The decision to build your own personal brand can turn out to be the best business move you make.  It helps others become aware of what you stand for, increases your credibility, provides opportunities for others to consistently like and follow you, and helps you gain trust, which leads to increased business.

I was recently working with one of my clients who was setting out to create a brand for her business. That got me to thinking about the importance of having a clearly identifiable brand and, therefore, I decided to write this brief post and include a few action items.

As my client and I worked through the process of designing her brand, it was amazing to see it come alive through two important elements.

1. The first element was what she wanted people to feel about her business.

2. The second element was how that feeling or perception would look in colors, images and words.

Many entrepreneurs do not intentionally create a brand for themselves.  Often it is something that just "happens". Sometimes that is good, and sometimes not so good.  The decision to build your own personal brand must be intentional.

Not intentionally creating a brand can lead to mixed messages, inconsistency and buyer confusion.  Confused buyers do not buy.

A brand is both a look and feel that you want your business to be recognized by.  At the heart of your brand, is the feel. It is what you want to be known for...what you want people to think of when they think of your business. Then the look pulls it all together in the form of logos, colors, words and images.

It is very important that your brand resonates with your target market. It needs to attract them, speak to their needs, and communicate visually and in the written word that you are the right solution for them.

Take time to reflect on your brand. Answer these questions when creating your brand:

1. If you do not have a name yet, think about what company name and tag line is a reflection of your target's greatest needs?

2. What promises are you making to your ideal clients?

3. What do you want your clients to say about you when you are not there?

4. What is the mood and personality of your business?

5. And what colors, words, images and shapes reflect your company's personality?

6. How can you make your blog design unique?

Use this information for creating your logo, working with your web designer to design the best look and feel for your web site, and your copywriter for designing the perfect message for attracting your target market.

Build your own personal brand and stand out from the crowd.

What steps have you taken to build your own personal brand?