Member Article

Developing a Personal Brand

Developing a personal brand has always mattered, because reputations and referrals have always been a cornerstone of business success. The phrase personal brand gets a lot bad press. People fail to understand that it is basically the “presentation deck” called “you”.

The way you introduce yourself to people, from the clothes you wear, the way you shake hands and what’s on your business card, are all part of your personal brand.

What is your brand?

Do you hug instead of give handshakes?

Being a hugger is part of your story, it’s part of your brand!

It is how people identify you, vs. someone else they interact with that is similar.

Having good print collateral can be important for your personal brand regardless of your profession. For one thing, just having print collateral in a world where people scheme about the “death of print”, makes you unique and memorable. Having quality print work, both in the design and in the quality of material matters too, when it comes to making a good impression.

If you’re at a conference, it is more practical to hand out a dozenbusiness cardsthan to trade smartphone details with a dozen people. It will save time, and if you are smart about it, you can make it a memorable moment. In fact I’ve decided to completely recreate my business cards with my face on them. In traditional business this is frowned upon, but I’m arguing that being remembered by face is more important than following conventional wisdcarom… I want the business, so I’m willing to risk “going rogue” and flying in the face of convention. What say you?

This is the same reason I still encourage my clients to take advantage of print to create experiences, especially if they are someone whose personal brand is directly tied to their business like election candidates. For authors, photographers, public speakers and consultants this is essential and can help them stand apart from a saturated market. Print is a small price to pay when it comes to buying someone’s attention.

Here are some creative ways you can leverage print for your personal brand:

• Take advantage of business cards (put your face on them if you go to conferences and networking events)
• Consider using inspirational stickers with quotes and sayings you are known for or want to be associated with
• Print a bookmark with your top 5 tips and a link to your website or even your Snap Code if you’re on Snap Chat
• If you’re a photographer or involved in event marketing or event planning consider printing tent cards as leave behinds and advertising for your business
• Use printed t-shirts with your quotes or tagline in your own photos when marketing online

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Advance litho ltd .