Tips to Build Your Personal Brand as a Small Business Owner

Report Issue

Please complete the required fields.

Your Name

Email

Reason (required)
This post contains broken linksPost has incorrect informationPost has spamCopyright IssueOther

Description

Submit

Running a small business requires 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.

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.

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.

How Modelo and Corona maker Constellation Brands won the loyalty of Hispanic consumers in the U.S.