{"id":9788,"date":"2021-08-18T09:16:43","date_gmt":"2021-08-18T09:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hyperlink-technology.com\/nesma\/?p=9788"},"modified":"2021-08-18T09:29:04","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T09:29:04","slug":"what-are-you-worth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hyperlink-technology.com\/nesma\/what-are-you-worth\/","title":{"rendered":"WHAT ARE YOU WORTH?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veronica Swindale, MD of Nesma, met up with Simon Clayton, Marketing and Leadership Coach at the Marketing Skills Academy<\/a>, to talk about the value of developing your personal brand for Northern Insight Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>

How has your interest in building a personal brand evolved?<\/strong>

I have worked in the marketing and brand communications sector for over 25 years. During this time, I have provided leadership and strategic change management consultancy and support to a diverse range of public, private and third sector organisations.<\/p>

While all the organisations are incredibly different, many of the most successful have shared one common attribute – they are built on people rather than on systems and technology \u2013 which really excites me!<\/p>

These \u2018human-centred\u2019 organisations have embraced the power of branding \u2013 not only from a corporate viewpoint – but also recognising some of their talented and highly skilled employees, which enhances their competitor advantage.<\/p>

What does it mean?<\/strong>

Personal branding is the means by which people remember YOU for – WHO you are, WHAT you stand for, and HOW you present yourself. This, in turn, impacts and defines how people feel about you \u2013 EMOTIVELY, VISUALLY and VIRTUALLY.<\/p>

Never has the mantra \u2018people buy from people\u2019 been so relevant. Today\u2019s customers and consumers are the most highly brand aware than ever before. Our personal brand adds a deeper story and outlook that is separate but closely intertwined with our business brand. It must be unique to you, and, above all, it must be authentic!<\/p>

What weaknesses do you encounter with clients that personal branding can overcome?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

The three C\u2019s – Clarity, Confidence, and Communication<\/em>. <\/p>

Clarity <\/strong>in defining their professional \u2018identity\u2019 and sharing the value and worth they offer to their stakeholders such as employers, colleagues, peers, and trade partners. <\/p>

Confidence <\/strong>in demonstrating their abilities and core strengths to their stakeholders. <\/p>

Communication <\/strong>skills enabling them to articulate and share their ideas, vision, and beliefs in the most effective and efficient way possible. <\/p>

Have you noticed a shift in capabilities as we move through the generations? <\/strong><\/p>

Different generations respond to marketing tactics and channels differently, and this, in turn, changes the way they interact with brands and businesses. <\/p>

Both are incredibly tech-savvy and very aware of their online identities, but their way of communicating and expressing their views is very different. <\/p>

How does someone who has worked out their personal branding come across on the page or Zoom? <\/strong><\/p>

If your personal brand is strong enough, people will feel they know you – even when they don\u2019t – because YOU become the highlighting feature of your personal brand\u2019s marketing strategy. <\/p>

Plus, if they already have an established personal brand, a recruiter will undoubtedly be aware of you through your social media and professional network (or \u2018Circle of Influence\u2019 as I call it). You will have worked hard to earn a name in the industry. <\/p>

So, what are the overall benefits of working on your personal brand? <\/strong><\/p>

Personal branding builds authority. Authority builds trust, and trust builds relationships \u2013 mutually beneficial relationships! <\/p>

If your stakeholders feel they know you and believe that you understand and empathise with their pain points, that increases the likelihood of engaging with you – and if they are a potential customer – eventually buying from you. <\/p>

Most engagement and interaction with organisations are carried out online, which has become an increasingly crowded marketplace. Personal branding will help you stand out and separate yourself from your competitors. <\/p>

A few final tips from me would be: <\/strong><\/p>