Introduction to Personal Branding

Kimberley R. Barker, MLIS Librarian for Digital Life

Claude Moore Health Sciences Library

What is personal branding?

The process by which you match your public image to your inner values, for the purpose of establishing

yourself in business and life.

Does this feel sleezy, or arrogant?

• Allow me to persuade you otherwise!

– The Party Metaphor

Why does personal branding matter?

You have a gift to give to the world.

Branding yourself authentically and effectively allows you to reach the people

who most need your gift.

In other words, it can lead to this:

“What if I’m still figuring myself out?”

Truth Bomb

You will NEVER NOT be figuring yourself out.

For that reason…

• Make sure that your digital presence reflects who you are in this moment:

– Establish & maintain an authentic social media presence

– Revisit any public information (bios, social media platforms, mission statements) at least annually

– Make sure that your photos are current; update annually, or after a major change

Questions?

Kimberley R. Barker, MLIS

@KR_Barker

Grumpy_Cat@virginia.edu