The Essential Guide to Great Personal Branding

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Everything You Know About Personal Branding is Wrong.

Personal branding is the promised land. It's the thing that will help you stand out in social media, get more customers and take you to the next level of success.

Great personal branding is simple, but not easy.

Without great personal branding, you can get by, but you can't get ahead.

One Upfront Decision Can Change Everything.

Starting with a business name that is memorable over one that is generic will save you time and make your life easier. You will have a better shot at growing your business faster with less work when your business is called "Hot Pool Guys" and not "ABC Pool Cleaning."

One Upfront Decision Can Change Everything.

A memorable business name is easier said than done. It requires focus and just a touch of courage.

Time to phone a friend.Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, personal branding is one thing that you just can't do well on your own.

You are too close to it. You see nuances and all the things that aren't technically accurate. You also know where you want to go and aren't there yet.

It's the curse of knowledge.

Time to phone a friend.

Put on your best market research voice to ask your friends, family and current and prospective clients a few simple questions.

Time to phone a friend.

1. What do they see as your superpower?

2. What is the most memorable thing about you?

3. What is their favorite part of your business?

Time to phone a friend.The people in your inner and outer circle can help you uncover the seeds of what sets you apart. This can be the foundation of your memorable company name, personal brand and plan to stand for one thing.

Friendsource a Survey

The one problem with doing this research yourself is that no one wants to hurt your feelings. They may not tell you the truth.

Friendsource a SurveyIf you think this may happen, look to a friend to do an independent, anonymous survey of the people, friends, colleagues, clients and customers in your address book.

Nestled in those friends and contacts are sleeping thoughts and perspectives that may be the key to creating a personal brand worthy of Richard Branson.

Friendsource a SurveyRecruit your friend to set up a Survey Monkey form with the three questions above. Then have your friend randomly select people in your address book to interview live on the phone. Have your friend stress anonymity. The key is that their answers won't be attributable to them.

Friendsource a SurveyYour friend can compile the results and then share them with you.

In exchange, buy them dinner, a beer or return the favor for them later. A few hours of their time will save you a ton of pain later.

What makes you irreplaceable?

Don’t be afraid to ask this question.

Chances are that the simple things you take for granted are the things that your customers find most valuable.

What makes you irreplaceable?

Ask this question regularly. You’ll get perspective you wouldn't get otherwise. The more you aim to be irreplaceable to the people you serve, the clearer you’ll be able to see the value you bring.

Don’t stop until you feel a bit uncomfortable.

At first, great personal branding will feel a bit uncomfortable. Why? Because you are extremely close to all the things that you want to do and not thinking about that person running 10,000 miles per hour glancing at your profile for two seconds.

Don’t stop until you feel a bit uncomfortable.

Those two seconds are your best friend, but a friend that feels a lot like walking off the cliff ledge when you first meet each other.

Congratulations!

Once you have a memorable personal brand validated by customers and friends alike, you have the foundation to take your business to the next level.

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Related SlidesharesCheck out our Slideshares of our series The Handbook for How To Be Self-Employed.

Part One: Taking the Leap and Setting Goals

Part Two: Launching Your Business

Part Three: Growing Your Business

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