Being part of a successful business is such as thrill. Having oversight of an incredible team combined with the use of the best payroll software and a vision of change for the future can be incredibly fulfilling.
At some point, the business will begin to grow and expand so your personal leadership brand will need to be on point.
Having a personal brand means intentionally defining and promoting your identity and skills to influence the perception of you. Often, this intersects with passion and business opportunities for you to capitalise on.
Here is how to develop your leadership brand to keep up with the growth of your business.
Articulate your personal brand message
First, start by identifying your unique qualities. It could be that you excel in crisis management or that you are particularly good at motivating a team in a difficult situation.
Once you have figured out your strengths you need to articulate them in a clear and compelling way. Start by writing down exactly what you want people to know and find ways you can showcase this in your daily life at work.
Leverage social media platforms
Part of developing your leadership brand is promoting yourself. Social media platforms are a great way to do this.
LinkedIn is a social media platform that is designed to connect professionals together. This is the perfect place to start crafting your image. Share your insights and experiences – you will definitely have things to share!
Instagram is another great site to show yourself off. Make sure the branding is the same colour and fonts as anything you post on other sites. This allows people to find you if they have seen your profile elsewhere.
Develop a strong professional network
Building a strong network is a cornerstone of professional development so it’s time to get to work. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with other people albeit online.
Start by following and connecting with people in the same field or who work at companies you admire. Interacting with their posts is a good way to get your brand across without having to be vulnerable.
Industry events are another goldmine for networking opportunities. Getting out there and meeting industry leaders can help them to recognise you and potentially want to work with you.
Prepare for potential crises
Unfortunately, there are times when you may face negative publicity. This is especially true as you become more well-known and people scrutinise you more. Make sure you have a plan to deal with this.
Before you respond, take a second to gather the facts and understand the situation fully. This will prevent you from making an impulsive decision that actually makes things worse.
If you have made a mistake, issue a sincere apology. Regardless of your intentions, if offence was made or harm was caused, you should apologise.
As well as a professional plan, make sure you have ways to deal with the crisis outside of work. Surround yourself with your support network and take steps to protect your mental health.