Five reasons you should create and build your personal brand in Nigeria

Branding is no longer limited to just MTN, Chevron, Coca-Cola, and other large companies in Nigeria. Everything in our world is dynamic, everything is evolving. Even the billboards on the highways are evolving from static print to dynamic LED matrices, now their message can be changed in an instant.

You should ask yourself, what does your personal brand say about you, what do you represent?  Are you fresh and on top of what is going on in the world? Does your website have a dynamic design? Do your social media accounts reflect the most up to date information about your location, lifestyle, career etc?

With more than one hundred and seventy eight million people in Nigeria and 7 billion in the world, it’s about time we all broaden our horizons and open ourselves up to opportunities unknown.  We are a brand that plays a major role in determining how we want to be known in our professional, academic, and personal circles.

Also, with the ever competitive and cluttered market your best chance of staying ahead is to stand out and have a unique brand amongst rivals, because in the end, it’s all about what you are personally known for. People should be able to say what your unique proposition is once they see you or your name.

Here are five great reasons why you should create and build your personal brand;

• It grows your network: When you share a little bit about your career, your accomplishments, your work, you will notice that people want to know and help out any way they can. Your personal brand attracts like minded people which can be very useful for your business or career, just like you can be helpful to them. Expanding your network is hugely important to business success as it opens up avenues you never thought of.

• Attract opportunities: You represent something more than just an employee ID number; you represent a new way of thinking, a fresh perspective, and a new approach. If you neglect to share those characteristics with the world, you might be neglecting the next big opportunity. Not only will people help you but some will actually have relevant opportunities for you, this could be customer referral, a joint venture, co-writing a book a new contract or a new job or investment in your business. Your personal brand demonstrates success and that is what others will be looking to tap into. 

• Establish credibility: Your personal brand is your unique selling point and as long as you add this value to others on a consistent basis, you are gaining trust and credibility. This trust will be your best and cheapest promotional activity, as word travels fast when you do great work. Let your customers be your fans and become your brand ambassadors.

• Securing work: A magnetic brand will ensure that you keep busy. You and your services will always be in demand, as long as you live up to your personal brand. This is a good comfort in case your workplace is facing downsizing or one of your biggest clients are in financial distress. 

• Differentiates you from others: An authentic personal brand helps you become known for what you’re good at, sets you apart from others and positions you as an expert in your field. A major reason to focus on building your personal brand is that it sends a clear, consistent message about who you are and what you have to offer professionally. By standing out from the crowd and showing the world how unique you are. You will be equipped to tell your customers why they should choose you instead of the competition. Remember, the stronger your personal brand the more likely you will be to have a great demand for your services and will be in a position to charge premium for.

Your name is your greatest asset and will stay with you for the rest of your life. Transforming it into a personal brand that others will recognize and appreciate is your best strategy for long term success in business.

If you are thinking of advertising in Nigeria, please contact PoiseMedia Communications at www.poisemedianigeria.com or check our contact at the bottom of this blog. We can help you identify your market and reach them. We apply both BTL and ATL strategies to project our clients’ brands to the right audience. We can do same for you at very affordable price.

Lilian Izuorah
Business Development Officer
PoiseMedia Communications Ltd