18 August 2009 View Comments

Branding in Freelance Speak

When it comes to branding, most freelancers are torn between business or personal branding. I have a registered business that I operate my writing business under but my name is the most known brand tool I possess.
Unless you want a legion of minions working under you, then business branding would be ideal for you. Today we are going to tackle personal branding.

Personal brands are things, character or personality traits, behavioral or even features that makes one different from everyone else. Was the late MJ a formidable brand? Well, he was the only one who looked smashing hot in his three-quarter trousers with peeping white socks and a gloved hand. Many have tried to pull that look but have failed miserably. But how, does it apply to the entrepreneur/freelancer?
One does not have to break the bank vault to build and create a strong personal brand. While reading Daniels Ngari’s Personal Branding Salad Bar I was left with my mouth watering for more and an enlightened mind. His platter was laid so well that one cannot fail to stuff themselves silly with the easy to follow steps to effective personal branding. With Peter Montoya’s personal branding laws however, I tend to believe he had the freelance professional on his mind.
Eight Laws of Personal Branding:
1. Law of Specialization.
How well do you excel at your chosen career? Does it bring out your strengths and talent? Freelancers are a talented and creative lot, tap into it.
2. Law of Leadership
When a client seeks your services and picks you among a multitude of sameness, they believe you are a leader in your chosen field. Are you?
3. Law of Personality
How well does your personality blend in with your freelancing career? Is it a barrier or a stimulant? E.g. you can’t be writer if you hate reading and researching.
4. Law of Distinctiveness
There are thousands upon thousands of freelancers in your specialty or field, but what makes you so distinct that your name is the final word in conversations?
5. Law of Visibility
How accessible are you to your clients? Is your name written in bright neon lights? Do you command a giant share in your field?
6. Law of Unity
People want to interact with a human being that shows emotions, empathy and ethics. Are you
known as the sleazy freelancer without your knowledge? Are you used as an example of what one
should not be or the one that clients dread contacting?
7. Law of Persistence
In any business venture, persistence is called for. How well do you handle disappointments? Do you
throw in the towel when things are thick either business wise or when tackling a difficult project?
8. Law of Goodwill
How do your clients perceive you? Do they hold you in esteem or are you just another
contractor/temp/part-timer in their black book? Does your personal and business motto augur well with your clients and other freelancers?
Personal branding should reveal one’s true DNA structure What are your personal branding secrets?

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