike
18. October 2010 at 1:30 pm
As much as I agree with you that the internet has made it easier for companies to Brand their company or service it has also lead to a very risky environment for business as well.
As fast as things can be good they can easily go bad. The truth of the matter is with social media the business has lost control and the consumer has all the power.
Take Apple for example. they released the iphone 4 and all these rumors started about the bad reception and calls dropping. I own an iphone 4 and can confirm I’ve never had any issues.
The point is that social media is so powerful it took an amazing brand name and came close to destroying it. thankfully Steve Job is rich enough to send out millions of free iphone 4 bumpers and make the bad buzz go away or at least slow down.
Like I said I am a huge fan of the internet and I agree it can help grow a small brand fast but it can just as easily destroy your company over night.
It’s a pleasure meeting you on twitter Mike I look forward toy our future articles.
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18. October 2010 at 1:56 pm
Brian,
No doubt the control is in the consumers hands but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I do, however, think like in Apple’s situation, it might have turned real ugly, but that goes to show you, when a product or service doesn’t meet the expectation of the consumer…watch out!
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, and I look forward to getting to know you Brian!
Mike
19. October 2010 at 2:52 am
As someone who is working on building my brand, I appreciate this blog. I had never heard of personal branding until several months ago, and I can see how important it is. It’s nice to have some actionable items for an entrepreneur to work on.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Leslie
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19. October 2010 at 11:58 am
Glad to hear it Leslie. It takes some time and effort, but it’s worth it.
20. October 2010 at 5:33 pm
Hi Mike! Great post. Here is a blog you might find interesting http://buildbrandyou.com/. The author, W. Reid, talks about building a personal brand and how that helps people get jobs, get promoted, excel at a current job, etc. Her posts are always short and to the point. Its definitely worth checking out when you have a minute.
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20. October 2010 at 5:53 pm
Thanks Brianna! I’ll check out that site. Thanks for sharing.
20. October 2010 at 10:29 pm
Thanks Mike for this post it came at a perfect time. I just got of the phone with a friend that is new to blogging and this will assist them a great deal in understanding the branding concept. I passed your link on to them.
Thanks again,
Michael
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21. October 2010 at 2:44 am
Glad to be of service Michael
22. October 2010 at 10:06 am
Nice post! Now more than ever before I’m focusing on creating a reputation and providing an unforgettable exp. with my service to build up my brand.. BRANDING IS HUGE! no wonder those big companies spend millions of dollars every year to get their brand out there right?
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22. October 2010 at 1:44 pm
Thanks Justin!
I like your energy and conviction to your mission. You will succeed
Mike
22. October 2010 at 11:00 am
The ideas of personal branding is a very important one in these days of social media and business online. As a blogger I’ve always focused on building my brand on ProfitMcee which I’ve taken up on many social networks.
I think I will be concentrating on the idea of short videos very soon.
Thanks for this ideas.
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22. October 2010 at 1:45 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more Chad
Videos is the next progression for bloggers.
Thanks for commenting!
22. October 2010 at 9:40 pm
Great Post Mike. Let it be known that for people to do business with you, they must get to know you. The only way they’re going to get to know you is by observing your brand.
So we get out there and expose ourselves in every way we can, in as many places as we can… and we will win the hearts of many friends, colleagues, and of course, customers.
(but be genuine while you’re at it.
)
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23. October 2010 at 2:54 am
Paul,
Thanks my friend! Being transparent online is an effective way for people to get to know you. We will see a big jump in “raving fans” with this approach.
Mike
23. October 2010 at 1:39 am
Consistency is certainly important and transparency too. In reference to the power of the populous via social media..and PR control I think the approach has to be substantially different than old school. I n spite of things going south rapidly they can be stopped by brands stepping up and acknowledging the screw ups and then dealing with them quickly to rectify them.
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23. October 2010 at 2:56 am
Rebecca,
I couldn’t agree with you more. The benefit of social media is powerful if used correctly with the whole intent to be for the consumer.
Mike
23. October 2010 at 2:48 am
Mike, this is a great post. I think personal branding is very important. I’ve seen others use it and it is very effective. Thanks for the helpful information.
23. October 2010 at 4:42 pm
Hey Mike,
Transparency online is key to success in building the brand of you.
You need to also know who you are and what you are trying to accomplish with your business online. I find most people do not have a clue about what they are doing. They are just doing stuff and going through the motions. The online world of social media and internet marketing are just that… tools to help you achieve your goals and dreams. Get those straight first and then you will see a clear path on what you should be doing and how you should brand yourself online.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
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23. October 2010 at 10:07 pm
Hey Ed!
I agree that most people get online, launch a site or blog, but with no end goal in mind. So they have no target to shoot for. Going through the motions is something we’ve all been guilty of at one time or another. Use the tools as you mentioned, with some direction and magical things start to happen
Mike
24. October 2010 at 4:13 pm
Right on Mike. Great valuable suggestions on how to create our own personal brand. What many either don’t realize or are too busy to think about is that this brand can also be negatively affected by either silly, insulting or highly controversial comments on the web that might very well come back to haunt someone’s personal brand. I always say to small business owners, “You ARE your brand”!
