Startup founders: Here’s how to build your personal brand with finesse and savvy
As a founder, it’s important to put yourself out there to gain publicity. Here’s how to enhance and promote your personal brand while still highlighting your business.
You’ve heard the saying before: People do business with people they like, not faceless brands. So it’s important for founders to understand their personal brand and how networking with peers can add to the success of their company.
If you’re looking to “put yourself out there” as a new founder and start drumming up some publicity via your personal brand, here’s how to elevate your thought leadership platform while still highlighting your brand and the incredible things your company is doing.
1. Research your target audience
It can be overwhelming to introduce yourself to a new network or put yourself out there to a new client as the face of the company. The best thing to do is get to know your audience and do your research before you head to mixers or networking events. Understand the pain points of the people you talk to and spend time creating an ice breaker or segue that helps you plug your company when networking. These conversations can spark creative solutions that leave a lasting impression on the people you connect with.
2. Build your presence at events as both a presenter and an attendee
Events such as seminars, conferences, and panels are perfect places to present yourself on behalf of your company. Presentations are a great way to gain company exposure and put your face to your company’s name. By leveraging these events, you’re sharing insights in order to establish credibility while learning from others in tangential fields.
If you don’t know where to start, contact your local chamber of commerce and inquire about virtual and in-person events in your area. Additionally, look up certain societies or professional groups within your industry that may hold monthly events or mixers. Ideally, choose events that align with your company’s vision and values, and don’t just rack up random engagements for the sake of getting something on your calendar.
3. Strengthen existing relationships
Thanks to platforms like LinkedIn, staying in touch with your professional network is easier than ever. You never know when you’ll need a reference from a former colleague or want to do business with a friend of a friend. Your network has been a part of your professional journey, and some of your existing contacts may help propel your company forward. Touch base with your interconnected group of talented individuals as often as you can even while forging new connections.
LinkedIn can also help you expand your network opportunities and showcase your personality. Share a post from your company on your personal LinkedIn page—or promote your company on your profile. LinkedIn even has opportunities to connect with community members and find more places to share your company’s accomplishments and further solidify your own personal brand.
4. Establish and share publicity goals with your team
Goal-setting and conveying these goals to your team is a crucial part of leadership. Ensure the team knows what you’re working on and why it matters to your company’s overall success. Your input will give your team the opportunity to rally their support and help amplify your efforts via their own individual networks and social channels.
5. Work with a PR pro to help you craft your personal branding strategy
Personal branding can be tough terrain to navigate, but you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, it’s often best to leave your publicity needs to the pros so you can focus on running and growing your business!
If you need help getting your company in front of publications and audiences that matter, Flight PR can identify the right targets for your campaigns and craft messages that get results. Contact us today to see how we can help you weave your leadership and your company’s name into a seamless message that inspires your audience to take action.