Do you have to be a large enterprise like Google or Coke to utilize branding? Absolutely not.

Today, businesses of any size are realizing the importance of branding. And, that’s also the case for individuals who are looking to expand their business and reputation.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate, freelancer, or working professional, personal branding defines who you are in the workforce. It’s a lifelong process that will require frequent maintenance and growth, but it’s essential if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts when building your personal brand

Do:

Tell a story

Be personal and passionate

Use vivid of language

Always be consistent

Associate yourself with strong brands

Fall back to your positioning statement when in doubt

Do your homework and conduct your research

Don’t:

Ever refer to yourself as brand

Steal someone else’s brand values; create your own

Forget to engage your audience; it’s just not about you

Become a broken record with your position statement

Badmouth others