I also agree with you about the value of video. Check your “contact” page shortly for a message from me
Thanks for sharing your insights!
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24. October 2010 at 5:48 pm
Hey Julie!
Got your video. Very cute
I’ve received several video mails lately and have to admit it’s a nice touch. Just don’t know how much people will appreciate it. That’s the bummer with a lot of people. Lack of appreciation. As marketers we need to not take it personally, but when you put a lot of time, money and emotion into something, it’s hard not to.
Regards,
Mike
25. October 2010 at 1:48 pm
Gary VEE is one of my favorites, he is an amazing marketer. I feel he has not only changed the game for personal brand, he created a whole new standard. The good news he he has left his footprint for all of us to learn from.
Great info Mike!
Rob
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25. October 2010 at 6:19 pm
Hey Rob! Yeah…Gary V is awesome. I love his passion and conviction to his brand. We can definitely all learn from him (and I aim to). It’s a huge commitment of time and energy, but if you truly have passion about your subject, it’ll be worth it.
Cheers,
Mike
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25. October 2010 at 4:33 pm
Lots of valuable tips here Mike. So many bloggers and small business owners don’t realize the value of branding to build awareness. There are so many ways to build your brand online.
Would you elaborate a little on being transparent? I agree that all your efforts should be targeted to your customer. In your opinion, how transparent should someone (like a coach or consultant who depends upon being recognized as an authority) be?
My strategy on social networking sites like Facebook is to try to connect on a personal level. While on LinkedIn, I’m seriously considering uploading my resume. I may be totally missing the mark on what transparency means. So, I’m very interested in hearing your thoughts!
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25. October 2010 at 6:25 pm
Sherryl,
Thank you for the kind words, I try at least right?
In my opinion, transparency is not being afraid to speak your mind; show people you’ve made mistakes; that you have a voice and opinion; showing your passion even if it’s not for everyone.
Transparency for others might be telling people very intimate details of their personal life. That’s their choice, but I wouldn’t go down that road. There has to be value to your reader. If you talk about yourself with nothing to gain for the reader, they will be gone. On the other hand, if you tell a story that they can learn from you will gain a following very fast.
Hope that helps.
Look forward to conversing with you more.
Mike
Twitter: sharisax
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26. October 2010 at 5:44 am
One great place to start conversations is in a LinkedIn group in your niche. Then after you build a reputation engaging with the group members in the established group, you can further refine a topic and invite others to join a new community. One thing to keep in mind is NOT to waste peoples’ time. So if you start a new LinkedIn group AND/OR a Facebook Fan Page or Group, you need to stay creative and engaged . . . and give people reasons to keep returning.
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26. October 2010 at 12:20 pm
Great tip with LinkedIn Shari. Appreciate it! This is what blogging with value is all about. Not just saying “nice blog”, “great comment”, but adding value like you’ve just done. Thanks so much!
Mike
27. October 2010 at 12:50 am
Since I’m one of the ‘young’ens’ leaving a comment I can’t stress enough how important it is now to have some kind of online presence such as a blog or website.
I grew up on the web but really didn’t start building my brand until a few years ago – biiiiig mistake!
Anything that you can do to put your name out there – that’s not just advertising through blunt trauma on people – sets you just a bit more in the spotlight – piece by piece.
But this just doesn’t apply for people my age; this is going to become essential for everyone else. You can’t just dismiss this “online thing” as a phase because it is the new standard – people will seek you out online and when they don’t find you, they go somewhere else.
Just start working now – doesn’t have to be some uber investment – even just getting on Twitter is enough to make a mark – do SOMETHING so you can show your expertise.
In fact, many people that are well beyond my age have a greater opportunity. Sure, I have youth and probably more energy but people that haven been in business for years have EXPERIENCE and that’s what matters most when you’re building your brand.
I have to work twice as hard because I not only have to learn it but I’m talking about it as I go. Other people can just reflect back from years of experience and immediately make a bang.
So either way: get started now. Create content. Connect, connect, connect.
(Finally found some time to get around to commenting again – busy busy busy!)
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27. October 2010 at 3:14 am
Hey my friend! Thanks for stopping by and posting such an insightful comment from such a “youg’en”
You are wise in your years Murray! I look forward to this fun online journey with people such as yourself.
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27. October 2010 at 7:12 pm
I love that you use Gary V as an example. In my niche it is usually Tim Ferris that is held up as the example. Nothing wrong with Ferris, he has done the same thing I am doing and done it very well, but I really love the the way Gary V has branded himself.
Maybe It is partially that being another NJ guy I appreciate his hyper frenetic style, even if it isn’t “My” style, I know a lot of mile a minute guys like him.
Anyway, I am starting to work hard on personal branding. I agree that it is hugely important. If you do not get out there and market yourself in the best possible light, there are no “marketing fairies” that will fly in and do it for you.
