What Is a Personal Brand? Dispelling Common Myths
If you think that a personal brand is just a jazzy Instagram profile or a catchy website, then it’s time to reframe your thinking.
Far too often, the term “personal branding” gets stuck in the mire of social media, podcasts, and websites. But the truth is, your personal brand is more than just a digital veneer.
At Brand Builders Group, we define a personal brand as the digitization of your reputation.
Your personal brand is the digital representation of what you stand for, what people say about you when you’re not in the room, and how trusted you are within your community.
So, when you ask the question, “Do I need a personal brand?”, you should be asking, “Do I need a reputation?”
And the answer, unequivocally, is yes.
Trust: The Cornerstone of a Strong Personal Brand
If there’s one compelling reason to focus on building a personal brand right now, it’s trust.
We conducted a groundbreaking study—the Trends in Personal Branding National Research Study—to quantify the impact of a strong personal brand.
One data point we discovered is that 74% of Americans said they are more likely to trust someone if that person has an established personal brand.
In today’s world, trust is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity.
It influences who we hire, who we buy from, and who we recommend to others.
Data from our study also showed that trust could even influence our romantic lives—29% of Americans are more likely to date someone with a strong personal brand!
Why a Personal Brand Matters in Business
While trust is universal, its implications for business are game-changing.
Our Trends in Personal Branding National Research Study revealed that 63% of Americans are more likely to buy from someone who has a well-established personal brand.
So whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional service provider, or even if you’re trying to galvanize volunteers for a cause you care deeply about, a personal brand gives you a significant edge.
Moreover, 57% of Americans said they are more likely to recommend someone who has an established personal brand. In business, riches are indeed in the referrals.
Personal Branding Isn’t Vanity; It’s About Automating Trust
There’s a misconception that personal branding is about showing off or trying to become an internet celebrity.
This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Personal branding isn’t about selfies, trendy dances, or pretending to be a know-it-all.
It’s about the digitization of your reputation; it’s about automating trust.
How Brand Builders Group Can Help You
Building a personal brand might sound overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone.
At Brand Builders Group, we’re experts in crafting compelling personal brands that build trust and bring value.
We’re here to guide you through the process and offer you proven strategies based on years of experience and academic research.
If you haven’t already, make sure you check out our Trends in Personal Branding National Research Study for valuable insights that could shape your journey to building a more potent personal brand.
In this digital age, the concept of personal branding is no longer a mere trend; it’s a necessity.
By digitizing your reputation and automating trust, you’re not just building a brand—you’re building relationships, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities.
Don’t hesitate. The time to build your personal brand is now.
Because, remember, your personal brand is not just about you—it’s about how the world sees you, and more importantly, trusts you.
