By Bernard Kelvin CLIVE
Today, I’m continuing the discussion on the rise of silent brands, but this time, we’re focusing on personal brands. The rise of silent personal brands is incredibly important, especially in an aging system like ours.
The Silent Brand in Action
Sometime back, I was with my business consultant, John Armah, who specializes in helping MSMEs and businesses grow. During our discussion, a colleague of ours came up in conversation. Then, someone said, “It’s been a while since we saw his posts on social media. Where has this guy been?” The interesting thing is that this individual has built a solid offline presence that’s now globally connected—with very little social media presence.
Yes, this person found ways to position himself strategically, network with the right people put the right mechanisms in place, and pitch his expertise effectively to the right audience. I thought, That’s amazing! So today, we’re going to break down how you can achieve something similar.
The Misconception About Personal Brands
Many people believe personal branding is all about the loud noise you make on social media. While digital platforms are important, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Other structural pillars are equally, if not more, critical.
How to Build a Silent Personal Brand
Using our friend as an example, here are the key steps to building a silent personal brand:
Know Yourself and Your Expertise
The first critical step is knowing yourself and your area of expertise. At this stage, you should already have a clear understanding of your field. Ask yourself:
– What is my expertise?
– Who do I want to serve?
– Who do I want to reach in terms of higher-level verticals and horizons?
For example:
– “I’m a publishing consultant. I can help people publish their books.”
– “I’m an MSME business consultant. I can help businesses grow.”
– “I’m an environmental activist. I can help people live healthier lives.”
– “I’m a fitness coach specializing in helping nursing mothers lose weight while loving their bodies.”
Once you know your niche, you can identify the key people you need to connect with.
Network Vertically and Strategically
After knowing your expertise, the next step is networking—specifically, networking vertically. Identify the people at the top who can help amplify your reach and connect you with key clients or opportunities. This could involve:
– Attending high-profile networking events (offline or online).
– Targeting specific programs or gatherings where key people are likely to be present.
– Positioning yourself in places like hotel lobbies or venues where you can meet influential individuals.
Always be prepared with a pitch deck and a clear, concise way to communicate your value in 30 seconds to one minute. Whether online or offline, your ability to respond to emails promptly and professionally is also crucial. Research the people you want to connect with, understand their interests, and tailor your approach to grab their attention.
Share Your Expertise Relentlessly
When you meet people, focus on sharing your expertise and adding value—not just making money. Ask yourself:
– How can I help this person?
– How can I become a part of their journey?
– How can I showcase my work and what I’m capable of?
Network your way to the top by consistently delivering quality work. Avoid broadcasting every deal or meeting. Instead, let your work speak for itself. Over time, your value will solidify, and your reputation will grow organically.
Leverage Word of Mouth
As you build your expertise and network, word of mouth will become your most powerful tool. People will start talking about you in rooms you’re not even in. For example, someone might recommend you for a high-profile speaking event because they’ve heard about your work from others. This kind of organic recognition is what solidifies a silent personal brand.
Know Your Worth and Charge Accordingly
Not everyone will appreciate your value, and that’s okay. If you’re constantly underpaid or undervalued, it’s time to reassess your market. For instance:
– If you’re a wedding photographer and people consistently undervalue your work, consider targeting a different niche or market.
– Don’t struggle to prove your worth to people who don’t appreciate it. Move on to clients who are willing to pay for your expertise.
Settling for less than your worth for too long can diminish your value in the eyes of others. Position yourself as someone who deserves to be paid a premium for their skills and expertise.
Pay Attention to Your Appearance
Your appearance plays a significant role in how you’re perceived. When you enter a room, your appearance should communicate confidence and professionalism. This includes:
– Dressing appropriately for the occasion (e.g., suits, ties, African prints, or kaftans).
– Maintaining good grooming (e.g., well-trimmed hair, polished shoes).
– Wearing a mild, pleasant fragrance.
A friend once shared a story about how he entered a bank just before closing time. He was dressed in a suit and tie and walked confidently, and the security guard immediately opened the door for him. His appearance and demeanor communicated that he was someone important—even though he had no prior connection to the bank.
Confidence, posture, and body language are equally important. How you carry yourself can open doors and create opportunities.
Be Responsive and Open-Minded
Finally, always be responsive to calls, emails, and messages. You never know where your next opportunity might come from. If someone calls you, be polite and accommodating. Even if you can’t answer immediately, call back or send a text. You have no idea who might be trying to reach you or where your name has been mentioned.
Building a silent personal brand is about knowing your expertise, networking strategically, delivering quality work, and letting your value speak for itself. It’s not about making noise on social media but about creating a solid, impactful presence that opens doors for you—even when you’re not in the room.
These key pillars—your expertise, networking, appearance, and responsiveness—can help build a silent personal brand that stands the test of time.
Now it’s your turn. make the bet of this and let me know how I can be of help to you.
Remember to grab a copy of my latest book ‘Unfinished Chapters’. It’s available in all formats, Paperback, Ebook and Audio.
Let me hear from you regarding your branding and book publishing needs.
