7 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself as you Build your Personal Brand

Personal branding goes far beyond keeping your LinkedIn, social media profiles, website, and portfolio up-to-date. It requires strategy and a more in-depth assessment of who you’re, what you do, and your “why.”

The Collective Rising put together a list of seven questions that we believe every woman should ask herself as she begins to establish her personal brand.

1. What are my values?

Your values are at the core of your personal brand.  Your values impact the choices you make and how you live your life. Once you know your values, you can make sure that your work and goals align with who you’re and what you believe. With a thorough understanding of your values, you become a catalyst for good, change, and opportunity.

2. What do I really enjoy?

Lead from a place of joy – it is a wonderful thing to construct your personal brand around. Consider all of your interests and hobbies, identify which ones play a significant role in your everyday life, and harness the passion you possess for them to vitalize your personal brand. Lacking an understanding of what you enjoy will be evident, whether it is intentional or not. This lack of enthusiasm can lead others to inaccurately judge or misconceive your drive, effort, or skill level.

3. What’s my “why”?

While it sounds simple, knowing your “why” is essential. For you to achieve success, you must know “why” you do what you do. Knowing your “why” provides you with purpose and will keep you heading in the right direction as you build your personal brand.

4. What are my professional goals?

It is essential you know your professional goals as you begin to establish your personal brand. Even if you feel far away from achieving your ultimate career goal, outlining smaller professional goals and milestones will help you prioritize your life and steer you in the right direction as you build your personal brand.

5. Who am I trying to reach?

Influencers, brands, and companies are not the only people with an audience. Whether you’re working towards becoming a thought leader in your industry, finding a new job, or getting a promotion – it is essential to know your “target audience” and cater your personal brand towards appeasing that audience.

6. How can I stand out?

Highlight what differentiates you from the pack. You’re more than a job title, a company name, and your college GPA. Explore sharing your professional accomplishments, awards, and accolades. Illustrate your humanity by sharing your skills, hobbies, interests, and passions. When you focus on sharing things unique to you, and strategically highlighting aspects of what makes you unique, your personal brand becomes infused with your personality and appears more authentic.

7. How should I communicate my personal brand?

Through your profile on The Collective Rising! Securing a membership to The Collective Rising verifies that you’re a vital player in your field or industry. The Collective Rising’s innovative platform provides members with the unique opportunity to legitimize their voice in their word, on their terms through SEO-optimized profiles.

If you’re ready to take the next step and strengthen your personal brand, please visit our Join Us page to learn more about The Collective Rising’s membership offerings.