Today’s eTip is about the importance of personal branding for your business where I’m joined by business consultant, mentor, and inspirational Speaker Francesca Sabeya Anastasi who is an authority on the topic.

Do you need personal branding?

In Francesca’s opinion any business with a person behind it, whether it’s the founder or president, needs a face behind the brand that echos the businesses brand.

It’s about showing your most professional version of yourself to the world and it should align with how your business is presented.

Her example is of an accounting firm. Rather than showing someone sitting behind a desk plugging away, the PR shows them off to potential clients in a polished and professional way.

The polished, professional aesthetic should be maintained throughout the personal branding as well. If you advertise yourself one way and the reality is different, you are not establishing any trust with your followers.

Francesca was once an image consultant and advises that people representing a business should mirror the business aesthetic even down to the colours we choose to wear when representing our brand/business. Think about banking advisers. They opt for navy suits because blue implies trust.

Unspoken communication conveys a lot through your image and actions.

If what you convey doesn’t match what you’re offering you’ll find it’s a bigger struggle to get and keep your clients.

Depending on who Francesca sees and speaks with she selects an appropriate outfit so she communicates the proper message.

People tend to make assumptions and decisions about everyone they meet within 5 seconds of meeting them.

In Francesca’s opinion the most important part of it all is to be who you are.

When you’re comfortable with who you are and you’re past the voices in your head holding you back you’ll be in a great position to make a genuine connection.

She advises honesty above all else. Be genuine to build trust.

I advise not echoing the lines you’ve read elsewhere. Be yourself so you’re making a sincere connection.

You started your business to do what you love and bring a service to others. Come from that same place with your personal branding and think about what you would like or need to see in someone selling what you do in order to buy from them or hire them.

Don’t be too casual. Putting in a bit of effort can help you stand out from the crowd.

Anyone starting a business knows it’s hard.

Francesca looks at a business as a whole and when the goals of the business are assessed the solution is often in changes the entrepreneur needs to make.

If you’d like to get in touch with Francesca you can contact her via www.FrancescaAnastasi.com

Try her 7 steps to entrepreneurial success and follow her on social media. She provides a lot of value to her followers and if you have any questions about personal branding please leave a comment below and I’ll make sure she receives them.

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About the Author, Susan Friesen

Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.

Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.

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