Many marketers, entrepreneurs and anyone who has a “brand” for themselves will tell you how important it is to build one and maintain it. This is important in about every industry dealing with the internet in 2016. Building and maintaining your brand can be difficult, because we are not all experts in how to brand, market or how to even start this process. So today I will share five ways you can start to build your brand and keep it strong.
- Define your brand:
Take out a piece of paper and write down the words and values that people would use to describe you. Be honest and choose words that are positive and authentic to who you are.
- Join Industry Groups:
This should happen both online and in person. On great way to so is to join social media or individual organization websites. Also try to go to networking events where you can meet more like-minded people who are in the same industry as you.
- Write your bio:
Write a short bio—or update the one you have—so you have it ready. A professional bio is a necessity for freelance writing gigs, networking events, speaking on panels and keeping your LinkedIn profile up-to-date.
- Create a Blog/Website:
This is a very important step in the process of building your brand without a website it may be hard for your audience to find you on the web. This why having an website is keep to starting and maintain our brand. When I started my blog, I never imagined that anyone other than my closest friends and family would read it. I certainly never imagined that my blog might help me make money and open up doors to new jobs and opportunities.
- Build Your Network:
In order to build and share your personal brand, you need to also be building your professional network. Networking isn’t just important when you are looking for a job. I’ve learned that you can consistently learn from other people’s career paths and insights at every stage of your career. I’ve learned some much from the WordPress community that has helped me progress in so many ways.
Final Thoughts
So take advantage of the opportunities in your city and your industry to meet new people. You never know how that new connection might be of service to you—or you to them—in the future. Your work and actions speak volumes about your personal brand—and you, as an individual. You can say you hold certain values, but your actions, your experience and your words have to embody them. Do you have a brand and how to market/maintain it? Comment below & if you liked this post please share!
Copyright ©2016 Jay Colby All Rights Reserved.
Jay Colby 
Thx! Your blog posts are always great to read.
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Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Great content I agree. I have discovered that this is a never ending endeavor. It isn’t like it was even twenty years ago. And now with the advent of social platforms the market place is crowded with competition, each trying to be heard. I really don’t know how some of you all can find time to keep the brand maintained. I have to work and only get a chance if, for example, like today, no work yet. Can I just say, “Arrrgh!” Thanks Jay.
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Thank you & I understand sometimes it can be diffcult to keep up our brand.
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great to have your insight and guidance
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Thank you I hope you found it helpful!
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Yes i did
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I love the point you make about joining networks. I’ve always thought they were just for landing jobs, but I can see what you mean about them. I really gotta make more of an effort to go to networking events and to make genuine connections. Thanks for this reminder!
Danielle | http://www.FollowMyGut.com ❤
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Thank you I’m glad you found it useful!
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Brilliant advice. As a starting out blogger I’ll be sure to follow these.
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Thank you I’m glad you found it helpful!
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Do you have a post explaining how to network? I feel like I am but idk..
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I do not yet but I will soon. I do have a post that I posted yesterday that is a great opportunity to network with other bloggers!
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I’m on it! Thank you!
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I reread this as i was reading another post by another blogger and wanted to compare. I agree with everything here. We learn at each stage of career. And action always speak louder than word…so does honesty, integrity , approachability and just being nice… i speak from experience
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But i add this blogging stuff i do struggle with.
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What a great content. Your posts are always so informative and lovely to read. Keep it up.
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Thank you I appreciate your kind words!
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Great insight! It’s very important to understand the right steps in order to have a brand. Creating new strategies and setting goals having the plans lined up to achieve your success . I feel like its so much to be taking into consideration. I started a blog that’s my first step. Thanks for sharing!!
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Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it & I wish you all the help on starting your brand!
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Your welcome thank you so much that means a lot.
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No mention it & if you ever need any help or advice I would love to help!
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Wow Thank you! That’s incredible I will definitely.
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eriannahunter@gmail.com email thanks
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I emailed you
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Eri, you wont regret making a blog. I just started mine and it’s such a learning experience! Loving it :)) –Jess
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Great
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Thank you!
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Branding is so important if you want to stand out and want your audience to identity with you. This is a very relevant post. Thanks for sharing 😊
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Thank you for reading!
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Thank you for this! Curious, what words would you write on paper for your brand specifically? Or could you choose a well known company and tell us what their words might be? Looking for an example bc I want to do this. Thx :)) –Jess
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Do you mean to describe my brand? I would describe my brand by three key concepts knowledge is power, change the world with positivity & help as many people as possible. Every successful brand has a mission statement that helps us stay focus on whatever our brands focus is. I hope this answer your question!
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Yup, that’s exactly what I was looking for. Thx, Jay!
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Pingback: Social Media Networking Event | Jay Colby
Interesting advise! I think it applies also if you want to market your blog
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thank you! Great post!
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Thank you!
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This was great, thank you I really enjoyed it and got a lot from it! Michael ☺
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Thank you for taking the time to read!
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You’re welcome jay I really enjoy what you’re doing!
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