10 ways to unlock the power of personal branding

In the fast-paced world of technology, personal branding has become more than just a buzzword; it's a crucial asset for professionals looking to stand out and thrive in their careers.

At a recent Tech Thursday meetup, a diverse slate of experts who have successfully crafted and navigated their personal brands shared insights on how they did it – and what the rest of us can learn from their experiences.

Meet the panellists

Adrian Leun is a digital experience manager at FYidoctors. Alex Zaitsev is a senior android developer at Kidoodle. Mônica Alves Maciel is a technical recruiter at Teamit. Oliver Hankinson is a senior product manager at Neo Financial. Lastly, Rosheen Hayat is a technical engagement manager at Alberta IoT.

Embrace adaptability

Leung said that your personal brand should evolve as you grow and change. The lesson here is to be adaptable and open to transformation. Your personal brand isn't set in stone; it should serve you as you move toward your future goals. If it doesn't fit anymore, don't hesitate to recalibrate.

Start without perfection

Maciel emphasized the importance of starting even when you don't have a perfectly defined personal brand. Many people struggle with trying to have it all figured out before they begin. The lesson here is to start the journey even if you're uncertain. Your personal brand will evolve, and starting early allows you to grow with it.

Embrace change as part of growth

Personal branding involves change, and this is okay. Hayat highlighted the idea that you will change, and your personal brand will change with you. Embrace this change as a natural part of personal growth. Don't hold onto a personal brand that no longer represents you.

Highlight your uniqueness

Zeung shared the insight that your personal brand should encompass what makes you different. The lesson is to focus on that one unique thing about yourself. What sets you apart is often memorable and helps people see you for who you truly are.

Connect on a personal level

Building relationships is an integral part of personal branding. Maciel encouraged connecting with others on a personal level by finding common interests. Connect authentically with people based on shared hobbies, experiences, or anxieties. These connections can be powerful in building your personal brand.

Reflect on your brand

Leung suggested taking a moment each day to reflect on what makes you different. The lesson here is to think about your personal brand consistently. Self-reflection helps you understand your unique qualities and refine your brand message.

Be authentic and transparent

Throughout the discussion, the importance of authenticity and transparency was highlighted. Always be yourself and share your true stories. Authenticity builds trust and helps others connect with you on a deeper level.

Stand out with your interests

Maciel said that sharing personal interests or quirks can make you memorable. Incorporate these interests into your personal brand. They humanize you and make you relatable to others.

Value self-discovery

Don't be afraid to explore who you are. Personal branding involves a journey of self-discovery. Value this process and understand that it's okay not to have all the answers from the beginning.

Remember the value you bring

As Leung mentioned earlier, understand the value you bring to the table. Knowing this is crucial when conveying your personal brand. Always be aware of the unique contributions you can offer to others.

In conclusion, building and displaying your personal brand is a dynamic process. It requires adaptability, self-reflection, authenticity, and the willingness to embrace change. Your personal brand should evolve with you, reflecting who you are and what you stand for at each stage of your journey. So, embrace change, connect with others authentically, and don't be afraid to be yourself as you navigate your personal branding journey.