5 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Personal Brand by Aaja Corinne Magee

So, what’s the big deal about your personal brand anyway? Simply put, a game-changing, personal brand will increase your influence and make you an ideal opportunity magnet. Through the intentional activity of branding yourself, you control the conversation surrounding you to influence perception in a way that helps you to achieve your goals.

Perception is shaped by every touch point that people have with you - your presence (online and offline), presentation (wardrobe and grooming), and communication (verbal and non-verbal). After someone repeatedly comes into contact with you, they make a decision about who they believe you to be. Subsequently, an image of you is formed in their minds that ultimately becomes your brand.

If someone encountered you today, what might their perception of you be? Here are five easy ways to refresh your personal brand: 

1. Update your profile images across platforms 

A picture says 1,000 words, and image is the basis of first impressions. A clear, crisp photo with a bit of personality creates interest around your brand and keeps you looking relevant and fresh. As a rule of thumb, update your headshot each time you drastically change your look, so that you portray a consistent image online and offline.

2. Develop or update your bio

A well-written, expert style biography is a must and a great tool to help you secure new opportunities. Keep your bio as updated as your résumé and avoid using time-sensitive information that would cause your bio to appear outdated over time. (i.e. Aaja will release her book in spring 2018.)

3. Switch up the Home page of your website

Most website visitors won’t visit every page, so the Home page will serve as a navigation tool to help them access the information that they deem to be most important. Occasionally update the Home page of your website with a fresh layout, new graphics, and current information. This will keep website visitors coming back for more.

4. Streamline and/or add to your offerings

Experts understand that their success in the marketplace is a result of their ability to reinvent themselves and approach their expertise in new and creative ways. Take inventory of your current offerings and focus in on those that are performing the best. Then, find ways to create extensions and innovate around the products and services that people already love. 

5. Invest in your personal and professional development

Personal branding and personal development are parallel concepts. The evolution of you is key to a thriving personal brand. Additionally, those that are in tune with your brand are only growing under you at the rate of your personal growth. As a person of influence, it’s your responsibility to stay 10 steps ahead of the game.

Aaja Corinne Magee is a Chicago-based, Brand Strategist & Speaker, helping leaders and experts to maximize their impact through personal brand development. For more savvy advice and resources, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and sign up for her newsletter at www.aajacorinnethebrand.com.

Twitter: @AajaCorinne