Why Personal Branding Matters: Unlocking New Opportunities and Building Authentic Connections
December 11, 2024 – Building a personal brand is a powerful way to establish credibility. Highlighting your unique passions allows recruiters to tap into a broader and more diverse talent pool. There are around 4.74 billion social media users worldwide, representing 59.3 percent of the global population. With such saturated social media platforms, it has become vital to focus on individual branding and understand its ability to target untapped audiences and generate engagement, according to a report from Govig & Associates.
Around 74 percent of American consumers are more likely to trust someone with a respected personal brand. “This emphasizes who you are to current candidates and clients and expands your candidate market, giving you access to new possibilities,” the Govig & Associates report said. “In addition, building a solid personal brand will attract new business and networks for yourself and your organization.”
So, why is personal branding so important? Potential clients and candidates will not engage with a generic, underdeveloped post that provides them no added value, according to the Govig & Associates report. “Developing a consistent content calendar and scheduling posts for your social media platforms allows you to present your knowledge in your respective field and a niche that differentiates you from your competitors,” the study said. “Establishing your brand should be a high priority. Audiences are more likely to engage with content that has merit and is relevant to their lives. By showcasing a personalized niche within your company role, you create an offshoot of individuals who will consume and interact with your content and keep coming back for more.”
How to Stand Out
Govig & Associates explains that creating valuable and informative content for your network may seem daunting. After all, why should they listen to what you have to say? “Consider what angle you can take that will make people more interested in what you and your company offer,” the search firm said. “Find something you are passionate about and make it a part of your daily routine. Find ways to excite your audience and show them your unique personality. Being authentic and showcasing a niche your audience can connect with is essential. Incorporating personal values and passions will prompt genuine connections that will open up the candidate pool.”
Related: Using Employer Branding to Attract Senior Talent
Authenticity fosters long-lasting professional relationships, the Govig & Associates report notes. “It has been found that 92 percent of people trust recommendations from individuals (even if they don’t know them) over brands (entrepreneurs),” the report said. “So, play off of that! Reach out if you see something or someone you feel a connection to. Feel free to start conversations with your network. Before you start, consider running a poll to gather data on what types of content your followers want to see from you. The goal is to stand out from the crowd while maintaining your level of industry relatability.”
Take Control
Govig & Associates explains that taking control of your online perception enables your platform as a recruiter. “Treat your brand as a first impression for new candidates and consider what will grab and keep their attention,” the report said. “Influencing an audience creates power, keeping your network from finding influence elsewhere. It takes around five to seven impressions for someone to remember your brand. Consistency will increase exposure to your audience, making your brand accessible and memorable. Maintaining a consistent and striking online presence will enhance personal and professional recognition.”
Referrals, Reputation & Your Recruitment Brand
Design an identity around your recruitment website, not the other way around, says Jack Saxton of Tempting Talent. Building a brand revolves around telling a story about your business. Start on the candidate journey and maybe even storyboard it. This narrative will ultimately help boost referrals. In the end, incentives might even be unnecessary.
Overall, creating a personal brand is more beneficial now than ever before, the Govig & Associates report concludes. LinkedIn is a unique platform, with 77 percent of recruiters using it to reach out to potential candidates. “That other 23 percent must be accessed elsewhere,” the report said. “Utilizing all social media platforms, and catering them to fit your needs, will strengthen your brand and generate new business. The relationships you build and maintain in life are what matters most.”
Founded in 1978, Govig & Associates has a track record of successfully completing large hiring initiatives as well as individual searches for professionals in its industries. The firm has five divisions that operate across North America within the following industries: biotech and pharmaceutical, building products, construction, healthcare, and the Arizona market. Govig & Associates is home to over 80 executive search professionals with an average tenure across the entire staff of more than eight years. In recent years, the firm has been listed as one of Phoenix Business Journal’s Best Places to Work and Office of the Decade within the MRINetwork.
Related: How Brand Authenticity Attracts Top Talent
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
