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Education

StreetSmarts SM

Learn. Connect. Engage.
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atasa Cvijano
With Natasa Cvijanovic
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Personal branding—what it

is and why it's important

By Natasa Cvijanovic you rather than with your competition. It also allows
Tesla Payments you to stand out in a marketplace where everyone has a
website and an online presence. Do you need any more
nce upon a time (no, this is not a fairytale) convincing?
branding was used only to describe compa-
nies and their products; however, it is now an Making an impression is more important than ever because
O attribute that can be applied to people, includ- people's attention spans are getting shorter and shorter.
ing you. There has been a lot of buzz lately about personal The most effective strategy for making a strong, positive
branding. I'm here to assure you that personal branding is impression is creating a distinct and captivating personal
neither a passing fad nor the newest marketing gimmick. brand identity. This means developing a professional
online and offline image, message and presence that is
Some of the most successful industry events have featured clearly defined and consistent.
panels on this important topic. And we know that
personal branding is here to stay and will only become Before you can build a successful portfolio and business,
more prominent as an essential part of marketing. you must create a distinct brand that merchants can trust.
Prospects familiar with you and your brand are more
What exactly is personal branding? likely to trust and use your services.

As the name implies, personal branding refers to the Lasting benefits of personal branding
development of one's own brand identity. With a well-
designed personal brand, you can swiftly and effectively To elaborate further on the benefits branding brings you,
communicate to others who you are and what you stand personal branding:
for.
• Helps develop self-awareness: Having a personal
Do you want to be known as a trusted expert in your brand enables you to showcase what is important
field? As individuals and merchant level salespeople to you. Your brand becomes a reflection of your
(MLSs), you have the power to shape your own narrative skills and interests. Personal branding helps you
and market yourself in the most favorable light. not only figure out who you are but also where
you're going. Without a clearly defined goal, you
Personal branding communicates your values and may find yourself unable to move forward and
principles to the outside world. It ensures that your target stuck on the current path.
audience understands why they should do business with
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