I know what you’re probably thinking: “Personal branding statement, really? Isn’t that just for Instagram influencers and CEOs of vaguely named startups?”
You are in good company. The first time I heard someone say “personal brand statement,” I thought they were joking. I was standing in a room full of self-proclaimed gurus tossing around buzzwords like they were on sale.
If personal branding meant talking like that, I’d rather stay anonymous.
But here’s the twist, if you strip up the hype and jargon and get back to basics, this is all about being real. Knowing what you’re about, what you’re good at, and who you want to help. That’s it. It’s personal, practical, and genuinely useful—trust me on this one.
So, What is this All About?
Imagine you’re standing in line at your favorite local coffee shop, and the person next to you casually asks what you do. What you say in the next ten seconds—that simple, sincere intro—is essentially your personal brand statement.
In non-marketing speak, it’s just a short, relatable sentence or two summarizing who you are, what you do best, and who you do it for. Think of it as your verbal handshake: brief, friendly, and inviting the other person to ask more.
Here’s a super simple example:
“I’m a UX designer who helps tech startups make user experiences less frustrating and more delightful.”
Wait, Why Does This Matter Again?
Great question. Your personal brand statement is valuable because it’s:
- Great for First Impressions: In interviews, networking events, job applications, or random coffee shop small talk, you’ll always have something smart—and authentic—to say.
- Helps You Stand Out: Everyone has another resume or LinkedIn profile. A clear, thoughtfully crafted statement puts you a step ahead of everyone else playing buzzword bingo.
- Guides Your Choices: Think of it as your personal GPS—when opportunities pop up, it’s easier to choose the right path if you’re clear on what your personal brand is about.
And I promise, crafting one doesn’t have to be intimidating or overly serious. You can actually enjoy it. Crazy idea, right?
Quick History Lesson (Who Did This?)
The idea of personal branding emerged from a 1997 article by Tom Peters titled “The Brand Called You.” Peters realized something profound: We aren’t just employees or freelancers—we are all brands, whether we like it or not.
Fast forward 20+ years, and personal branding has gone mainstream thanks to platforms like LinkedIn and the rise of creative career switching. Thought leaders like Simon Sinek (“Start With Why”) and Brené Brown (“Dare to Lead”) reinforce the fact that being authentic and clear in what you’re all about matters—big time.
What Makes a Strong Personal Brand Statement?
Writing one doesn’t have to be a headache. Think of this as your cheat sheet—the key ingredients of a brand statement that actually works:
- Clear: Easy enough for Grandma to understand. Skip the jargon, please.
- Concise: One sentence, maybe two. Straightforward and to the point.
- Authentic: Sounds like you, the real you. So, sarcasm, humor, warmth—it is all valid.
- Memorable: Has a uniqueness that reflects who you really are.
- Purpose-driven: Clearly shows what you’re passionate about or what impact you aim to make.
If your statement checks these boxes, congrats—you’re already ahead of 90% of the field.
How Do You Use This Thing?
Think of your brand statement as a Swiss-Army knife for your career. Seriously:
- LinkedIn Profile: Use your brand statement as a headline. It is easy way to get people to know exactly what you are all about as soon as they load your page.
- Networking Events: Forget about those awkward pauses! Having a personal branding statement will make it a lot easier to introduce yourself and start real conversations.
- Decision Filter: When you’re unsure about a job opportunity or collaboration—ask yourself, “Is this aligned with my core brand statement?”
- Confidence Booster: It feels great to know exactly what makes you unique, even when imposter syndrome creeps in (which it inevitably does).
This is meant to be a tool—not a tedious homework assignment.
Examples of Personal Brand Statements
Now, to make things easier, sometimes it helps to see what other people are doing. Here are a few personal branding statements to give you an idea:
- Marketing Consultant: “I help indie brands clarify their stories so their customers actually care—and maybe even tell their friends.”
- Career Coach: “I help burned-out professionals pivot careers without panic or regret.”
- Web Developer: “I build clean, minimalist websites for small businesses—basically helping them look ten times more credible online.”
- Mental Health Counselor: “I provide no-nonsense therapy sessions that cut through the fluff and move you towards meaningful change.”
- Financial Advisor: “I teach busy families how to save money and achieve life goals—minus the Wall Street jargon.”
Notice something? They’re human, engaging, specific, and honestly—pretty easy to write. Tone and authenticity matter more here than perfection.
Feeling Nervous About This?
Here’s a little secret: nobody’s personal brand statement stays fixed forever.
You’re allowed—even expected—to tweak and adjust as you grow and evolve. One of the most liberating things to accept is that clarity matters way more than perfection. So, start messy—you’ll have plenty of time to refine over time.
Writing a personal brand statement yourself can feel awkward, forced, or maybe slightly narcissistic. But remember, this isn’t for glam selfies or sold-out TED Talks (although that could happen, who knows?). It’s genuinely about clarifying who you want to be in the world, defining what type of work energizes you, and giving yourself permission to stand confidently behind that.
Starting is half the battle, but you’ve got this. Happy branding!