What’s the difference and do I need both?

During a presentation I was giving in a networking group I belong to, someone recently asked me what the difference was between personal branding and business branding. I thought that might be a question you also ponder. So today, let’s chat about personal branding and business branding for small businesses.

Now, if you’re a sole trader, you already know that you’re the captain of your ship. But did you know that personal branding can be like the anchor that keeps you grounded? By building a strong personal brand, you can:

  • establish yourself as an expert in your industry
  • build trust with potential customers
  • differentiate yourself from your competitors.

But hey wait a minute…what even is personal branding? Isn’t it just posting selfies on Instagram and hoping for the best?

Not quite.

Personal branding is all about creating a unique identity for yourself that showcases your own unique advice, thoughts and opinions, your values, your interests and your style.

Think of it as your personal ‘elevator pitch.’ Do you demonstrate what makes you stand out from the crowd?

B is for Brand with Ailsa Stanson Brand Advice

Do you put yourself in the very best light?

Can people get a sense of what it’s like to do business with you…before they actually do business with you?

Along side your personal brand, as a sole trader you are a business owner and so you also need to develop a strong business brand that sets your business apart from the competition.

Parts of your personal branding and your business branding will overlap.

Your business brand also involves creating a unique visual identity for your company or organization, which includes developing a brand strategy that communicates the company’s values and vision to your target audience.

These will be closely aligned to your personal values no doubt, but they should be uniquely expressed to reflect what the business is all about.

The businesses that stand out the most have often developed a unique personality too because after all, people buy people. As a one person business, the company persona will closely reflect yours. But as time goes by you may grow the biz, employ people or even sell to someone else! So it’s important that the business brand is packaged as a separate thing to YOU. This adds a layer of value that others may be prepared to invest in.

Let’s be real – branding can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. I mean, where do you even begin?

How do you develop a strong brand strategy that resonates with your audience?

As a brand specialist, my goal is to help you navigate the world of branding with ease and confidence.

How can I help you build a brand that reflects your unique personality and values?

Let’s chat and see where this branding journey takes us!

What questions do you have about personal branding or business branding for sole traders?

Why not book a free 30 min 1-1 via my contact page?

B is for Brand – Achieve Brand Clarity