Personal branding for networking:  How to make “being you” work for you

Make “being you” work for you

Who are you? What do you bring to the table? How do you make “you” come across in all your communications? Now is the time to put in a little thought and a little work to improve your personal branding and make your social media and content creation more effective at expanding professional networks. 

Craft your narrative

Personal branding requires a deep understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of yourself as a brand, with a unique story, values, and expertise. Your narrative should showcase the real you to better resonate with your target audience. 

To craft your narrative, start by identifying your strengths, passions, and professional goals. Together, these form the foundation of your personal brand. Everything you do in your professional life and share in the public domain should grow from this foundation and expand upon it. 

Create content

A stellar personal brand that is never expressed live does nothing for a person. Getting your personal brand recognised and expanding your network requires you to put in the legwork to draw attention. This means content creation. Whether your content is in blog, video, infographic or another form, consistent content creation helps position you as an authority in your field and boosts your personal brand. 

Don’t just create content for content’s sake. Share your insights on emerging trends, offer solutions to common challenges, and participate in relevant conversations. Positioning yourself as a thought leader in this way helps to attract individuals who resonate with your insights and who can amplify your personal brand by becoming a part of your professional network.

Amplify your social media

Social media has revolutionised the way everyone connects. It’s essential for personal branding and networking on a large scale. Though in-person will always be the most effective network tool, social media allows you to reach far more contacts faster. With platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, you can showcase your professional journey, share your accomplishments, and engage with a global audience. 

Optimise your profiles with a professional photo, a compelling bio, and regular updates. Join industry-specific groups, participate in discussions, and leverage hashtags to increase the visibility of your content. Social media, when used strategically, can exponentially expand your reach and foster meaningful connections.

To get the most out of those connections, ensure that you are focused on the quality, not just the quantity, of your connections. Be as genuine and as true to your personal brand as you can; offer support and build relationships over time based on mutual respect and shared values. 

Once you have created your personal brand, reinforced it with a core narrative, created content to match, and amplified your message on social media, you will have the tools necessary to unlock the full potential of your network of contacts. Keep these tools and tricks in mind throughout the year, put them to good use, and watch your network flourish. Go get it. 

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As Director of Business Development, Jim Ries works to increase Offit Kurman’s visibility, reach, and value in the business community. In support of this, and in tandem with the firm’s marketing team, he develops and manages outreach programmes designed to educate business owners and entrepreneurs at every stage of their business and personal lives, as well as provide resources to families who wish to protect and pass on their wealth.