What is Branding and How is it Different from a Niche?

As a solo entrepreneur, developing your personal brand is key to your success.

But what is branding exactly?

According to branding expert, Dan Schwabel, personal branding is the process of how we market ourselves to others.

Your personal brand is about how you show up in the world – the impression you leave on others.

Branding identifies and differentiates you and your business. It helps you clearly communicate who you are, who you serve, and why you do what you do.

It is what allows you to distinguish yourself from everyone else and make yourself memorable.  It allows you to attract your ideal clients — clients who understand you and connect with you.

Now that the branding definition is clear, we can move forward to understand the two key elements that comprise a brand.

1. Your Niche

Niche Definition:  Your niche consists of two elements: WHO and WHAT.  Your WHO is your target market or who you are trying to attract. Your WHAT is the specific problem you help your target market solve, and the results you help them achieve.

You know you have nailed your niche when you can complete this sentence. It’s what I call your problem-solution statement.

I help _(WHO)_______ do __(WHAT)_______ so they can __(benefits/results)_________.

Here is my problem-solution statement:

I help solo entrepreneurs (WHO) find and attract their ideal niche (WHAT) so they can market themselves authentically and get faster results (results).

2. Your WHY

The second part of your personal brand is your WHY statement, and it includes:

• What defines you and your work
• Why you do what you do; and
• Why people should work with you.

As an example, here is my WHY statement.

I’m focused, strategic, results-driven, caring and fun, and I bring all these qualities to my coaching. I have a talent for helping people tap into their unique passions and gifts, so they can find their ideal niche and do the work they were meant to do. I believe we each have a special gift we were meant to share with the world, and mine is helping others find theirs. I’m also passionate about helping people be focused and strategic with their marketing so they can get faster results and not waste time spinning their wheels. Finding your niche is the key to doing just that.

So, what is branding?

Branding consists of 3 elements:

• Your WHO (target market)
• Your WHAT (solution you provide)
• Your WHY (why you do what you do and why people should work with you).

Personal Branding is one of your most powerful tools for success. To help you get started, you can get my free report, “Ten Steps to Finding and Attracting Your Ideal Niche”.

I hope you found this helpful. If you did, please share the news with others by clicking the Facebook and/or Twitter icons above.  And leave a comment or question below. Thank you!