By: Rafael Fonseca –
Editor’s Note: Entrepreneurship for All, is a non-profit organization that promotes economic development in mid-size cities in Massachusetts by offering free English and Spanish language business training, ideas pitch contests, networking events and mentorship. They welcome aspiring and current entrepreneurs. For more information, visit eforall.org
You can’t tell a book by its cover but you certainly can tell a lot about it. The minute you walk into a room full of people or you express yourself through Social Media channels people are forming an opinion of you. Believe it or not, you are being branded!
The term branding has long been associated with companies and products, but every individual has a personal brand whether you want it or not. We have not consciously cultivated these brands, but they are part of who we are and how we are perceived, both personally and professionally. Most importantly, as an entrepreneur, you are your venture, meaning your personal brand becomes your company’s brand as well.
[sam_ad id=”67″ codes=”true”]
The question is not whether you have a personal brand, but whether you are consciously defining it or letting it define you. How do you want to be perceived? Is there a subject, skill, product, or expertise you want to have associated with your name or “brand?”
A strong personal brand is dependent on a strong story. Ask yourself: what’s your story? What are your passions, interests, and skills? Answer these questions and think of yourself as a product that needs a strong brand identity. From there, you can start to develop a strategy for your brand. Be authentic, be yourself, and be clear. This is your “conscious brand.”
In this age of Social Media and networking, it is most likely that you already have a “perceived brand” among friends, colleagues, and customers. Compare it against your conscious brand and take action if they are not consistent.
Building a brand takes effort but it allows you to network effectively both socially and professionally. These interactions allow you to further build your brand, spur innovation in your venture, and ultimately lead you to success.
Perspectivas Profesionales is a new monthly section in El Mundo Boston featuring the leading Latino voices from the world of business and entrepreneurship. For more content like this click here. Puedes leer este artículo en español aquí
Rafael Fonseca leads Product Management at a local manufacturer of X-ray equipment and related technologies. Mr. Fonseca has a Masters in Engineering from Cornell University and a BSEE from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.
