I call myself a Reluctant Selfpreneur.

In the early stages of my entrepreneurial journey as a Selfpreneur , I found myself grappling with the complexities of entrepreneurship. Struggling to define my brand and communicate its essence, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery that would ultimately reshape my professional trajectory.

One recent moment stands out—during a client meeting where authenticity became my guiding light.
We were in a virtual call, and the client was looking to hire a Personal Branding Strategist. 15 minutes into the call, the client said,
“It isn’t possible to figure much out in a 15 minute call. But I am getting very positive vibes. I have a feeling you are the kind of professional I was looking to hire.”

As we discussed the values driving my business, I realized the importance of transparency and alignment. It was a turning point; I began to reflect on my personal values, questioning whether they were intricately woven into the fabric of my brand.

This introspective journey uncovered the significance of values in shaping not just a business but a holistic personal brand. The moments of fulfillment and success were rooted in authenticity, and the connection with clients deepened as they resonated with the values we shared. This experience ignited a passion for exploring the profound impact of values in the business realm—an exploration that laid the foundation for the insights I share in this article. It is my hope that by sharing this anecdote, others can embark on a similar transformative journey, unlocking the power of values in building a personal brand that authentically resonates with the world.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and professional development, establishing a robust personal brand is paramount for success. At the core of this endeavor lies the identification and alignment with one’s values. For small business owners and corporate professionals alike, understanding and integrating personal values into their brand can be a transformative journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the significance of identifying values as the foundation for building a compelling personal brand. We’ll explore the step-by-step process, offering insights and strategies tailored for the unique needs of small business owners and corporate professionals.

Why Identify Values to work on your Personal Brand ?

1. Authenticity and Consistency:

   • Authenticity is the bedrock of a strong personal brand. Identifying your values allows you to stay true to yourself, presenting an authentic image to the world.
   • Consistency across various aspects of your life, including personal, professional, and business, builds trust and credibility.

2. Attracting Like-minded Connections:

   • By articulating and embodying your values, you naturally attract individuals who resonate with the same principles. This creates a network of like-minded professionals, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.

3. Guiding Decision-Making:

   • Values serve as a compass in decision-making. When faced with choices, having a clear set of values helps in making decisions that align with your principles, leading to a more purposeful and fulfilling professional life.

4. Building a Strong Reputation:

   • Your values shape your actions and interactions. Consistently demonstrating values in your work builds a positive reputation, which is a powerful asset in the business world.

5. Navigating Challenges:

   • During challenging times, your values act as a source of strength and resilience. They provide a framework for navigating difficulties and making decisions that align with your core beliefs.

10 Steps on How to Identify Values to establish your Personal Brand

Self-Reflection:

• Allocate dedicated time for introspection, reflecting on both personal and professional experiences.
• Identify moments of fulfillment and alignment with your work, as these often indicate values that are significant to you.

Define Core Beliefs:

• Pinpoint the principles that guide your decisions. Consider your ethical standpoint and non-negotiable beliefs.
• Reflect on moments where you stood firm on certain principles, even in the face of challenges.

Passions and Interests:

• Assess your hobbies, interests, and activities both in and out of work.
• Determine how these align with your professional life, uncovering values that contribute to your sense of purpose.

Feedback from Others:

• Actively seek feedback from colleagues, friends, and family.
• Gain insights into your strengths and character, as perceived by others, to identify values that resonate with those around you.

Review Past Achievements:

• Analyze your past accomplishments and projects.
• Identify recurring themes or values that played a pivotal role in your success.

Professional Goals:

• Consider your long-term professional goals and aspirations.
• Reflect on the values that are crucial for achieving these goals and driving your career forward.

Company Values Alignment:

• For small business owners, align personal values with your company’s mission and values.
• Ensure that your business practices and decisions reflect your personal ethos.

Prioritize Values:

• Once identified, prioritize your values based on their importance to you.
• This prioritization helps in making decisions when values may occasionally come into conflict.

Consistency Check:

• Regularly assess whether your identified values are consistent across all aspects of your life.
• Strive for alignment in personal relationships, professional endeavors, and within the context of your business.

Revisit Periodically:

• Values evolve over time. Regularly revisit and reassess your values to ensure they remain aligned with your authentic self.
• Adjust them as needed to accommodate personal growth and changing circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying and embracing your values is a foundational step in establishing a personal brand that is not only authentic but also magnetically attractive to the right connections. For small business owners and corporate professionals, this journey is not just about defining who you are, but also about aligning your values with your business practices, fostering a cohesive and purpose-driven approach. By consistently embodying your values, you not only build a powerful personal brand but also contribute positively to the business community as a whole. So, take the time for self-reflection, define your core beliefs, and let your values guide you towards a successful and fulfilling professional journey.