Unlock This Shark-Approved Personal Branding Playbook

Insider Tips on How to Create a Killer Identity and Accelerate Your Success

Picture this: You're scrolling through Instagram, and you spot a cheeky mug with a motto that makes you smile. Without even registering who’s behind that coffee cup you know instantly whose profile you're looking at. It's none other than Sara Blakely, the trailblazing founder of Spanx (and fellow guest Shark). That, my friends, is the power of a distinct and authentic personal brand.

Sara's personal brand is as iconic as her game-changing shapewear. Her humor, self-deprecation, and legendary coffee mug collection are as much a part of her identity as her business prowess. It's not just about what she does; it's about who she is.

That's the magic of a well-crafted personal brand. It's the secret sauce that makes you feel like you could grab a latte with Sara, swap some hilarious stories, and walk away with a nugget of wisdom that changes your whole perspective. It's the reason that her brand resonates with so many people on a deep, personal level.

But, what IS a personal brand? It’s the unique combination of your skills, experiences, and personality that sets you apart. It's the reputation you build and the narrative you create around yourself. In essence, it's the way you show up in the world and how others perceive you.

I stumbled into my personal brand quite accidentally. It all started when a TV producer was driving through Beverly Hills. She passed by Sprinkles with its long line, and then a couple of blocks later passed another cupcake bakery that had recently opened. She muttered under her breath, "It's a g**damn cupcake war out there!" That phrase made its way to the Food Network, and before I knew it, I was the head judge on Cupcake Wars for 10 seasons. (I share much more about stepping into my personal brand in my book Sweet Success, on amazing sale on Amazon right now, so stock up for all your founder friends!)

But you don't need to wait for a TV producer to come knocking in order to start crafting a personal brand. In fact, with the power of social media, anyone can start building their brand right now, with a smarphone and a platform – whether it's LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok. With a little bit of courage and a whole lot of authenticity, you can start sharing what's important to you, what you're knowledgeable about, and your unique take on the world around you.

What’s more, a personal brand is portable. Whether you sell your company or leave a job, you bring that reputation with you, which will help you launch your next company or snag that next position. The personal brand I built with Sprinkles added credibility to my next and current venture, Pizzana. My reputation for transforming simple pleasures into elevated experiences and creating community around a singular product led to increased interest and press attention, giving Pizzana momentum right out of the gate.

So, if you’re looking for a little of this personal brand magic, here are some tips to get started:

Identify Your Pillars: What are the core values, passions, and expertise that define you? These elements are crucial as they form the foundation of your personal brand. Reflect on what you are best known for, what people frequently seek your advice on, and how others perceive you. This self-awareness helps you align your brand with your true strengths and the unique value you offer.

Be Authentic: Ensure your personal brand genuinely reflects who you are. Being transparent about your journey, including both challenges (see my recent example on IG) and victories, helps to connect more deeply with your audience. This authenticity fosters trust and makes your brand relatable, encouraging others to engage with and support you.

Choose Your Platform: Select the platform that best reaches your target audience and aligns with your personal brand's goals and values. Whether it's LinkedIn for professional networking, Instagram for creative expression, or a personal blog for deeper insights, focusing your efforts on the right platform maximizes your impact and engagement.

Be Consistent: Maintain a uniform appearance and tone across all your branding touchpoints, from your website to your email newsletters and social media profiles. Consistency in messaging, visuals, and your brand's "voice" strengthens your identity and helps your audience recognize and remember you. Tools like Canva can be instrumental in achieving this consistency, especially across different social media platforms.

Engage and Add Value: Share your knowledge, insights, and experiences in a way that adds value to your community. Yes, that often means utilizing video and talking to camera. As scary as that may sound, it is the fastest way to connect with an audience. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and build genuine relationships.

Finally, it's important to remember that a personal brand isn't a "set it and forget it" situation. As we evolve, our brands should also go through a transformation. In an article I recently wrote for Inc. Magazine, I openly shared the journey of my personal brand. After stepping away from Sprinkles in 2012, my interests broadened, and I wanted my content and messaging to reflect these changes. Although I was concerned about how my audience would react, ultimately I realized that a personal brand loses its meaning if it isn't authentically aligned with who you are and how you want to show up in the world. So, I moved away from sharing recipes in order to start discussing entrepreneurship. And—spoiler alert—most of my audience came along for the ride.

So, my friends, step into your personal brand with confidence, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Share your unique story, quirks and all, and watch as your community rallies around you. Your personal brand is your most valuable asset, so let it shine brightly and guide you towards the success you deserve.

XO,

candace

PS: You know that age-old conundrum of craving homemade meals but lacking the time or motivation to whip something up? Well, allow me to introduce you to my culinary compadre, Marcia Smart of Smart in the Kitchen. Not only is her IG feed a drool-worthy must-follow, but her Substack is also a treasure trove of mouthwatering inspiration that'll keep your taste buds tingling and your kitchen skills on point, all without spending countless hours over a hot stove. Marcia's genius tips, meal prep hacks, and simple yet scrumptious recipes have been a total game-changer for my family, and I bet they'll revolutionize your cooking routine too. So, what are you waiting for? Head on over and subscribe to her new Substack pronto! Your stomach (and your sanity) will thank you later.