We've explored how brands work for businesses like Apple and Disney. But here's something fascinating: these exact same principles apply when you're building your own personal brand.

Whether you're job hunting, freelancing, or building a career, you are a brand. People form perceptions about you just like they do about companies.

Engagement Message

What's the first word that comes to mind when you think of Oprah?

Think about it: Oprah Winfrey is a brand. Her "logo" might be her face, but her brand is empowerment, authenticity, and inspiration.

Just like we learned with business brands, Oprah's brand isn't her appearance—it's the consistent experience and emotions she creates through every interaction.

Engagement Message

Whose personal brand consistently motivates or inspires you?

Remember our brand triangle? It works perfectly for personal branding too.

Your Brand Identity is who you want to be known as. Your Brand Image is what people actually think of you. Your actual Brand is what you consistently deliver through your actions.

Engagement Message

How do you want to be known professionally in one word?

Let's apply this to someone job hunting. Sarah wants to be known as "reliable and creative" (brand identity).

But she's always late to interviews and her portfolio is disorganized (actual brand). Employers see her as "unprofessional" (brand image). The triangle is misaligned.

Engagement Message

What's one action that could help Sarah align her triangle?

Personal brand icebergs work the same way. The visible tip includes your resume, LinkedIn profile, and what you wear.

But the invisible foundation is your work ethic, how you treat colleagues, problem-solving approach, and reliability. This foundation drives long-term career success.

Engagement Message

Which matters more for your career: a perfect resume or consistent work quality?

Personal brand touchpoints are everywhere: your email signature, how you handle disagreements, your punctuality, and even your social media posts.

Each interaction shapes people's perception of your personal brand, just like customer touchpoints shape business brand perceptions.

Engagement Message

What's one personal touchpoint you could improve starting today?

Type

Multiple Choice

Practice Question

Let's test your understanding! Maria is a freelance designer who wants to be known for "high-quality, timely work." She delivers beautiful designs but always misses deadlines. According to the brand triangle, what's her main problem?

A. Her brand identity is wrong
B. Her actual brand doesn't match her identity
C. Her brand image is too positive
D. She needs a better logo

Suggested Answers

• A
• B - Correct
• C
• D