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Have you watched Shark Tank? India or the US version?
Did you know of any of these business persons before you saw them on the show? Even if you did, how much did you know about them before watching the show? Did their personality or approach appeal to you?
This is personal branding at work.
Let’s examine how these leaders are making the most of this opportunity to build their personal brand. Hopefully after reading this blog, you will become a “shark” in personal branding.
What is Personal Branding?
“Your personal brand is what others speak about you when you are not in the room. Personal branding is the practice of actively influencing this perception of you.”
Personal branding involves creating a unique identity and image in the minds of your audience, particularly within your industry or market. A well-crafted personal brand showcases your values, vision, expertise, and personality, aligning them with your professional goals.
Why is Personal Branding Important?
A strong personal brand offers several direct and indirect benefits to the business. These sharks know this and are making the most of their brand.
Direct Impact on Business
Trust and Credibility
A strong personal brand can enhance the trust and credibility of a business. Leaders who are seen as knowledgeable, reliable, and authentic can attract customers, investors, and partners more easily.
Customer Loyalty
Customers are more likely to engage with and remain loyal to brands associated with leaders they admire. Leaders who effectively communicate their values and mission can create a strong emotional connection with their audience.
Media Attention and Public Relations
Leaders with a strong personal brand often attract media attention, which can lead to valuable publicity for their business. This media exposure can enhance the company’s visibility and reputation.
Indirect Impact on Business
Employee Engagement and Recruitment
A leader’s personal brand can significantly influence employee morale and the ability to attract top talent. Employees are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they are inspired by their leader’s vision and values.
Investor Confidence
Investors are more likely to back businesses led by individuals with a strong and positive personal brand. A leader’s reputation for integrity, success, and vision can instill confidence in potential investors.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Leaders with a strong personal brand can forge valuable partnerships and collaborations more easily. Their reputation can open doors to new opportunities and alliances that can drive business growth.
Building a Personal Brand – Learn From The Sharks.
The sharks from Shark Tank US and India are embodiments of many of the best practices one needs to follow in personal branding. Let’s take a closer look at them.
One: Self-Discovery
Before you start building your brand, understand who you are and what you stand for. Reflect on your strengths, values, passions, and goals. Knowing yourself is the first step in creating an authentic personal brand.
Peyush Bansal, CEO and founder of Lenskart has built a strong personal brand through his commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. His self-awareness and dedication to quality have made him a trusted figure in the eyewear industry.
Pro Tip:
Write down three of your core values and three strengths that set you apart. How can these be incorporated into your personal brand?
Two: Target Audience
Identify your target audience. Who are the people you want to reach and influence? Understanding your audience helps tailor your brand message to resonate with them effectively.
Vineeta Singh, co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics, focuses on empowering women and promoting homegrown brands. By understanding her target audience, she has successfully created a brand that resonates with modern, independent women.
Pro Tip:
Create a profile of your ideal audience member. What are their interests, needs, and challenges? How can your brand address these?
Three: Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
Your UVP is what sets you apart from others. It’s the unique combination of skills, experiences, and attributes that you bring to the table. Clearly articulate your UVP to highlight what makes you different.
Barbara Corcoran, a real estate mogul from Shark Tank US, distinguishes herself with her expertise in real estate and her charismatic personality, which has established her as a trusted voice in business and entrepreneurship.
Pro Tip:
Draft a concise statement that summarizes your UVP. Ask for feedback from colleagues or mentors to refine it.
Four: Consistency
Maintain a consistent image across all platforms and communications. Consistency helps reinforce your brand identity and makes it more recognizable. This includes consistency in messaging, visual elements, and interactions.
Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, uses his effervescent personality and marketing expertise consistently across social media and industry events, positioning himself as a dynamic and influential figure in the consumer electronics market.
Pro Tip:
Audit your online presence. Ensure your profiles, posts, and interactions align with your personal brand.
Five: Authenticity
Be genuine and transparent in your communications. Authenticity builds trust and credibility. Share your true values, beliefs, and experiences to create deeper connections with your audience.
Mark Cuban, a well-known shark on Shark Tank US, exemplifies authenticity with his bold personality and straightforward advice, which have made him a respected and influential figure in the business world.
Pro Tip:
Share a personal story that highlights your values or a lesson you’ve learned. Authenticity comes from sharing real experiences.
Six: Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for personal branding. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to share your insights, engage with followers, and build your network.
Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, uses social media to share his entrepreneurial journey, industry insights, and personal values, greatly enhancing his personal brand.
Pro Tip:
Schedule regular posts that align with your brand values and engage with your audience through comments and direct messages.
Regularly publish articles, blogs, videos, and other forms of content that showcase your expertise and perspectives. Content creation is a critical component of personal branding.
Seven: Network Actively
Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other influential figures in your field. Networking provides valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, leverages her platform to advocate for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, enhancing her personal brand through active networking and engagement.
Pro Tip:
Set a goal to attend one networking event per month and actively connect with attendees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Personal Branding
We cannot end this blog without mentioning some of the common mistakes we see made by many trying to build their personal brand.
Inconsistency
Inconsistency in your messaging or image can confuse your audience and dilute your brand. Ensure that your communications are consistent across all platforms.
Lack of authenticity
Trying to be someone you’re not can backfire. Authenticity is key to building a genuine connection with your audience.
Neglecting Engagement
Ignoring your audience can lead to disengagement. Always respond to comments and feedback to maintain a strong relationship with your followers.
Overlooking Personal Development
Continuous personal development is essential. Stay updated with industry trends, improve your skills, and adapt your brand accordingly.
We have addressed all these challenges and suggested practical ways to overcome them. Read our blog Personal Branding for Leaders: Key Challenges and Solutions.
In Conclusion
By observing the success of the sharks, we learn that effective personal branding can transform not just individual careers, but entire businesses.
Understand and implement the key components of personal branding—self-discovery, identifying your target audience, defining your UVP, maintaining consistency, and being authentic.
Remember, building a personal brand takes time and effort, but the rewards in terms of trust, credibility, and business growth are well worth it. Your personal brand is the unique voice and vision that sets you apart. Start today, and let it shine through in everything you do.
By doing so, you’ll not only elevate your professional standing but also inspire and influence those around you, much like the sharks from Shark Tank. So, dive in and become a “shark” in personal branding—transform your influence, amplify your impact, and watch your business thrive.
Need help with your personal branding? Check out our Personal Branding Services.