When you start out on any journey, whether questing for your special gifts, or by following your heart, or during a mission to save the world, you obviously are going to have a lot of questions. I recently came out with a video entitled #AskAndrewAnything Episode 1. The subject was personal branding. It’s quite the hot topic right now, and so I wanted to delve into the process a bit more with everyone today.
Your identity puts you in charge of your destiny, your vision, and more importantly, your own company. And no, a “company” doesn’t have to be a physical structure. It can merely be your goals for the future. In order to be you to the fullest extent, you have to brand yourself.
Here is how to start self-branding:
1. Register your domain name.
You’re going to want to make a website for your brand. Ideally, your domain name should be something that says a lot about you. Some people use their name (like me) or a pseudonym. Or you can take a page from a company notebook and get your domain name, and more importantly, your brand name, after strategic planning, brainstorming, and some research.
Remember, your domain name is your real estate. Your product. Furthermore, it’s your identity online.
So if your name isn’t available as a domain name, I recommend jotting down a couple of adjectives that describe how you wish to be seen. Also consider who you’re targeting and how you want your brand to resonate with the masses.
2. Website design.
One way to market yourself and your brand is with a website. No brand gets anywhere without a little bit of PR. You may be aware of this, but once you start looking into how to build a website, you’re going to have much, much more to consider. First, what website platform are you going to use? What’s the layout going to be? The color scheme? Are you going to be selling and giving anything away, like an eBook? Your website has to be intelligently designed.
Once you choose what website builder and hosting platform to use, the next important step is starting off strong. Start building on your brand design, even if you only have a single photograph.
3. Content!
The most important part is building content. You need to create content that revolves around your passions. Remember, you have to be real, authentic, and just, well, you. Once you tap into your talents, the content is going to pour down onto you like the light of Asgard.
Except instead of a mighty hammer or lasso of truth, you have the formidable keyboard. What you talk about on your website and blog is going to portray some kind of value to those you are targeting. Since people inherently seek out things and services of value, you want to fabricate content that delivers something the readers and potential customers can use.
If they can use it, they will see value in your brand.
4. Take control now.
Be proactive as soon as possible. There is no better time than right now to get started on your self-branding journey. You have your name, your goal in life, and the means to begin constructing your own empire. Mention your brand to those around you, start networking with other professionals, and become a topic.
Naturally, if you need more help with figuring out what to do with self-branding as you get farther along, don’t hesitate to #AskAndrewAnything. I’m always willing to answer your questions or help you pinpoint the talents or quirks that make your personal brand shine. For now, do the following: register your domain name, get your website up, and start developing content!