What is a brand?

A brand can be seen as a name, logo or design.

It is what distinguishes a company's products or services from the other. A brand is what sets a company apart from it's competitors.

A strong brand can be a powerful marketing tool, it can help to build trust with customers and create loyal customers who will keep coming back for more.

Examples of brands include; Apple, Nike, Dior, Google, Airbnb, Louis Vuitton, Coca-Cola etc.

What is a personal brand

A personal brand is a way a person definies and portrays themselves to the world, based on their unique combination of skills, experience, and personality.

A personal brand is like the reputation of a person. It is what sets you apart and makes you different from others.

The key to creating a strong personal brand is to be authentic and consistent, and to focus on building relationships with your targeted audience.

Tips And Strategies for building a personal brand

• Define Your Purpose and Values:

the first step to building a personal brand is understand your purpose and values. Ensure your purpose alligns with your brand identity

• Identify Your Target Audience:

Determine the specific audience you want to engage with. If it's a clothing brand you know your target audience are wholesalers, retailers or those who have major interest in clothes. If it is a tech brand then your target audience should be tech enthusiast and individuals in the tech field.

Targeting the right audience will position you as a valuable resource or solution provider.

• Craft a Compelling Brand Story:

Develop a compelling brand story that communicates who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you different from others.

• Build an Online Presence:

One way to get your brand noticed is through the use of social media.

Establish a strong online presence by creating personal website or blogs and relevant social media platforms. Consistently share valuable content, engage with your audience, and showcase your expertise.

• Demonstrate Expertise:

Showcasing knowledge and expertise is crucial for personal branding. Write articles or blog posts, contribute to industry publications, speak at conferences, or offer workshops and webinars.

You can also optimize the use of open-source.

• Network and Collaborate:

Join networking activities within your industry or areas of interest. Attend conferences, seminars, and meetups, and actively participate in relevant online communities. Collaborate with other professionals, whether it be through partnership or joint projects.

• Be Consistent:

In personal branding, consistency is key. Consistency builds recognition and reinforces your brand identity, fostering trust with your audience.

Ensure you are always saying or doing something that will add value to your audience l.

• Embrace Personal Growth:

Continuously invest in personal development and growth. Seek feedback, learn from experiences, and adapt to industry trends. Stay up-to-date with new technologies, skills, or industry practices. The willingness to evolve and learn demonstrates a commitment to professional growth.

• Engage with your audience:

Respond to comments and messages, participate in conversations, and share insights from your own experiences. Show your true personality and let your passion shine through.

• Seek Feedback:

Ask for feedback from your audience, mentors, or guru's in your industry. Learn from criticism, incorporate suggestions, and continually integrate them into your personal brand strategy.

How to build your personal brand in the tech space

• Identify your niche and area of specialization

• Identify your target audience and create content that speaks to them.

• Be active on social media and engage with other people in the tech space.

• Share your knowledge and expertise through blog posts, videos, or podcasts.

• Speak at events or conferences related to tech.

• Attend networking events and connect with other people in the industry.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in tech.

• Remain active and consistent

Individuals who have successfully built their personal brands around what they love;

Practical examples of individuals who have created their personal brands are;

• Veekee james; a renowned fashion designer who has built a personal brand that is synonymous with class and style

• Godswill Akpan; a community manager, Front end developer and the founder of "For The Love Of Defi".

• Idris Olubisi; a technical writer, a developer, a web3 advocate and the founder of "Web3 Afrika"

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a celebrated author who has built a strong brand around her work and advocacy for women's rights

• Zainab Daodu; a technical writer an open source programs manager and founder of "Zaycodes".

Conclusion

"Your brand is what other people say about you when you're not in the room." - Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon

Remember, building a personal brand is a continuous journey that takes time, dedication, and consistency. Stay true to yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and deliver value to your audience. With patience a

nd persistence, you can build a strong personal brand that sets you apart in your industry.