There are countless courses, seminars and trainings on personal branding today — but do you know what to develop and how to go about it? Here are six practical steps to get you started.
You will agree with me that there are a lot of courses, seminars and trainings on this topic in recent times. Everyone is being encouraged to develop their personal image or brand to become a better version of themselves. But the question is: do you know what to develop and how to go about it? Here are a few practical steps you can take.
1. Discover who you are. Discovering who you are will help you a great deal in knowing what areas to develop yourself in — your purpose of existence, your unique gifts, your strengths, and the things that set you apart. You cannot build a strong personal brand on an identity you do not yet fully understand.
2. Identify where you are now and what needs to be changed or developed. Honest self-assessment is the foundation of all meaningful growth. Without knowing where you currently stand, you cannot map a clear route to where you want to be.
3. Work on your mind. The work of change and development begins from the inside — it all begins in your mind. What do you think of yourself? How you see yourself will determine how far you go. A person who believes they are worthy of growth will invest in themselves differently from one who doubts their own potential.
4. Prioritise your decisions on what you need to develop yourself in. Once you have identified what needs to change or grow, be deliberate about where you place your focus and resources. Not everything needs attention at the same time — prioritise the decisions and actions that will move you forward most significantly.
5. Focus your attention and energy on developing the areas that will help you fulfil your purpose and accomplish your assignments here on earth. Scattered effort produces scattered results. Channel your energy with intention and direction.
6. Develop yourself well enough to impact others positively. The ultimate goal of personal development is not self-glorification — it is contribution. The more you refine yourself, the more value you can bring to the people and communities around you.
Other areas to consider as you evolve include your confidence, public relations, poise, and etiquette manners — all of which are foundational to how the world perceives and interacts with you.
My name is Chinenye Nmerole. I am always available to refine your image and brand for a global shine. To your progress — Image Refining Academy.
Chinenye Nmerole is a distinguished etiquette consultant and image coach with over a decade of experience transforming individuals and organisations across Africa and beyond.