“In a world where everyone is trying to fit in, your greatest power lies in standing out like the unicorn you are. Make your difference your differentiator.” — Stefanie Couch
As a CliftonStrengths Coach through Gallup, I know that the odds of someone else having the same top five strengths as you, even in a different order, are 1 in 34 million. You truly are a unicorn.
I used to believe that to succeed in the construction industry, I had to blend in—down to the khaki pants and polo shirt. I thought I needed to adopt the skills, style, and demeanor of those around me to fit into this male-dominated field. But early in my career, I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t—and shouldn’t—be like everyone else. The moment I embraced my unique strengths, my voice, and yes, even the fact that I was a young blonde woman who loved to wear high heels, floral print dresses, pearls, and a pink hat in a space not designed for me, everything changed. I discovered that by leaning into what made me different, I could not only succeed but thrive. It’s why I live by the motto, “Make your difference your differentiator,” and it’s this approach that I want to share with others looking to build their personal brand.
What the Heck Is a Personal Brand?
Your personal brand is essentially your reputation. It’s the way people perceive you, your values, your skills, and your personality. Think of it as the combination of who you are, what you stand for, and how you present yourself to the world. Just like a company’s brand, your personal brand is built through consistent messaging, actions, and the value you bring to others. It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
Why the Heck Would You Want One?
In today’s competitive world, having a strong personal brand is more important than ever. A well-crafted personal brand can:
- Set You Apart: It differentiates you from others in your industry, making you memorable and unique.
- Build Trust: A consistent personal brand builds credibility and trust with your audience, whether they’re potential clients, employers, or colleagues.
- Create Opportunities: With a strong brand, people come to you with opportunities that align with your strengths and passions.
- Increase Your Influence: A respected personal brand positions you as a thought leader and expert in your field.
How the Heck Can I Start Building One Now?
- Reflect on Your Strengths: Understand what makes you unique. Your strengths and values are the foundation of your brand.
- Craft Your Message: Create a clear, concise brand statement that communicates who you are and what you do.
- Be Consistent: Align your online presence with your brand message. Consistency builds trust.
- Seek Feedback: Ask for input from trusted colleagues to refine your brand.
- Take Action: Start sharing your expertise, network intentionally, and put yourself out there. Building a brand is about being visible and adding value.
Step 1: Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Your USP is your brand’s blueprint. It’s what sets you apart from the crowd. Reflect on what you do better than anyone else and build your brand around that.
Grit Tip: What have others praised you for? That’s likely your USP. Embrace it.
Step 2: Define Your Target Audience
Know who you’re speaking to. Your brand needs to resonate with the right people—those who benefit most from your unique strengths.
Grit Tip: Tailor your brand to meet the specific needs of your audience.
Step 3: Craft Your Personal Brand Statement
Your brand statement is a concise, powerful declaration of who you are. It should leave a lasting impression.
Grit Tip: Keep it simple but impactful.
Step 4: Build Your Online Presence
Your online presence is your digital storefront. Make sure it reflects your brand consistently across all platforms.
Grit Tip: Ensure every interaction online aligns with your brand message.
Step 5: Network Like You Mean It
Networking is about building genuine relationships that reinforce your brand. Show up authentically and add value to others.
Grit Tip: Approach networking with a giving mindset.
Step 6: Be Consistent
Consistency is key to a strong personal brand. Ensure your messaging and actions align with your brand values.
Grit Tip: Create a brand guide for yourself and stick to it.
Step 7: Keep Learning and Evolving
Your brand should grow as you do. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to changes in your industry.
Grit Tip: Set aside time each month for learning and growth.
Let’s Build Your Brand Together
At Grit Blueprint, we help professionals build unicorn personal brands. Let’s get started on yours today because unicorn personal brands don’t just build themselves.
Ready to elevate your brand in the building materials industry? Grit Blueprint is your partner in this journey. With over 30 years of expertise, we guide you through every step of building a robust digital presence and a unicorn personal brand. Learn more about how to build your brand and business with us!
