So you’re living the dream, running your own business and trying to keep up with all that goes with being your own boss. Keeping a consistent brand can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to improve on your brand vibe.
Don’t seek perfection.
This will all sound too familiar. I often see common traits among fellow entrepreneurs and business owners. But this is definitely a common one. We are constantly chasing the idea of perfection which is what makes you a great entrepreneur! However, we must find balance.
This is going to be a work in progress and will take time. Don’t get hung up about curating the perfect posts or over-analyzing your every single blog post. Take things one day at a time. The most important thing is that you are happy with the choices you make and that you are keeping balance with your business AND personal life.
Easier said than done?
For the next month, try ONE of these steps.
Step 1: Consistency is key.
Online you’re a bubbly, out-going, energetic, networking queen.
In person you’re a sarcastic person who avoids small talk.
See what I did there?
Both online and in-person, you need people’s experiences with you to be consistent. People have an unspoken expectation that who you are online is also who you are in person. If there is a disconnect, it’s time to connect the dots.
When in doubt, stay true to what comes naturally to you and make sure you are truly present yourself the same online as well as face to face. At the end of the day you aren’t going to please everyone, so communicate and interact with others in a way that’s authentic to who you are.
Step 2: Create your biz persona.
Often people find building their brand online is easy BUT then in person they freeze up?
I believe that introverts who label themselves as ambiverts have just realized the secret that is having personas. I like to think of using a persona as a “fake it until you make it” way to give myself a confidence boost and to be extroverted for short periods of time.
Make sense?
Step 3: Set boundaries.
Woah. Not sure where to begin here. Basically this is a huge step. Boundaries help you decide what you do and don’t talk about, and help you know how to manage your responses to certain situations.
What would these boundaries look like?
Here are a few examples:
- Staying positive
- Not participating in gossip
- Sticking to topics that embody your core values
- Avoiding topics that do not represent your core values
- Giving yourself time to respond instead of simply react
- Listen more than you speak
- Give more than you take
Step 4: Be intentional.
Developing and refining your personal brand takes time and careful consideration. Think of personal brand development as making the decision to refine how others perceive and interact with you.
Ask yourselves these questions if you aren’t sure where to start:
Communication style
- What impression do you want to leave people with after connecting with you?
- How do you greet someone when you meet them?
- Do you thrive in group settings or one-on-one meetings?
Remember that you are your brand. Your core values and how you treat people DO come across on your social media account. Many people don’t realize how much of your personal self shines through. Make sure you are consistent, authentic and true to who you want your brand to attract.
Love your brand vibe! Not sure what your brand vibe is? Or do you not have a vision for your brand? We are here to help. Get in touch with us to book a brand consultation.
-Emily
{ owner }
