As someone who has cared way too much about the opinions of others, I understand the challenges and difficulties that come with trying to improve and maintain a positive image. It can be a constant battle to try to control how others perceive you, and it can take a lot of effort and consistency to maintain a good reputation. 

Over time, I’ve learned that reputation is not something that can be easily controlled, but is something that can be influenced and managed through our actions and behavior. This is where personal brand comes into play; the importance of being aware of your personal brand, and taking steps to ensure that it aligns with your reputation and the image that you want to present to others is crucial. Personal brand and reputation work hand in hand, and the moment you start using them together, you’ll be unstoppable!

Personal brand and reputation might sound like fancy, big-word concepts, but they're really just about how other people see you. Your personal brand is the image you present to the world, while your reputation is the overall opinion people have of you based on their experiences with you, including what they see from your brand.

One key difference between the two is that you can totally control your personal brand. You create it by sharing messages and content that align with you and showing up as the best version of you, both in person and online. Your reputation, on the other hand, is influenced by all sorts of things, and it's not always in your control. Even things that are completely untrue, like rumors, can affect your reputation. Luckily, having a strong, credible personal brand can often outweigh reputation, especially if the reputation is inaccurate!  

Though they're not the same thing, personal brand and reputation do have some similarities. Both are all about how you're perceived by others, and both can have a huge impact on your success and opportunities. ​​Think about it: if you have a killer personal brand, you're presenting a positive, awesome image to the world. That's bound to make people think highly of you, and your business will prosper because of it!

How do you get there?

Maintaining a strong personal brand and a positive reputation takes effort and consistency. You have to be constantly working on your personal brand, making sure it stays relevant and effective. And you have to reinforce your reputation through positive interactions and experiences. It's important to be aware of both your personal brand and your reputation, and to take steps to improve and enhance them.

Here are some specifics: 

Define your personal brand: Identify your unique skills, values, and qualities, and use these to create a clear and compelling personal brand message.

Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to personal branding. Ensure that your messages, content, and behavior are aligned with your personal brand, and maintain this consistency across all of your channels and platforms.

Use social media: Social media is a powerful tool for personal branding. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to share your personal brand message and to connect with others in your industry.

Be authentic: Authenticity is crucial for personal branding. Be genuine, transparent, and true to yourself in everything that you do.

Network and build relationships: Personal branding is not just about self-promotion; it's also about building relationships and connections with others. Attend industry events, join relevant groups and forums, and connect with others who share your interests and values.

Monitor and manage your online presence: Your online presence is an important part of your personal brand. Monitor your online reputation, and take steps to improve and manage it, such as responding to negative comments and reviews, and highlighting your achievements and successes.

Seek feedback and input from others: Personal branding is not just about your own perspective; it's also about how others see you. Ask for feedback and input from others, and use this to refine and improve your personal brand.

Remember, your personal brand is the shining light that represents who you are and what you stand for. It's the image and reputation that you project to the world, and it's an incredibly important part of your professional identity. A strong personal brand can help you stand out from the crowd and attract opportunities, while a weak personal brand can hold you back. 

While a personal brand is critical, your reputation is the sum of the beliefs, opinions, and perceptions that others hold about you and is equally as important. It's the result of your actions and the way you present yourself, and it can have a big impact on your ability to succeed in business. A positive reputation can open doors and attract opportunities, while a negative reputation can be a major obstacle to overcome, so be sure to be aware of both!

Here's the good news: you have the power to shape both your personal brand and your reputation. By being intentional about the way you present yourself and the actions you take through a strong, credible personal brand, you can build and maintain a positive reputation that will serve you well in your professional life. With this, you’re bound to have increased success and prosperity in your business, so it's definitely worth investing time and effort into building and maintaining a strong personal brand and reputation. Get started soon – you won’t regret it!