Bringing Our Authentic Selves to the Table
One of my classes last year spent two whole days discussing our personal branding. Whenever I heard the words "personal branding," they were usually coupled with things like "influencer," or "paid content," or "fake," which is why—probably just like all of you reading this—my first reaction when I heard what we were talking about in class was to gag.
Surprisingly, those two days in class were my favorite of the entire semester. Turns out, personal branding isn't about getting as many followers as possible on Instagram. Nor is it about projecting a rose-colored version of yourself into the world. Who knew? (I'm sure some people do use personal branding to do just that, but it can have a much more positive impact.) Instead, personal branding is about actively making sure you are showing the world your authentic self.
What are you putting out into the world—not just on social media? Does it match what you are and what you want to become? Does it inspire and lift others? Does it help you feel connected and real? Do your followers and friends feel like they know the real you whether it's online or in person? If not (which is totally okay), it's time to consider your personal brand, which you can do by asking yourself a few questions:
- What do I want people to feel when they interact with me?
- What do I have to offer the people within my sphere of influence?
- What am I aiming towards?
By answering these questions, you will come to better know your authentic self, which only leaves deciding how to actively implement your brand in your life.
Essentially, this is exactly what Jesus Christ invited His Apostles—and also us by extension—to do when He said, "let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:26).
When we bring our authentic selves to our social media and especially in our everyday interactions, we do our part to spread the light that is within each of us. So, what does your brand say about you?
Hm this is so nice! I appreciate those points, and the connection you made to Christ. Thanks for sharing such good thoughts with us!
ReplyDeleteUgh Tay thanks for sharing this truly uplifting message! It is such an important thing to think about what kind of self you're projecting out into the world and how that can help other people. Thanks for this!
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