I think it boils down to a basic principal of business that has been around for hundreds of years -but it often forgotten- your image and your reputation is everything. As you do good and leave people with positive impressions from all dealings with you, your personal branding and reputation will grow. If you try to chisel away at people to make petty scores, the word will get out slowly too.
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27. October 2010 at 8:52 pm
Yeah Steve…he’s pretty phenomenal at social media and brand building. His mile a minute is similar to mine, but I just love how authentic he is. True to his brand through and through.
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29. October 2010 at 9:50 am
Very good and accurate blog Mike. I’ve been in personal brand and reputation management for over 9 years now, and, amongst my corporate clients, lecture at 7 business schools on employability (how the MBA’s are going to get a job is NOT through their qualification but through their differentiation). However, you also pointed us at video usage, and putting up blogs with video online. Can I add to that there is a new platform which is a brilliant way to improve your engagement with your audience through video, and that is video email, and when it is supplied through MyVideoTalk you not only get a method of being able to totally brand your email with your own colours, logos and style, you also have an opportunity to use their broadcast facility in the same way, and web meetings too! It’s a brilliant way of inviting people to meet you, like you, follow you and maybe buy from you at some point, and an excellent way to build your personal brand and reputation through personal interaction and not uninspiring text. If you’d like more info do connect with me at tessahood@changinggear.net
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29. October 2010 at 2:02 pm
Thanks Tessa! Your credentials are quite impressive. I’ve had a few people approach me with this, but my only concern is it is an MLM company, and I’ve recently sworn off MLM’s. It’s a long story. I do think the technology for video email is really cool though, and there are other companies out there that have it and not linked to MLM.
Thanks so much for writing such a great comment. Hope to see you here again soon!
Mike
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29. October 2010 at 8:09 pm
Since there’s a pretty full deck of insights already here, I guess my two pence worth is to bear in mind what happens to organisational brands when they get exposed and cracks appear between the polished brand image and the actual behaviour customer witness.
In today’s world of vocal customers that a fast track to PR meltdown.
So the core of personal branding is the same as ‘big’ brands. Be true to what you are because anything less won’t wash.
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29. October 2010 at 10:06 pm
Hey Martin!
It’s so funny how the big box companies and many small businesses don’t think branding is important, and I tend to disagree. In today’s economy the customer is now in control, and they can talk good or bad about you to the universe in warp speed.
Thanks for stopping by!
Mike
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31. October 2010 at 5:02 pm
Hi Mike,
When I think of the word branding I think about being consistent. I consider my blog to be the heart of my business a place where I aim to show my personality therefore making myself and my business transparent. These messages are then reflected through other forms of social media I use and any other forms of marketing material to proved consistency.
I even go as far as thinking about the colours I were and the way I present myself. My blog background is red and I always wear something red, it’s amazing how many people notice and say to me is that your signature colour.
I remember when I first started using social media I came across Gary and what an inspiration he is. So much so that I base my online interactions on his ethos which is about engaging with your audience?
Wendy
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1. November 2010 at 12:46 am
I like the thought you put into your brand Wendy. It’s so true. Being consistent and authentic on your blog will set you apart.
Mike
Twitter: zachsbuzz
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4. November 2010 at 5:12 am
Timely post on branding-Definitely a hot topic in the blogosphere. Consistency is easy if you are an authentic expert in your niche. You nailed it-Blogging provides the single best way to build a consistent, authentic brand. And if you can have a unique voice and point of view that resonates with people and businesses in your niche, you can definitely carve out a niche in any area.
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4. November 2010 at 2:04 pm
Zach, it does seem that branding is a hot topic, but one that people really need to understand to get the full value out of it. To create and grow a brand, you must provide value to the marketplace. People reading your information should be able to takeaway some good stuff and apply it to their business. If you can do that, you’ve got real potential. Thanks for stopping by!
5. November 2010 at 3:36 pm
Hi Mike
Many thanks for your insights and useful recommendations, and to everyone’s thought-provoking comments. It hadn’t really occurred to me that personal branding would be equally important to someone employed as it is to a self-employed person or small business owner.
The old saying “a cobbler’s children are always the worst shod” definitely applies to me in the context of your article! As someone who has worked for many years in the digital media world, and much of it in taking brands online, I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I haven’t yet started a blog…. perhaps more about that in my first blog to be written imminently:-)
My role as a personal presentation consultant is strongly related to personal branding, as I work with individuals on their speaking voice and their image. For me, the most important quality when branding yourself is authenticity. How you want to be perceived should align with your values and how you actually operate in business. As Martin has said above as I understand it (and I paraphrase); what you are claiming to be and do should be very close to what you actually deliver. If not, that gap should be closed pdq! We’re all far too sophisticated as buyers to expect anything less, I trust.
Best wishes
Lynda
P.S. I’m very reassured to read that personal branding (sometimes called self-marketing) is something new to many. I had thought it was an overcrowded market a number of years ago!
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5. November 2010 at 9:58 pm
Hey Lynda!
Great to hear from you!
Shame on you for not starting your own blog (brand)
It’s time for you to get your voice heard in the marketplace.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mike