The Power of Personal Branding: Elevating Key People in Your Business

Please remember this…

People follow People.  

And this is why Personal Branding has become more than just a buzzword—it's a necessity. 

To put it into perspective: 

Richard Branson has 18,742,764 followers

Virgin has 273,127 followers 

Bill Gates has 34,792,433 followers

Microsoft has 20,493,232 followers

Gary Vaynerchuk has 5,266,588 followers

VaynerX has 67,029 followers 

Steven Bartlett has 1,300,104 followers

The Social Chain has 30,519 followers

For small medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups, having a Key Person of Influence (KPI) can significantly boost visibility, credibility, and ultimately, success. This includes the Founders, Executives and other Team members within the business. 

I’m going to put Personal Branding on LinkedIn in the spotlight for this week’s article. 

My favourite profiles to study to LinkedIn: 

Steven Bartlett 

Amelia Sordell 

Daniel Priestley 

I love these profiles because these Influencers are consistent, knowledgeable and their strategies clearly work. 

Take a look at their profiles and study them. 

Don’t just look. Study them.

Key benefits of personal branding include:

1. Increased Trust and Credibility: A strong personal brand establishes authority and expertise, making the business more trustworthy.
2. Enhanced Visibility: A KPI with a solid online presence can significantly boost the company's reach and recognition.
3. Stronger Connections: Personal branding builds relationships with industry influencers, potential clients and partners.
4. Competitive Advantage: A distinguished personal brand sets the business apart from competitors who might lack a human touch.

In essence, personal branding transforms individuals into key influencers, driving the business forward through their reputation and networks.

Action Tips to Improve Personal Branding on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an essential platform for professionals seeking to enhance their personal brand. Here are some actionable tips to elevate personal branding on LinkedIn:

1. Optimise Your Profile: 

   - Professional Photo: Use a high-quality, professional headshot.

   - Headline and Summary: Include a compelling headline and summary that highlight your expertise, achievements, and value proposition.

   - Experience and Skills: List relevant experiences, skills, and endorsements to showcase your qualifications.

2. Create and Share Valuable Content:

   - Articles and Posts: Regularly write articles and posts that provide insights, tips, and industry news. This positions you as a thought leader.

   - Engage with Content: Comment on, share, and like posts from others in your industry to increase visibility and engage with your network.

3. Build Your Network:

   - Connect with Industry Peers: Actively connect with professionals in your field, including potential clients, partners, and influencers.

   - Join Groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your industry to engage in discussions and expand your network.

4. Leverage Recommendations and Endorsements:

   - Request Recommendations: Ask colleagues, clients, and partners for recommendations that highlight your expertise and impact.

   - Give Endorsements: Endorse skills of your connections to encourage them to reciprocate.

5. Consistency is Key:

   - Regular Updates: Keep your profile up-to-date with new achievements, certifications, and experiences.

   - Consistent Activity: Maintain a consistent presence on LinkedIn by posting, sharing, and engaging with content regularly.

Takeaway…

Start today by optimising your LinkedIn profile and sharing valuable content. Empower yourself and your team to become influential figures in your industry. Remember, a strong personal brand not only elevates the individual but also propels the business to new heights.