In today’s competitive world, personal branding is no longer just for celebrities or business tycoons, young people, especially students and fresh graduates, must also actively build their personal brands. Think of personal branding as the reputation you build, the image you project, and the message you communicate about yourself. Whether you’re aiming to land your dream job, secure a scholarship, or even start a business, your personal brand is what will set you apart from the crowd.
What is Personal Branding?
Personal branding is the practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. It’s the process of defining who you are, what you stand for, and what value you bring to the table. It’s like being your own ambassador, whether in your local community or on a national scale.
Imagine for a second that you’re walking into a job interview. Before you say a word, the interviewers have already formed an impression based on your appearance, how you walk, and even how you greet them. Now, think about extending that impression to everything about you, your online presence, your work, and how people speak about you. That’s your personal brand at work.
“If you don’t define your brand, someone else will do it for you, and you might not like the result.” -Anonymous
Why Does Personal Branding Matter?
Let’s face it: having good grades or technical skills is no longer enough to guarantee success. Employers and opportunities are increasingly looking for people who stand out; people who have something unique about them. Here’s why personal branding matters for young people:
1. Distinguishes You from the Crowd: Thousands of Nigerian graduates flood the job market every year. Your personal brand helps you stand out and shows potential employers why they should choose you over others.
2. Increases Opportunities: When people know what you stand for, opportunities will start to come your way. Imagine you’re known for being skilled in public speaking; schools or organizations may invite you to speak at events, and over time, you become the go-to person in your field.
3. Helps You Stay Authentic: Personal branding is not about faking it until you make it. It’s about showcasing your true strengths and values in a way that resonates with others. The more authentic you are, the easier it becomes to connect with people who share your vision.
4. Gives You Control Over Your Narrative: We all know how quickly gossip spreads, before you know it, your name could be associated with something you didn’t even do! Building a strong personal brand lets you take control of how people perceive you.
Steps to Building Your Personal Brand
1. Define Your Core Values
Your brand should start with identifying your values: what do you believe in? Is it integrity, innovation, or creativity? In Nigeria, we hold values like respect and hard work in high regard. Your core values are the compass that guides your actions and decisions.
Action Point: Take time to list 3-5 core values that are non-negotiable to you. Write them down and keep them visible as a reminder of what you stand for.
2. Identify Your Strengths and Passions
What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Your strengths and passions should form the foundation of your personal brand. Whether you’re an excellent writer, an emerging tech enthusiast, or a natural-born leader, build your brand around what you do best.
For instance, if you’re passionate about education, you might start creating content or volunteering for educational programs in your community.
Example: Let’s say you’re from Lagos and you’re great at organizing events. You can start branding yourself as the go-to event planner among your peers. You can share pictures and reviews of events you’ve organized on social media. Over time, people in your community may start referring others to you, which opens doors for bigger opportunities.
Action Point: Create a personal skills inventory. Write down your strengths, what you’re passionate about, and how you can use these to provide value to others.
3. Develop Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Your USP is what sets you apart from others with similar skills. It’s what makes you different and valuable. Ask yourself: “What do I offer that no one else does?”
For instance, there may be thousands of graphic designers in Nigeria, but what makes you different? Maybe you’re super-fast at delivering projects, or you have a unique style that blends Nigerian culture into modern design.
Action Point: Write down your USP in one sentence. It could be something like: “I’m a creative who brings African cultural elements into contemporary fashion designs.”
4. Build Your Online Presence
In today’s world, your online presence is a major part of your personal brand. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are the most popular branding tools. If you’re a photographer, fashion designer, writer, or tech enthusiast, you can showcase your work and connect with industry leaders.
Tip: Don’t limit yourself to posting selfies or pictures of food, use your social media to highlight your projects, volunteer work, or interests that align with your brand.
Example: Take someone like Adeola Fayehun, a Nigerian journalist who has built her brand online as an advocate for good governance. She uses YouTube to create content that holds leaders accountable, and as a result, she’s become a trusted voice.
Action Point: If you don’t have one already, create a LinkedIn account and update it with your recent accomplishments, skills, and work experience. Also, make sure your other social media accounts align with the image you want to project.
5. Network Intentionally
In Nigeria, “who you know” is often as important as “what you know.” Networking is crucial in building your brand, but it needs to be intentional. Attend events, webinars, or workshops related to your field and connect with people who can help you grow.
Action Point: Reach out to someone in your desired industry once a week. Send a polite message introducing yourself, express your admiration for their work, and explain why you would love to connect. Over time, build meaningful relationships.
6. Stay Consistent
One of the biggest challenges in personal branding is maintaining consistency. Your brand should be reflected in everything you do: how you communicate, how you dress, and even how you handle challenges. Nigerians value integrity, so don’t promise what you can’t deliver, and don’t pretend to be something you’re not.
Action Point: Revisit your brand values and USP regularly to make sure you’re staying true to them. Whether you’re posting online or speaking in public, always align your actions with your personal brand.
Building a personal brand isn’t a one-time activity, it’s an ongoing process that requires time, effort, and self-awareness. For young Nigerians, it’s an essential step in navigating the increasingly competitive world, whether you’re seeking career advancement, entrepreneurial success, or social impact.
Remember, your brand is your legacy. It’s how people will remember and speak about you, so start building it now and make it work for you.
“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.” – Jeff Bezos
