Posted by Dave Lorenzo - Business Coach

How do you begin to create a personal brand, and how do you sustain it? After you’ve identified your strengths and used those to form a framework for yourself and your career, you need to go about demonstrating and projecting your brand. Here are a few ways of getting the word out:

Print. The simplest way to get yourself in print is to advertise in local, state, and national newspapers, free city papers, and even newsletters covering your field. You might also want to try out direct mail advertising. Sending out your own newsletter is a great way to keep people informed of your work and progress.

Press. A newspaper, magazine, or television interview gives you a chance to project yourself and your brand to a wide audience. The next best thing is to write (or pay someone to write) a press release about your product, service, or company.

Web. Creating your own Web site, and advertising online, are great ways to spread the word. A blog can help generate interest and foster trust. Once you establish a Web presence, keep it up to date. A Web site or blog that has been languishing for months does not project an image of continuous improvement and progress.

Community. Get involved in community groups, through volunteering or membership, and network with potential clients in a casual and open setting. People are very likely to trust someone who is recommended by a friend or acquaintance.

Events. Job fairs, workshops, and seminars are all great venues for interacting with the public and spreading your message. Securing a spot as a speaker or presenter is ideal, but simply being there and socializing with other event-goers often leads to opportunity.

Take thorough notes on each of these avenues. Record your approaches and the results of each. You will quickly begin to see which ones are most effective for you, and you can channel your resources into those areas. If you find yourself stagnating, come back and try one of these ideas again. Personal branding is a continuous process that improves with each iteration, just like every other aspect of your career.

Filed under: Personal Branding
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1. […] Andrew Taylor at The Artful Manager challenges you to answer this question: “What would success look like if you achieved it?” in “Defining Success.” Executive directors work really hard, so you should know what you are working toward. David Lorenzo at Career Intensity Blog explains how you can make a name for yourself in “Public Relations and Your Personal Brand” […]

   Pingback by Nonprofit Communications » Carnival of Nonprofit Consultants, #3 — June 26, 2006 @ 12:59

2. […] The concept of a personal brand is nothing new. Back in 1997 an article by marketing guru Tom Peters for Fast Company talked about the concept of brands for individuals, and what they meant (thanks to Zoe for finding that little gem). The conversation has been continued by various bloggers since, including Robert Scoble and Krista Bradford. Dave Lorenzo has some great tips for promoting your personal brand as well. When considering any brand there are three main facets to what drives brand perception: […]

   Pingback by Simon Wakeman - Managing your personal brand — August 24, 2006 @ 02:16

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