Category: Foundation

In the early 1900s, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, dared to do what seemed impossible. Wilbur and Orville Wright weren’t the wealthiest, most educated, or most connected individuals of their time. Yet, they succeeded where countless others had failed: building and flying the world’s first powered aeroplane.

Their secret? A clear focus on their unique strengths. While others chased bigger engines or splashy designs, the Wright brothers leaned into their skills in problem-solving and mechanics, honed through years of working in their bicycle shop. They obsessed over balance and control—the true keys to sustained flight.

Their story reminds us that discovering and leveraging what makes us unique can lead to groundbreaking achievements.

So, let’s find your Unique Value Proposition.

Unique Value Proposition

Knowing yourself is the most important step in the journey of personal branding.

Knowing yourself means —

• Knowing your strengths
• Knowing what makes you authentic
• Knowing what differentiates you from the rest

Tarana Kasana shared a strategy called ‘Main Character Effect’ on LinkedIn to know yourself better and find your super-power.

(Open a Google Doc, Notion or any note-taking app to answer these questions.)

Origin Story

→ Where do you come from?

→ What’s your background story?

→ How did you become this main character?

Plot Twist

→ What was the turning point in your life?

→ Was it a struggle or a negative experience?

Character Development

→ How did you deal with it?

→ What did you learn from it?

Re-birth

→ Where are you now?

→ How have things changed?

→ What have you achieved since?

Evolution

→ What happens next?

→ What are your goals?

→ How are you getting there?

Refocus

→ What are the key takeaways?

→ Why should your reader care about these?

→ How do these experiences benefit your reader?

Do not skip this step.

This is the most important step in building a brand.

Here are a few more questions:

• What are my skills?
• What are my passions?
• What are my core values?
• Who can help me reach my goals?
• What is my message and my story?
• How do I want to deliver my message?
• What is the purpose of this personal brand?
• What makes me different from my competitors?
• Where do I see myself in 1 year, 5 years, and 15 years?
• What problems can I solve so my target audience can listen to me?

Answer these questions before moving into the next section.

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Discover Your Unique Value Proposition

If you have answered the questions in the ‘Main Character Effect’ section, it’s time to use all that raw information into usable assets.

Let’s categorize the information as follows:

→ Competence

→ Values

→ Goals

→ Identity

Competence

Competence involves your ability to tackle an assigned task effectively.

Your competencies can include:

→ Communication and interpersonal skills
→ Technical know-how
→ Soft skills such as conflict resolution, relationship building, etc.

It contains your knowledge, experience, skills, professional traits, and abilities.

Values

Your values are your guiding principles, reflecting what matters most in your career.

These values influence your choices, work ethic, communication, and more.

Your values can include:

→ Honesty and Integrity
→ Respect and Compassion
→ Responsibility and Discipline …etc.

Values that clash with your true beliefs will be hard to live by.

Goals

Your goals are things you want to accomplish in the future.

It’s good to make your goals clear and easy to measure.

For example, as a personal brand strategist, your initial goal might have been to use your personal brand to get recognized and gain 10,000 followers in the first six months.

Identity

Your identity is all about what makes you special and real, about what makes you stand out from others.

For example, if you’re providing copywriting services to tech startups, you should specify your point of difference from other copywriters.

Your identity can be anything that makes you uniquely you and that benefits your personal brand.

Every person has a unique story, set of skills, and values that define them. Just as the Wright brothers leaned into their strengths to revolutionize flight, you can use your unique value proposition to craft a personal brand that inspires and impacts others.

So, take the time to reflect, refine, and refocus. Your story isn’t just yours—it’s a gift to the world. What will your legacy be? Start building it today.

Now, we will create your personal brand’s Mission and Vision Statement.

In the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963. This wasn’t just a call to action; it was a crystallization of his vision and mission.

His vision was clear: a future where all people, regardless of race, could live in equality and harmony.

