How to Build a Strong Personal Brand and Monetize It

Millennials are stubborn and yearn for independence in the workplace. Many people consider them a generation that lacks many skills and therefore destined to fail in the corporate world. However, their love for social media, coupled with their self-taught skills, brought them freedom from a 9-5, most of us desire.

Millennials may have found the key to corporate freedom, but do they understand what this means for them. The truth is, when many of us think of branding, companies like Apple and Samsung come to mind. We do not think that Elon Musk or Brad Pitt are brands. Just like PewDiePie and Steve Jobs, everyone is a brand. The only difference is that some people realize it, perfect it, and capitalize on it.

Here is what five marketing experts had to say about personal branding.

Lindsey Simms, CEO and Chief Content Officer at LRS Creative, LLC and Author of Shine Online.

“If you want to make your brand shine, you need to put yourself at the forefront of your marketing campaign, web, and message. The establishment of a brand can help connect with an audience and capitalize on the community.”

Millennials understand the importance of being at the forefront to make their brand shine. Kylie Jenner is an example of someone who puts herself at the forefront of her brand and businesses. When she started her makeup line, she advertised her products on her social media accounts. She made tutorials and was able to deliver the message directly to her followers. Connecting with her followers along the way and making a considerable profit for her business.

Love Abbott, Brand Identity Designer and Consultant at Lovely Abbott Virtual Solutions.

“Building a personal brand requires a process. Know yourself, your brand, and the people you are trying to attract, these tips work and have always worked for people and brands.”

To build a personal brand, you should know yourself, your brand, and your audience—an essential key to success. Especially in social media’s competitive world, because several others are trying to do the same thing.

Gabriela J. Peralta, Digital Marketing Manager at 3D Dentists.

“Personal branding is an important part of our careers. It is what people would say about you when you are not around. So, all of the skills and experience that you have and how you present them to the world is how people will define you. 99% of the time, you don’t get a second chance to make a good impression, so make it count. Create one that will set you apart as an expert and build trust with your audience. The ultimate goal is to be the “go-to” person in your area of expertise for your specific audience.”

Peralta makes a good point about creating a personal brand that sets you apart and being that “go-to” person. If you cannot create a brand that separates you from the competition, you will probably fail. Most people that have successfully monetized their brands have been able to separate themselves from the competition. Social media influencers are a great example because their brand leads them to wealth and corporate freedom.

Brandon Diaz, Marketing and Digital Services Specialist at Town of Miami Lakes, Florida.

“Don’t all businesses have their “brands,” and they make a profit by developing those brands! Why wouldn’t everyone do the same? Your personal brand is not very different from a business’s brand. Rather than marketing a product or store, you are marketing yourself. Building your personal brand has tons of benefits for both professional and personal purposes; it can allow many potential doors to open for you in the future.”

It is evident that having a strong personal brand has tons of benefits, and it has become a resume that speaks for itself. As mentioned above, “many potential doors can open for you.” It can help you get a promotion or recognition at the company of your dreams.

Anthony Miyazaki, Brand Strategist, and Marketing Educator.

“Your personal brand is not only your reputation with respect to who you are, but also the perceived value that others see in you. As you build your expertise and value to employers, investors, and clients, its essential that you build your personal brand to match that expertise and value. People will not pay you what you are worth until they recognize your value, and its essential to understand that their view of your value is inherently tied to your personal brand.”

Anthony Miyazaki, makes a good point; a personal brand is not only your reputation. It’s also the perceived value that others see in you. Ask a few people how they feel about the Jenner/Kardashian clan; chances are you will get more negative than positive feedback.  Brands still choose to work with the Kardashian and Jenner sisters because they have built some of the most influential personal brands we have ever seen despite their reputations. However, growing a personal brand when you are not a Kardashian requires a good reputation.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to building a personal brand, and that’s why it is essential now more than ever. The next step would be for you to create a brand that adds value and people can trust. If you look around, Apple products are some of the most expensive products. Nevertheless, many people use these products because they believe Apple as a brand, and for that reason, they are willing to pay more.

If you want to build a brand that you can monetize, you should have a competitive advantage against the competition. Know your competitors and study them. Know what you want to get out of it. Do you want to be the biggest star on Instagram or YouTube?. Do you want to get the next promotion at your job?. Whatever your motivation, your brand sticks with you. Make sure You are building a brand that you are proud of and can confidently discuss at a job interview.