Stacey Ross Cohen Delivers Fresh Perspectives on Personal Branding at TEDxHartford
January 23, 2019
Innovate Marketing
March 1, 2023
Personal branding is no longer a luxury; it's a requirement. Whether pursuing admission into your dream college or an interview at that coveted job at Google, standing out has never been more critical. It's never too early or too late to start figuring out who you are and what makes you unique. By understanding your strengths, values, and personality, you can create a personal brand that accurately and authentically represents you and appeals to others.
We're talking about creating an image and message that reflects who you are and answers the all-important question: Why Choose You? Today, more than ever, you need to showcase the value you bring to the table and possess a strong online presence to score scholarships, snag internships, land jobs, and more. And to achieve your goal, you need to get across your unique qualities that distinguish you from other candidates.
Get to Know Yourself through the Hero's Journey
This is where the hero's journey comes in. Just as a hero in a sci-fi or fantasy story goes on a quest to discover who they are and what they stand for, you too must embark on a journey to find what makes you unique. But unlike a hero's journey, which often involves battling dragons or saving people, your personal branding journey will be all about introspection, self-reflection, and honest self-assessment. In order to attain this self-awareness, you'll have to do some reflection.
Step 1: Know Thyself
The first step in the self-branding journey is to get to know yourself. This means taking a deep dive into your mind and understanding your personality, values, and strengths. You can start by answering questions like:
- What are my core values?
- What are my strengths?
- What do I stand for?
- What motivates me?
The goal here is to clearly understand what makes you, you. It'll help you identify strengths, weaknesses, and qualities that make you like no one else. As you get a more precise understanding of who you are, you can start to craft a message that accurately represents you.
Step 2: Define Your Unique Adjectives
Once you have a better understanding of who you are, it's time to define your unique adjectives. These are words that describe you and your brand. Examples of unique adjectives include "creative," "daring," "innovative," and "determined." The goal is to find words that accurately describe you and set you apart from others.
To find your unique adjectives, try thinking about the following:
- What words do others use to describe you?
- What are your proudest accomplishments?
- What are you passionate about?
Once you have a list of adjectives, narrow it down to the top 3-5 that best describe you. These can become the cornerstone of your personal brand.
Step 3: Tell Your Story
Your personal brand is more than just a list of adjectives. It's also about telling your story. What have you done that sets you apart from others and makes you unique? This could be your background, upbringing, experiences, or struggles. Whatever it is, make sure to share it in a way that's authentic to who you are.
Step 4: Build Your Brand
Now that you have a clear understanding of who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you unique, it's time to build your brand. This involves developing a visual identity (such as a logo or color scheme), creating a personal website or social media profiles, and consistently communicating your brand through your words, actions, and online presence.
Personal branding is an ongoing process, and your brand should evolve with you as you grow and change. Don't be afraid to revisit your unique adjectives and story and update as needed. Your brand is an extension of who you are and should always accurately reflect the real you.
Your Goals and a Roadmap for the Future
Another essential aspect of the process is goal-setting. When you clearly understand who you are, it is easier to set goals that align with your values and interests. When you set goals, you also create a roadmap for your future. This roadmap can help you stay focused and motivated as you work to achieve your future goals.
This process is valuable and empowering for anyone looking to establish their own unique identity and succeed in their career and personal life. By taking the time to understand yourself and define your unique adjectives, you'll be well on your way to a more successful and fulfilling career.
