When you hear the words “Personal brand” what comes to your mind?
Do you think it’s something meant only for celebrities or successful business owners?
Do you think it’s a strategy only for experts and influencers?
If that’s your line of thought, then your mindset might just be due for a quick refurbishment. Don’t worry, no tools are needed.
What is a Personal Brand?
A personal brand is the perception you want the public to have about you. It goes beyond your skills. It’s about who you are, what you represent, and how you express yourself through your work, interactions, and online presence.
MTN, Pepsi, and Coca-Cola are corporate brands. They are not based on a persons/individuals, they exist to shape the public’s perception of their products and services.
But a personal brand is different. It’s built around a person. It communicates your unique story, values, strengths, and the value you offer as an individual.
So whether you’re a student still living campus life or a recent graduate trying to find your path, here are five practical ways to start building a personal brand that opens doors for you.
5 Practical Ways To Start Building A Strong Personal brand As A Young Professional
1. Discover And Own Your Niche.
Every brand begins with clarity.
Ask yourself: What do I want to be known for?
What values guide my decisions?
What strengths or experiences make me different?
If you are someone that loves designing you can consider going for graphics design, website design, etc. it is best you go with something that aligns with your personality so you can find it fun even when it becomes hectic.
Niche down, focus on a skill that reasonates with you. Make sure you learn the root and crannies of that skill.
Focus ruthlessly on it, avoid every form of distraction and make sure you are very good at the skill and services you are want to render.
You don’t need to have all the answers right away, but having a sense of direction helps you position yourself with purpose.
2. Be Active And Intentional Online.
Being active online isn’t about scrolling aimlessly on social media or posting random pictures. It is about being intentional and strategic about it. In today’s digital world, your social media is often your first impression. Make it count.
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or X (Twitter) to share your experiences, ideas, and insights.
Talk about what you’re learning or working on.
Engage in conversations within your field.
Don’t just post for fun, post with intention. Let your personality shine through, but also resonate it with the image you want to build.
With features like locked savings, fixed investment plans, and flexible saving goals, you’ll have a structure in place, which makes it easier to stay committed.
Some of these apps even reward you for your discipline. How cool is that?
3. Network With Purpose
Building a personal brand isn’t only a one man journey. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
Attend events, conferences, and webinars.
Join student groups or online communities relevant to your field.
Reach out to professionals and ask meaningful questions.
Build genuine connections, not just for what you can get, but also for what you can offer.
People remember those who add value.
4. Show Your Work And Results
Don’t wait to “blow” before sharing your progress. Document your journey.
Completed a course? Share your biggest takeaways.
Working on a school project? Post about the process.
Volunteered recently? Talk about what you learned.
Solved a real-life problem? Share your results.
You have a problem you are battling with? Share it. There is a lot of content to share.
Let people see what you can do. Storytelling and documentation go a long way in personal branding.
5. Stay Consistent and Authentic
Your personal brand isn’t built in one day or with one viral post. It’s the result of consistent, authentic action over time.Stay true to your values.
Don’t imitate others, own your voice.
Keep showing up, even when the results seem slow.
Authenticity builds trust. And trust builds opportunities.
In Conclusion, you don’t need a million followers or a 9-figure business to start building your brand. The important and basic things you need to start with is your smartphone, your willness to be consistent, learn and grow with time.
So, what steps will you take today to start building your brand? Start small and start now.
