Running a small business requires relationships, managing your professional and personal reputation. Your personal brand can be a valuable asset when it comes to expanding the reach of your small business and forming new relationships. Here are some tips to help you build your personal brand and how to make it an effective tool for growth.
Leverage the Power of Social Media
Before social media came into the picture, small business owners established their reputation through word of mouth. While this “old-fashioned way” still has merits, it is time to consider building your social media presence to bring your personal brand to new heights. When used wisely, social media is a powerful tool to develop your personal brand, reach new customers, and make connections with other small businesses.
Before you start using social media to cultivate your personal brand, it is imperative that you understand the different purposes of each platform. LinkedIn is a great place for you to promote yourself in the professional world and network with other business owners with a personalized profile. If expressing your creative self through original visual content is what you’re interested in, TikTok and Instagram are the right channels for you. The most important thing to consider is that the content you share on social media should reflect the values your small business upholds. Always remember that your personal brand is an extension of your business and can influence consumers’ purchasing decisions.
Every Interaction Matters
Another key element to personal branding is being strategic in your interactions with customers.
As a small business owner, you may have already recognized the importance of investing time and energy into developing relationships with customers. That is why being intentional with your exchanges with them is critical. Your personal brand is highly dependent on what consumers think of you, based on their conversations with you and experience with your store. As Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, once said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” That is why all connections deeply matter to your personal brand–from the way you greet a new customer to how you care for your regulars.
Positive interactions with customers are especially important in a retail setting such as The UPS Store, where owners can directly engage with their consumers. Through Stories from the Store videos, The UPS Store has been highlighting franchise owners as they share about themselves, their background, and their passions and connections to their own community.
In these videos, owners often express how even the simplest interaction at the store motivates them to give their best every day.
For many small business owners, their love for their community and daily conversations are what inspired them to open their business. When it comes to personal branding, this spirit is necessary to leave a favorable impression on others and grow your reputation. As the saying goes, many people will forget what you said and did–but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Pay It Forward
The final way to enhance your personal brand is through acts of generosity. This approach is one of the most effective ways to establish your reputation and make a meaningful impact in your community–two crucial components of personal branding.
Paying it forward can happen in many different ways. It can be donating to an organization of choice, helping the younger generation in their career search, or volunteering at a local nonprofit. While many of these activities may not always be top of mind, giving back to the community can leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
A personal brand is an essential part of being a small business owner. These tips are just a few ways to build your personal brand. Continue to experiment various methods to enhance, refine and define your reputation. Each day presents a new opportunity to grow this skill and thrive in the small business world.
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