I’ve been asked many times, “KG, how should I go about branding myself?” or “How can I become a [insert subject here] expert?”

And my answer is simple: Just self-proclaim yourself as one.

Ok, I know that may not sound easy or it can be viewed as deceitful. One simply cannot say, “Today, I am a medical expert (unless you’re Love-Robinson)” or “Tah-dah, I’m an expert on millennials in the workplace!” But you can be whatever you want to be. If you want to build your name in a certain industry, you have the power to make that happen.

Here are some actions you can take to build your personal brand.

Write.

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Photo:Pexels

I’m a big believer in two things (in addition to God), reading and writing. Traditionally, we read to build our knowledge, strengthen our skills and for leisurely pleasure. Writing helps us take everything we’ve learned and place it in a channel where others can learn from us.

If you want others to view you as a reputable expert or see you as strong professional, try writing. There are many channels out there for you to write expert pieces. You can start a blog using platforms such as WordPress or Medium or submit editorial content for online news outlets — you can even submit content to your local newspaper.

If you write enough and you receive a great response from readers, continue to write and build your brand.

Create your own knowledge outlet.

Photo:Pexels

Who said you had to rely on others to market yourself?

This day in age, the power of the influencer is something that is intangible. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube are leveraged by content creators and curators to build a genuine following and a loyal audience. Consider how you can leverage these same channels and funnel your knowledge.

A great example is ESPN’s “The Six” with Michael Smith and Jamele Hill — a show that comes on Monday through Friday. Yes, both were already employees of ESPN but the dynamic duo created a name for themselves as hosts on their podcast show, His & Hers. ESPN noticed the brand and following that these two were having and decided to make Michael and Jamele prime time.

Moral of the story: You don’t have to wait for a bigger brand or person to co-sign your gift, start promoting yourself!

Claim it

No one else is going to consider you an expert in [insert topic here] if you don’t claim it yourself. There is nothing wrong with saying in your LinkedIn profile, blog, business cards, or portfolio exactly what you would like to be considered as.

There is a difference in proclaiming that you are a knowledgeable of self-care/meditation and you have a blog, studied the subject in college and have projects dedicated to such; but if you are only an “expert” because you watched a few YouTube videos and do yoga in the park, you have some more work to do.

The power of your brand is in your hands. I believe in speaking things into existence. If you want something, claim it as yours!

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