Research has suggested that over 90% of consumers are more likely to purchase from an authentic brand, rather than a dishonest brand, but how can you build your brand to become something that is recognised and trustworthy? We spoke to motivational speaker, businesswoman and award-winning published author, Alison Delaney, to give her top-tips on effective ways to develop your personal brand that reflect on your values.
Hone your uniqueness
A quote I like to recall sometimes is ‘’be yourself, everyone else is already taken’’ by Oscar Wilde, because I believe there is so much truth in it! Having an authentic brand separates you from the rest of the competition – what is unique about you that no one else can offer? What qualities can you provide that gives a bespoke service to your potential clients? Whatever they are, shout about them in every way you can! Focussing on your best qualities and putting a spotlight on them not only gives your brand purpose and offers insight, but it also connotes you’re confident in what you do.
What’s the story?
A strong personal brand is partnered with a strong narrative, or in other words, our story. If we have a passion for what we do, then a narrative becomes even more crucial to reflect a unified theme – supporting my point about keeping our brand congruous with everything we do. As a child, I was adopted into a white family in the 70’s and felt different to everyone else, but by embracing my unique experiences and encouraging others to do the same, I have found my life purpose of empowering people to live their dreams. Now a motivational speaker, author of Little Chick Has Lunch on The Moon, and founder of Little Bird People Development, I believe that my passion and my story adds purpose to my brand and gives my clients a clear understanding of why I do what I do!
Consider your digital footprint
Having an online presence in this day and age is pretty much conventional. It would almost be strange not to have some sort of social media footprint for our brand. The convenience of the digital age means that people meet you before they meet you! What we post, the language we use is there for everyone to see, so we must keep in mind how this might influence someone approaching us for business. I work with young people and children, so it would be incongruous for me to be posting inappropriate content that contradicts my purpose or what I believe. I think of being online like having to paint a digital image of my brand. I started from scratch, sharing the basics of who I am, the difference I make, and my brand developed from there.
Networking and collaborating is key
We might not have considered just how beneficial networking is with people within the same industry, as well as cross sector networking! Building relationships, which is what ‘networking’ is, offers a plethora of benefits for everyone involved. These include personal development, increased self-confidence and self-esteem, opens up potential work and/or social relationships, as well as enhancing our brand and profile. I believe in the notion that we can only succeed if we support, collaborate and work with others. Recognising that leaving our ego at the door opens up opportunity for personal and business growth.
Giving something back
One final thing to think about is what else you can give to the communities you serve? Have you considered a CSR initiative? Giving back is at the heart of my personal brand, volunteering my time and experience, or supporting purposeful initiatives that really make a difference is at the core of who I am. With my brand, Little Bird Products, I published a self-penned book about a little chick who flies to the moon after being empowered to believe in his dreams. Because I believe in every child having the opportunity to read, I pledged that for every book sold, I would donate another one to a child in a less fortunate circumstance. How we give back is a reflection of our core values, brand, and the legacy we leave to the next generation.
littlebird.org.uk