The Five Levels of Personal Branding: From In-House Expert to Household Name

What Level Are You Aiming For?

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, identifying where you stand and where you aspire to be is crucial. Let's dive into these levels, shall we?

Personal Branding is simply a marketing strategy.

Personal branding turns your story, skills, and personality into a marketing tool. It's about using who you are, not mascots or logos, to give your business credibility, personality, and memorability.

There are 5 levels to a successful personal brand.

Level 1: The In-House Expert

So, you're the go-to guru within the confines of your organization. You've probably spent years accumulating knowledge, perhaps even graced the hallowed halls of university to get here. You're credible, respected, and possibly feared by the new interns. But step outside those four walls, and you might as well be invisible. Congratulations, you're an in-house expert. Known and valued by your immediate circle, yet a ghost to the outer world.

Pro Tip: If you are an inhouse-expert

Level 2: The Local Hero

Next up, we have the Local Hero. This is the person who's managed to carve out a personal brand within their community. Whether it's a bustling metropolis like Newcastle or a quaint suburb, you're the "local guy" for something. People refer you, trust you, and choose you over others simply because you're the neighborhood go-to. It's cozy, it's comfortable, but it's also limiting.

Level 3: The Regional Leader

Climbing the ladder, we reach the Regional Leader. Think big city influence - Sydney, Melbourne, or any major urban sprawl where you're the leading voice in your field. You've expanded beyond the local scope and now have a reputation that precedes you. Your personal brand attracts business, propels your career forward, and you're beginning to see the tangible benefits of being a known entity in a larger pond.

Level 4: The Micro Celebrity

Ah, the Micro Celebrity. You're a rock star in your niche - be it property, accounting, fitness, or culinary arts. Within your industry, you're a name that everyone knows, respects, and seeks out. Yet, you can enjoy a coffee at Westfield without causing a scene. This level is about having a significant impact and influence without the paparazzi chasing you for a snapshot.

Level 5: The Household Name

Finally, the pinnacle of personal branding - the Household Name. Think David Beckham, Gordon Ramsey, or any figure whose mere mention evokes a universal recognition. These individuals have transcended beyond mere industry fame to become icons known across the globe. It's the dream, the epitome of personal branding success, but with great power comes the inability to enjoy a quiet meal in public ever again.

Why Should Anyone Choose You?

Now, take a moment to ask yourself, "Which level am I currently at, and where do I aspire to be?" This isn't about feeding your ego but genuinely understanding the trajectory of your personal brand. The journey from an in-house expert to a household name is not just ambitious; it's strategic. It involves understanding what sets you apart in a sea of sameness.

In a world where everyone can boast similar capabilities, personal branding is your beacon. It's not about fabricating a persona but strategically curating and presenting your strengths to the world. Whether you're aiming for a new job, running a business, or just seeking to elevate your professional image, personal branding is the answer. It's your professional image, visibility, and reputation all rolled into one.

Crafting Your Path

How do you leap from one level to the next? It's about identifying what skills you lack, what accolades you need to chase, and what stories you need to tell. Every level up is earned through hard work, strategic positioning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether it's winning awards, gaining notable exposure, or simply being so damn good at what you do that people can't ignore you, the climb is about earning your stripes.

How to tie this together?

Awards: Are they local, regional, nationally recognised?
Clients: Are they local, regional, nationally recognised?
PR & Media: is it local, regional, nationally recognised?
Projects: Are they local, regional, nationally recognised?

So, what's your move? Are you ready to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight? Remember, the world's ready for your brand; you just have to be brave enough to show it.