His mission was just as powerful: to achieve this vision through nonviolent protest and unwavering advocacy for justice.

Dr. King’s vision inspired millions, and his mission provided a roadmap for progress. His words and actions resonate as a reminder that a compelling vision and a clear mission can guide a movement, define a legacy, and change the world.

Similarly, when building your personal brand, your vision and mission statements are the cornerstone. They define your purpose, guide your actions, and shape how you are perceived by the world.

Vision Statement

A vision statement explains a long-term goal for your brand and tells why your personal brand is important.

Answer these questions to create a vision statement for your personal brand.

• What drives you to do what you do?
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
• What is the purpose behind your personal brand?
• How do you define success for your personal brand?
• What would it look like when you’ve achieved your goals?
• What are the core values that guide your personal brand’s actions and decisions?

Let’s take a look at some examples of vision statements.

Copywriter – To become a leading voice in crafting compelling narratives that captivate audiences worldwide, reshaping perspectives and driving impactful connections between brands and their communities.

Fitness Trainer – To empower individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle, unlocking their full potential and fostering long-lasting wellness transformations.

Personal Development Coach – To guide individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery, equipping them with the tools and mindset needed to unlock their true potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Mission Statement

A mission statement is like a formal summary of what someone believes in and aims for.

It shows how you tackle current tasks and what you intend to do in the future.

Answer these questions to create a mission statement for your personal brand.

• What is your primary focus or objective in what you do?
• What are the key skills, experiences, and competencies that you bring to your work or endeavours?
• What drives your motivation to do what you do? What keeps you passionate and committed?
• How do you aim to make a difference or contribute through your actions and efforts?

Let’s take a look at some examples of mission statements.

Copywriter – I leverage my versatile writing skills, honed through years of experience, to create engaging content that resonates with the target audiences. Motivated by the power of storytelling, I strive to amplify brand messages, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action through my craft.

Fitness Trainer – I utilize my expertise in fitness training and nutrition to provide personalized guidance and support to clients on their journey to optimal health. Driven by a passion for helping others, I aim to educate, motivate, and inspire individuals to adopt sustainable habits, conquer fitness goals, and enhance their overall well-being.

Personal Development Coach – I leverage my experience and expertise in personal development to empower clients to overcome challenges, set meaningful goals, and cultivate a growth-oriented mindset. Rooted in empathy and understanding, I provide tailored guidance and support to help individuals navigate life’s obstacles, realize their aspirations, and thrive in all aspects of their personal and professional lives.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy shows us the transformative power of a well-defined vision and mission. These statements aren’t just words—they are your compass, helping you navigate challenges and stay aligned with your goals.

Your vision and mission statement are your guiding principles as a solopreneur, and they will help you on your journey.

In the late 15th century, artists rarely signed their work. Yet, one man decided to change that. Albrecht Dürer, a German Renaissance artist, didn’t just sign his masterpieces—he created a monogram, “AD,” that became synonymous with excellence. His iconic initials became his brand, a mark of authenticity that set him apart in an era of anonymity. Dürer wasn’t just selling art; he was selling his identity and the values his work represented.

This strategy made him a personal branding pioneer long before the term existed.

So, what is a Personal Brand?

A personal brand is the unique combination of skills, experiences, and values that define who you are and what you stand for. It’s the reputation you build both online and offline.

Your brand is a combination of:

• How do people see you in real life?
• What does your online persona reflect?
• What does your product, service or experience stand for?

Why Should You Build a Personal Brand?

When it comes to the professional world, personal brands matter.

A personal brand will be of help when:

• You’re an employee looking to get hired
• You’re a freelancer looking to sell a service or product
• You’re looking for clients, business partners or investors

Based on your situation, a strong personal branding can help you by:

• Making you stand out from the competition
• Generating professional opportunities
• Building up your credibility

Now, you’re probably wondering – how does one “create a personal brand,” anyway?

Well, this brings us to the next chapter of this series.