Building a personal brand is much more than that. It’s about consistently shaping how others perceive you and your reputation. This includes your online presence.

I was told I needed to figure out what my core values were. Core value??? I had no idea what my core values were. Core values are heavily influenced by your upbringing; what drives you and what do you stand for. Are you someone driven by fairness and opportunity for everyone? Do you value reducing your carbon footprint? Asking these questions helped me flesh out the core of my personal brand.

Be consistent in your messaging. Whether it’s on the job, hanging out with friends, or social media, you need to consistently present yourself in a manner that aligns with your values. Do you wear a tie to work every day? Are you dependable? Do you volunteer to help others? Questions like these can help build trust and credibility, which are key components of a strong personal brand.

Learners are Earners. Make it a point to keep learning and evolving. Acquiring new skills and staying updated with industry trends are as easy as searching the internet or listening to an audio book. A good practice is to learn as much as you can and make yourself indispensable. This can take you far in your industry or as an entrepreneur. This keeps me ready when opportunity knocks.