What's Right for You? Personal Brand VS Business Brand

Are you torn between building your Personal Brand or a Business Brand? I totally get it - both have their perks! But hey, which one should you focus on, right? I'm diving into this debate and showing you how these two approaches can totally coexist and actually amp each other up, creating some really awesome opportunities out there.

Whether you're all about sharing your personal story or crave the freedom of a separate business, I've got some insights that might just help you make a call. 

Video Sections

00:00 - 00:48 - INTRODUCTION
00:48 - 02:47 - PERSONAL BRANDING
02:47 - 06:40 - BUSINESS BRANDING
06:52 - 10:30 - WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Should you develop a personal brand or a business brand? We will go through the differences and help you decide whether you should have one, the other, or both.

So, let's dive in.

What is Personal Branding?

A personal brand often has several key elements.

The first is a person or persona that serves as the face of the brand. It could be you or another individual, and the brand is typically built around their stories, experiences, expertise, interests, hobbies, lifestyle, unique perspectives, ideas, and values.

What's great about a personal brand is that it fosters connections. People relate to individuals, deciding whether or not they trust and believe in them. This connection often leads to purchasing decisions; individuals are more likely to buy from someone they feel connected to rather than from a logo or a company.

This phenomenon is similar to the local business effect. If you know your neighbor is working hard to support their family, you're more inclined to support their business because you relate to them as an individual with similar needs. In contrast, when it comes to large corporations that make millions, the perceived need to support them feels less personal.

This relationship effect can significantly impact sales, especially if you demonstrate that you can deliver quality products that meet the buyer's needs. Ultimately, people tend to prefer purchasing from individuals they connect with rather than companies they feel distant from.

That's the essence of a personal brand. Now, let's dive into business branding.

What Makes a Business Brand Different?

Business brands differ from personal brands in that there isn't just one person representing the company. Often, there's a logo and imagery that visually communicates the company's purpose, supported by a team of individuals working together.

While it’s true that many companies use faces in their branding—like when families are featured in ads for a restaurant—they also engage with influencers to promote their products through user-generated content. Brands pay influencers to showcase their offerings to their audience, leveraging relationships and crafting messaging that resonates on a personal level.

Business brands possess their own value and interest related to their mission, along with specific messaging, similar to personal brands. Some may argue that personal brands leave a legacy tied to an individual’s name, but companies can create legacies too. For instance, Ford Motors began with Henry Ford as a living figure, but the brand evolved into something that transcends him.

While personal brands are often closely tied to an individual, businesses typically start small and may grow into independent entities. A hybrid version exists as well, where founders like Elon Musk with Tesla, Steve Jobs with Apple, or Jessica Alba with The Honest Company are notable figures associated with their brands. These individuals have their own identities and social media presence while also building companies that ideally outlive them. Thus, we see a blend of personal and business branding where a distinct persona represents a thriving company.

Time to Decide! What is the best way for you to move forward with your personal brand or business brand.

So, should you focus on building a personal brand or a business?

Both options are valid, but the approach to connecting with your audience will differ.

If you're excited about building a community and creating authentic connections, sharing your multiple passions based on your story, and want to leave a legacy around your name, then a personal brand might be perfect for you. Just keep in mind that this business is centered around you, so if you're not actively involved, it may not thrive.

On the other hand, if you prefer to be more hands-off and don’t want to be the face of the business—maybe even considering selling it—then go for a business brand without tying it to any specific individual. You can hire spokespersons or use user-generated content for marketing.

If you can, why not do both? A personal brand allows you to share your message and attract unique opportunities in various fields like media or speaking. You can create a personal brand to express yourself while also developing your business brand. This way, you empower your team and ensure your business gets the visibility it deserves.

If you find yourself wanting to build both, you might need two websites: one for your personal brand and another for your business. However, if you prefer only one path, then choose what resonates with you.

If you decide to build a personal brand, subscribe to personalbrandboss.com for resources, tips, and insights to help you grow your personal brand.