How to Build a Personal Brand That Aligns with Your True Self: The Ultimate Guide
Ever wondered how to build a personal brand without feeling like you’re pretending to be someone else?
I've been there. I once believed for a long time that personal branding meant I had to be someone I'm not—loud, extroverted, and always in the spotlight. But then I realized, personal branding doesn't have to be one-size-fits-all. It can be grounded in who you actually are.
Finding the Right Branding Activities for Your Personality
Building your personal brand is a process, and with any process, there are many different paths to follow. Success lies in doing those activities that are a fit for your personality and strengths. Here's a secret: if you're doing something that's natural for you, the result will be more sustainable and productive.
Let me tell you a story.
Meet Sarah
Sarah was a shy, introverted writer. She loved to write long-form content, but detested being on camera and found networking events draining. She wished to build a personal brand, but the typical advice wasn't working for her. When she tried to force herself into things she didn't like, her energy would crash, and her brand felt like a burden.
That's when Sarah made the change. Instead of following the conventional path of live videos or public speaking, she focused on creating substantial written content. She started blogging, writing articles on LinkedIn, and posting on Medium. It was a huge success—Sarah found herself resonating with an audience that loved her voice, and collaboration offers started pouring in.
Her brand was built around her strengths and came completely naturally. That's the power of building your personal brand around your personality.
How You Can Do the Same
It's time to stop trying to fit yourself into activities that aren't a good fit for your personality. Here's how you can uncover and embrace the activities that will be the best fit with who you are.
- Assess Your Natural Strengths
Do you like talking to people, or would you prefer to be behind the scenes? Are you a words person, or are you good at making pictures? Start by asking yourself these questions. Understanding your basic strengths will help you determine the best way to get your brand message across.
Tip: If you're naturally inclined toward one medium (writing, speaking, designing, etc.), play to that strength. Consistency is easier when you're doing something you love.
- Leverage the Power of Storytelling
No matter the medium, storytelling is a great method of connecting with your audience. Stories make your brand personal and create an emotional connection. People want to hear your story—your struggles and strife, successes, and lessons learned. It makes your brand appear real and tangible.
Tip: Tell a personal anecdote of your journey to get to where you are today. What obstacles have you had to overcome? How did you grow from your failures? This type of material strongly connects with others.
- Be Authentic and Consistent
Authenticity is the key to personal branding. Individuals will be attracted to your message if you are authentic. You do not need to act. Your energy will shine through when your personal brand is a reflection of who you are, and others will connect with you on a deeper level.
Consistency is also key. It’s not about being everywhere all at once. It’s about showing up regularly in the space that feels comfortable to you.
Tip: If you’re naturally inclined to write, make it a habit to post at least once a week on LinkedIn or Medium. If video feels more comfortable, try sharing one or two short clips a month. Start small, and build consistency over time.
- Use Social Media on Your Own Terms
Social media does not need to be a constant posting or following the trends. It can also be used as a strong means to get in touch with like-minded people and build your personal brand in a manner that suits you. Do not post just for the sake of posting. Interact with people, post valuable content, and prioritize quality over quantity.
Tip: Select one or two platforms that you come naturally at. If you like communicating with folks in text, LinkedIn and Medium are suitable options. If you are into graphics, Instagram or Pinterest could be your playground.
- Be True to Your Values
Your personal brand must reflect your personal values. If honesty, transparency, and kindness mean the most to you, then make sure your brand message is indicative of those values. Being yourself in your content will radiate when you are being yourself at the core.
Tip: Talk about what you believe in and speak up about things that you hold dear. Let your brand show your passion and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Developing a personal brand doesn't have to be awkward or feel like you're constantly forcing you out of your comfort zone. When you develop your brand around your own personality, your brand becomes an extension of your existing self. The more yourself you are, the more you will attract the right opportunities and audience naturally.
So, what is your brand going to look like? Will you create it based on your strengths, your values, and your personality? Or will you keep attempting to squeeze yourself into something that just isn't natural?
Start today. Determine the activities that are most you, and watch your personal brand flourish!
Key Takeaways:
Assess your natural strengths to decide on the best branding activities.
Use storytelling to create an emotional connection with your audience.
Be yourself and be consistent to build credibility and trust.
Use social media in a manner that is natural to you.
Ready to establish a personal brand that is you? Share your comments below!