Today, we’re diving into why you need to build a brand, not just a business. Many jump into entrepreneurship without grasping this crucial difference. To help you avoid making the same mistake, today’s episode is all about guiding you in building a strong and intentional brand, one that allows you to stand out from the masses and truly make an impact.
Why Personal Branding Matters
Before launching my own online business, I worked for an Instagram Marketing company. My role involved providing Instagram consultations to numerous business owners each month, enrolling them in growth software (which I don’t recommend), and ultimately helping them leverage the power of social media marketing. I consulted with business owners ranging from photographers, wedding planners, real estate owners, and beyond. What became evident during these calls was that they all raised similar questions.
“Why am I not growing fast enough? Why isn’t my audience connecting with me? How can I better connect with my audience? Why aren’t people booking my products or services?”Through this role, I realized that many individuals were so focused on building their businesses that they neglected to build their brands.
Difference Between Building A Business vs Building A Brand
A business is merely a product, service, or opportunity—it lacks a genuine connection to its consumers. On the other hand, a brand is how people perceive you; it encompasses your image, personality, and what’s attached to your offers. Your brand is ultimately the reason why someone chooses to buy from you over others.
How To Brand Yourself
Branding yourself isn’t solely about discussing your services. Let’s be honest; there are millions of other social media managers out there offering similar things. It’s about sharing the person behind your services, showcasing who clients would be working with, and illustrating the unique experience you offer.
There’s a saying that people buy from people, not businesses. You are your biggest asset, and it’s crucial to leverage that. Experience alone doesn’t guarantee success. By establishing an amazing brand from the start, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and genuinely caring for your clients, you set yourself apart from the competition.
Why Branding Yourself Is Important
Building a brand is essential for pivoting and scaling your business while retaining your audience. Your offerings will likely evolve over time, and by establishing a recognizable brand from the beginning—one that people know, like, and trust—your audience will follow you wherever you go.
Personal Branding Tips
- Establish what you want to become known for: Avoid building a business around something you’re not passionate about. Consider what you want to be known for and how it aligns with your long-term vision.
- Identify your core brand pillars: Determine the themes or topics you want to be associated with and consistently weave them into your content.
- Pick 1-2 Main Platforms: Instead of spreading yourself thin across all platforms, focus on one or two where you can establish your brand and expand from there.
- Give FREE value: Provide valuable content for free to build trust and rapport with your audience. By following the “Jab Jab Jab Right Hook” method, you earn the right to sell to your audience.
Episode Links + Resources
Grab my Social Media Manager Notion Template HERE
Download My Free Guide: Kickstart Your Social Media Management Business
Work with Shannon 1:1 Via Mentoring
Connect with Shannon on Instagram
Check out My Social Media Management Services
