Should CEOs and other Executives care about Personal Branding?

Personal Branding is everywhere. Perhaps it’s become more noticeable with the economy and job market, with individuals finding their voices and being more open to sharing things that matter to them in the workplace.

So what’s it all about?

It's about strategically shaping how you're perceived, by highlighting your voice, unique skills, experiences, and values. This concept of being more vocal on social media has gained popularity because a strong personal brand builds trust, enhances credibility, and distinguishes you in a crowded market.

For leaders, an effective personal brand can not only drive company success, help you attract top talent when you’re hiring, and create stronger connections with investors, employees, and customers by aligning their personal values and vision with those of your organisation. In a world where personal and professional lines often blur, your brand is a powerful tool for impactful leadership.

How do I build my personal brand?

Is it just a bunch of posts on LinkedIn? If only, it was that easy!

Firstly, your voice always needs to be authentically yours. Many executives opt for having internal sporty on personal branding but this doesn’t mean you should tell your Agency or Social Media Manager to write a bunch of generic posts for you. Technically, you could do this but don’t expect to reap the great personal branding rewards and engagement from your audience.

Like with most things, it starts with thought and planning.

1. Define Your Brand Identity: Think about what you want to share, your unique value proposition, core values, and the key messages you want to convey. This can be across a number of topics including: Subject Matter/ industry expertise, Leadership styles, Company culture and perhaps a personal passion of yours such as sport or charity work.

   Best Practice: Always align your personal brand with your company’s mission and vision for consistency and authenticity, this will also help others within your company to be authentic and present a united voice.

2. Get on the Relevant Social Media channels: You don’t have to be on all channels, choose the most relevant for you and your business such as LinkedIn and X (Twitter) to share your thoughts, insights, company news, and thought leadership content.

   Best Practice: Save time by scheduling posts ahead of time using social media management tools to maintain an active presence, don’t forget to take time to engage with all interactions on your posts!

3. Engage in Public Speaking: Look to speak at industry conferences, webinars, and podcasts to share your expertise and increase visibility. Engage your marketing team to alert you for relevant high profile opportunities.

   Best Practice: Select a few high-impact events annually and prepare well in advance to maximize your presence and message, (and don’t forget to let your network know when and where you’re speaking on your social posts!).

4. Write and Share Interesting Content: Publish thought-provoking articles and blogs on key topics relevant to your industry and audience.

   Best Practice: Collaborate with a ghostwriter or your content team to produce it faster, while ensuring the content clearly reflects your personal voice.

5. Network Strategically: Although your time is limited, take time to build relationships with key stakeholders, industry peers, and influencers.

   Best Practice: Prioritise in person networking opportunities that offer the most significant return on investment and try to do online meetings to save time.

6. Be Loud and Proud! Achievements and Values: Regularly update your online profiles and share with your network any recent achievements, vales and philanthropic efforts.

   Best Practice: Get help from your team to manage your social profiles and ensure they are up-to-date and reflect your current role and achievements.

10 Key Benefits of Personal Branding for CEO’s and Leaders

1. Enhanced Credibility: Builds trust and authority in your specific industry.

2. Increased Visibility: Elevates your presence and recognition in the business world and media.

3. Business Growth: Attracts clients, investors, and the best talent to your company.

4. Networking Opportunities: Connects you with influential peers, potential partners, and industry leaders.

5. Market Differentiation: Sets you apart from your competitors and gives your brand a face and voice.

6. Thought Leadership: Positions you as an expert and innovator, leading to speaking engagements and media features.

7. Crisis Management: Establishes a strong foundation of trust and credibility to rely on if needed during challenging times.

8. Employee Inspiration: Motivates and inspires your team, enhancing company culture and morale.

9. Career Opportunities: Opens doors for potential board positions, advisory roles, and new ventures.

10. Personal Fulfillment: Provides a sense of achievement and personal growth through recognition and impact.

In today's competitive market, personal branding for CEOs and Executives is not just beneficial; it's essential. By building a strong personal brand, leaders can enhance their credibility, increase their visibility, and drive business growth. It also opens doors to valuable networking opportunities, positions them as thought leaders, and provides a strategic advantage over competitors. Furthermore, a mature and active personal brand can inspire and motivate employees, manage crises more effectively, and offer a sense of personal fulfillment. Therefore, investing time in personal branding is a strategic move that can provide significant rewards for both executives and their businesses.

Want to learn more about Personal Branding?

Check out our On-Demand Webinar: Brand You - Unleashing the Power of Personal Branding in 2024