What’s in Your DNA? 7 Strategies to Share "You" with the World.
“I was born like this, since one like this…”
- “DNA”, Kendrick Lamar, Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper
The lyrics to that song never gets old and it’s more powerful than you know.
If you have conversations with people who have known you since you were a child, I am positive that they may have said to you at some point in your life, “You’ve always been like that.” My mother told me that I came home from preschool crying and upset one day because I couldn’t yet read as well as my peers. She knew then that I was driven and never wanted to be left behind. That is my personality. I also remember helping my classmates run for class office by creating their promotional posters. Telling authentic stories to help people achieve their goals didn’t begin when I launched my business. It has always been a part of who I am. It is in my DNA.
Scientifically speaking, DNA differs from organism to organism because of the order in which our molecules are arranged. In turn, this pattern of arrangement ultimately determines each of our unique characteristics. These characteristics influence our behaviors and influence our unique lifestyle choices. These choices expose our gifts and talents with the world, sometimes unintentionally. You have the power to deliberately shape the world’s perception of you - in an authentic way - that enables you to make a positive, lasting impression in every space that you enter.
Every human being is a brand. Your brand is simply the world’s perception of you. It is the summary of how your behaviors and characteristics emotionally and functionally connect with other people. It’s your narrative. It’s your story.
Are you ready to level up in the new year and share “you” with the world? Here are seven strategies to tell your personal brand story and maximize your impact in 2021.
Tell us about the REAL you - There should be an emotional element to your biography that enables audiences to connect with you. What’s your personal mission statement? Did you experience failures earlier in your career but now are at the top of your profession? By letting everyone know, you will inspire others who either experienced adversity or simply appreciate your honesty. According to Statista, 86% of people indicated that authenticity is a primary factor in deciding which brands they like and support.
Put your name on a website domain – We love websites because they give us a deep dive into your story. Who are you? Personal brand websites provide an opportunity to share your values and build authority in a space that belongs to you. How did you get where you are today? Why should someone be interested in your work? One of my favorite website building and hosting sites is Squarespace. (Milkshake is a great, free alternative app depending on your budget.)
Smile for the camera – Take headshots and/or lifestyle photos that encompass your unique personality. Most of my professional photos show me laughing and smiling because I believe finding joy yields fruitful rewards. I also love connecting with people and exuding my creative freedom. Do this photoshoot for YOURSELF. There may be days when you aren’t feeling your best self. Photos can be a great reminder of who we were created to be and your brand’s value.
Tell your story verbally – Create a podcast that highlights your unique value proposition and educates, inspires, and motivates listeners. Data from Nielsen suggests that the number of monthly podcast listeners has grown 123% over the past five years. More than half of people (54%) who listen to podcasts are more likely to consider the brand advertised.
Teaching others – Educating people will allow you to become a trusted, well-respected source of information and a go-to industry expert. Design a workshop or apply to speak at someone else’s event. Due to the global pandemic, we’ve witnessed a spike in virtual events and I don’t forsee 2021 lagging too far behind. Teaching others is also a subtle way to gain notoriety and drive traffic to your website and social media.
Give back – What would you tell your younger self? There’s someone who once was in your shoes and could use your advice. In fact, giving back can actually boost your career by helping you demonstrate your leadership skills and expanding your network. According to Forbes, mentors are 6 times more likely to be promoted.
Put pen to paper – Share your expertise with the world by self-publishing your own e-book or simply writing a LinkedIn or Medium article to improve your brand visibility. Data from Demand Metric suggests that 82% of consumers feel more positive about a brand after reading its customized content. Seven out of 10 customers, according to Marketing advisory firm Demand Metrics, would rather learn about a brand through articles than advertisements.
In 2021, I encourage you to be brand brave and activate at least one of the strategies listed above. Once you’ve activated the strategy, share it on social media, tag me @Lindreareynolds or my agency @lrbrandconsulting, using the hashtag #BrandBrave.
If you need help with building authority in your industry or even clarifying your vision, get in touch with LR Brand Consulting Inc. I’d love to have a complimentary clarity call and identify the ways that my team and I can help increase your profitability, expertise visibility, and develop profound connections. No matter what you choose to do in 2021, just do it confidently because it’s in your DNA.
May 2021 bring you joy and new levels of success!
Lindrea
Your Partner in Brand Bravery:-)