Something I have found very powerful in the use of social media is the Personal Brand.  Unfortunately, too many small and large business people think personal branding is just throwing up a logo of their business and then posting nothing but gibberish about their product.

Today, consumers do not want to hear or see commercials..that is why the TV Remote Control has a fast forward for the DVR.   This does not mean consumers are not in need of your product or services.  It means with the onslaught of product quality deception, fraud and failures the consumer wants to know more about WHO the business is that is offering the product or service they want or need.

A lot has changes since October 2008 when the economy failed under the pressure of small and large business deceptions to consumers.  As a result of the fraud discovered in the business community there is more to marketing of a product or service than showing a business logo on Twitter or producing a fancy commercial to be shown on TV.

Personal branding has become a necessity in doing business today. If you have not developed a Personal Brand..then you need to do so.

What is a Personal Brand?

Personal branding is all about you but in moderation.  Personal Branding is a powerful personal self promotion that should included as part of your business strategy.  A Personal Brand is based on what you do…your talents, skills and values. A Personal Brand becomes the foundation for all the business’ marketing efforts. With a clear marketable brand, you can intentionally shape positive perceptions about you as the symbol for your business.

Think about brands for the products and services you use or recognize. How and what you think, fee or say about those brands have been shaped by consistent and persistent marketing messages.  Your brand’s perception becomes reality when consumers confirm your message from their experience from their interaction with you personally..not the business’ logo.

How to create a strong Personal Brand?

Here are a few pointers to follow to create your Personal Brand.

Who is Your Target?

First, write a description of the specific person, or persons, who is your consumer.  You have to first face the fact that not everybody is going to be in your target market.  The worst mistake you make in building a personal brand is thinking everyone is in your market.

Who Are You Competing with?

Who is it your target buyer thinks about when they they listen to your message.  Who else would they buy your product from?

How are you Different?

A big mistake is thinking your Brand has to be unique. Being unique is good, but not necessary.  However, you must be different with relevance to your target.  Make a list the differences you have with your competition. Then focus on what’s most relevant to your consumer.

Write Your Mission Statement

This mission statement pulls together your discoveries. Your mission statement should consist of these points.

• Describes your target consumer and what they are looking for,
• A frame of reference to who else offers your product or services
• and your differences.

This statement becomes your Personal Brand.  Remember, this is your personal message not something broadcasted to the world.

What’s the Plan?

Now that you have all this information you should be able to see clearly the plan for marketing more effectively. Showing your market who you are, combined with what you offer, does more than just blatant business commercials.  Your plan should be to be yourself and influence people to want to find out more about you which leads then to finding out more about what you offer in business.

It is very important to realize the environment of business has changed resulting in a change in the way business is done.  Trust in who is in the business and who is running the business is paramount in consumer’s minds when it comes time to purchase anything.

80% of consumers, who have access to the internet, will search out through business/social networks or Google Search to find out who is running a business or company for a product they want to buy before searching for what deals they can find for those products.

The power of the Personal Brand is getting stronger as more tools like Twitter and other niche business and social networks take hold.

Take your personal brand serious..it could effect your business.  Let me know how I can help.

Innovative Business Golf Solutions, LLC, offers a menu of social media services and business coaching. For more information contact IBGS with Social Media Services or Business Coaching in the subject line.