I remember when I was in elementary school, and my parents were working with a real estate agent to help us find a new home. I asked my dad, “Why do real estate agents always have nice cars?” He simply responded, “Perception. If they didn’t have nice things, it would be harder to convince other people that they could get them nice things.”
As a speech communication minor in undergrad, I learned that communication is more than just words. Everyday, people form opinions about you by both your verbal cues and nonverbal cues such as physical attributes and appearance. Since many of these aspects will be outside of your control, honing in on the aspects over which you do have control becomes even more important.
In the midst of developing your business plan, take a step back, assess your personal brand, and figure out what it says about you. You may have the next best product or service in the market, but your ethos could hinder your effectiveness. Especially in this age of social media, gaining an understanding of the nonverbal cues you are projecting is of vital importance for both your personal and professional life.
In determining where I invest my time and resources, as well as the things I post online, I always consider my personal brand statement. Start by developing your personal brand statement and let that be the guiding force of your posts and pursuits. It will assist in building your credibility and foundation long before you introduce your business, so it will be better received.
My personal brand statement:
I am a creative person who is also very business-minded. My curiosity is what fuels my love of traveling and exploring new experiences. I am a saved Christian, so my mission is to increase God’s kingdom through my words, actions, and service. I have an amazing family and friends that I desire to do good and not harm in the present and future. I take my life seriously, but not myself seriously. Health and fitness are important to me, but I am not quite disciplined enough to have discount codes on social media. I am a minority and a woman, so I want to uplift, inspire, and create opportunities for people who look like me.
What is your personal brand statement? Does that align with your branding today?