Today’s ever-evolving technology landscape shows just how crucial it is to remain competitive by keeping up with the latest trends. The growth of B2B social media is one such trend, prompting many industry leaders to consider how to nurture their own personal brand. But what does that mean, and how do you make it happen?
CopyHouse brought together a crack panel of experts for our latest TechTalksLive in March, to share their top tips for effective personal branding in tech.
The panellists who joined our host, Chloe Meade were:
“77% of respondents were more likely to buy from a company whose values and mission are defined through CEO and executive leadership participation on social media.” - BRANDfog survey
Personal branding is not a new concept in marketing strategy. Some high-profile examples in recent years include figures such as Steve Jobs, Sheryl Sandberg, and more recently, Steven Bartlett.
Simply put, personal branding is about creating a distinct image or identity for yourself and promoting it. This involves highlighting your strengths, expertise, personality, and values to your target audience. A successful personal brand should always reflect who you are and what you can offer - it can help you increase brand awareness for your business, as well as make meaningful connections with those in your network.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to personal branding, but there are some tangible tips you can take on board when creating a powerful personal image.
All our panellists emphasised the importance of authenticity to build meaningful relationships. In a field as competitive as tech, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to be something you're not. However, this can backfire and damage your brand in the long run. Instead, focus on highlighting your unique strengths and interests, and let your personality shine through in your branding efforts.
Being authentic, and sharing your vulnerabilities, can help your content resonate with your audience. Instead of only sharing your “work wins”, don’t be afraid to share your challenges as well. This can help you build a loyal following that feels they can relate to you.
“Authenticity really does equal credibility in personal branding. It sets you apart, builds trust and lays the foundation for genuine meaningful relationships with your audience.” - Tom Brake
Storytelling is a potent technique for crafting compelling content that resonates with your audience on a more profound level. The best part about this approach is that everybody has a story to share, and your individual viewpoint and narrative will inevitably differ from others. Use this to your advantage and tell stories that best display your journey, including both your triumphs and setbacks.
If your audience feels like they’re along for the ride with you, they’re more likely to stay engaged and want to see what happens next.
“You control the narrative, it [developing your personal brand] gives you control over how you’re perceived.” - Kathryn Strachan
All of your post content should provide value to your audience. It doesn’t have to be a life-changing lesson every time - it can be as simple as sharing a quote that inspired you or giving a quick insight into your expert topic. By consistently delivering high-quality, valuable content, you can establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field and build a loyal following of engaged and interested supporters.
It's also important to engage with your network's posts and comments and provide your own insights. This can help introduce your profile to those outside your following, as well as encourage those around you to return the favour and engage with your content.
“Ninety-two percent of people trust recommendations from individuals (even if they don’t know them) over companies.” - Nielsen survey
Building a legacy in personal branding means being remembered for the positive impact of your content, which is a powerful motivator for building a strong and meaningful personal brand. By being intentional about the content you share, the relationships you build, and the impact you make, you can establish a personal brand that reflects your mission and purpose.
By establishing a legacy that reflects your unique talents, perspectives, and values, you can create a lasting impression that extends far beyond your immediate reach.
“Your personal brand is the legacy you leave behind - make sure it’s something you want to be remembered for!” - Flavilla Fongang
Finally, the speakers encouraged attendees to experiment with new forms of content and different platforms. Experimentation is a vital component of innovation and growth in any industry. It allows you to discover new ideas, test out new strategies, and refine existing ones. In the context of content creation and sharing, experimentation can help you reach new audiences, connect with your current audience on a deeper level, and position yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
One thing that our panellists enthusiastically supported, was the freedom to fail. Personal branding is not an overnight success story, so don’t become discouraged if your posts aren’t performing as well as you had initially hoped. Let it spur you on to become more creative and innovative with your content.
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