What is personal branding and why it’s so important to be authentic in 2023

You are searching for your true self, you are questioning how you are portrayed or want to grow into a new version of yourself. I see you and I’m here to say that’s such an honourable phase of life.

It’s not easy though! Speaking from personal experience, I recently went through a massive shift in my identity, my beliefs, my career, my daily routine, my physical environment and importantly how I show up in the world. But that’s another story and another blog post.

 What is relevant here is how to go about this yourself.  

What is personal branding?

Personal branding is the practice of creating a distinct image or reputation for oneself in the minds of others, particularly in professional contexts.

It involves identifying and communicating your unique value proposition, strengths, skills, and experiences, and shaping the way others perceive you. Essentially, personal or self branding is about creating a strong and positive personal brand that helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace, achieve your goals and live your life with purpose.

Today many focus on building a personal brand in order to achieve career growth and do this by focusing on the corporate world or standing out as an influencer. Both serve a purpose however an authentic personal brand should be the foundation in order to cement credibility and ensure longevity.

Being authentic in personal branding means being true to oneself and presenting an honest and consistent image to others. In 2023, authenticity is particularly important because people are becoming increasingly discerning and skeptical of inauthentic or superficial brands. With the rise of social media and online communication, it's easy for people to spot inconsistencies or falsehoods in personal branding efforts, and this can undermine an individual's credibility and reputation.

Moreover, in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world, people want to connect with others who are genuine, trustworthy, and relatable. By being authentic in your personal branding efforts, you can build stronger connections with you community or audience, establish trust and credibility, and differentiate yourself from their competitors. This, in turn, can help you to achieve their professional and personal goals more effectively.

Authentic personal brands examples

Now you are not comparing yourself to these brands (remember that comparison is the killer of joy!), instead these branding identity examples are to inspire you to tell your own story through an authentic personal brand that is 100% unique to you.

Image source: oprah.com

Oprah Winfrey: Oprah is a media mogul who has built an empire around her personal brand. She is known for her authenticity, compassion, and intelligence, and has used her platform to promote causes she believes in.

 Image source: ted.com

Brené Brown: Brené Brown is a research professor and bestselling author who has built a personal brand around vulnerability, courage, and authenticity. She is known for her TED talks, which have garnered millions of views, and her books, which have sold millions of copies.

 Image source: inc-aus.com

Gary Vaynerchuk: Gary Vaynerchuk is an entrepreneur, author, and internet personality who has built a personal brand around his no-nonsense approach to business and marketing. He is known for his YouTube channel, his podcast, and his social media presence.

 Image source: harpersbazaar.com

Michelle Obama: Michelle Obama is a lawyer, author, and former First Lady of the United States who has built a personal brand around her intelligence, grace, and dedication to public service. She is known for her bestselling memoir, "Becoming," and her advocacy work on issues like education and health.

 Image source: tubefilter.com

Casey Neistat: Casey Neistat is a filmmaker and YouTuber who has built a personal brand around his creativity, authenticity, and adventurous spirit. He is known for his vlogs, which have inspired a generation of creators, and his work with brands like Nike and Samsung.

 Image source: time.com

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and science communicator who has built a personal brand around his intelligence, humor, and enthusiasm for science. He is known for his TV shows like "Cosmos" and "StarTalk," as well as his popular Twitter account.

 Image source: theceomagazine.com

Simon Sinek: Simon Sinek is a British/American best-selling author, motivational speaker and marketing consultant who observes people and patterns of behaviour to promote optimism in life and in leadership. He is known as a leadership expert and author of multiple best-sellers including “Leader Eat Last,” “Start with Why,” and most recently, “The Infinite Game.”

 Image source: entrepreneur.com

Tim Ferriss: Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, author, and podcast host who has built a personal brand around his productivity tips, life hacks, and self-experimentation. He is known for his bestselling books, "The 4-Hour Work Week" and "Tools of Titans," as well as his popular podcast, "The Tim Ferriss Show."

 Image source: domino.com

Martha Stewart: Martha Stewart is a lifestyle guru who has built a personal brand around her expertise in cooking, gardening, and home decor. She is known for her TV shows, magazines, and bestselling books, as well as her line of home goods and cooking products.

 Image source: glamour.com

Tony Robbins: Tony Robbins is a motivational speaker, author, and life coach who has built a personal brand around his high-energy, inspirational talks and seminars. He is known for his bestselling books, "Awaken the Giant Within" and "Unlimited Power," as well as his popular seminars and coaching programs.

Still not sure where to start? That’s ok! I got you.

I have developed a method for reflecting on and building an Authentic Brand. It doesn’t require the use of Powerpoint Templates or Social Media Marketing instead it helps you to brand yourself in completing an easy to follow 4 step process: 

1. Who
   The first phase is about unpacking who you are at your core.
2. What
   Next we define your specialties, your domain, and write your personal brand statement.
3. How
   This is the time to put measures in place to hold yourself accountable
4. Now
   The good bit! Taking aligned action to embody your authentic personal brand

My mission is to ensure everyone lives full, happy and purposeful lives so in my FREE DOWNLOAD “The Authentic You – Personal Brand Building” which includes a Step By Step Workbook you can get started straight away on building and living your Authentic Personal Brand. 

Get your free copy of "THE AUTHENTIC YOU - PERSONAL BRAND BUILDING" here