PERSPECTIVES
BY LISA JEFFERIES
Crafting Your Personal Brand :
The Power of Authenticity , Influence , and Self-Love
In a world where first impressions can shape opportunities , your personal brand is more than just a professional asset — it ’ s a reflection of your essence , values , and how you show up for yourself and others . Whether you ’ re advancing your career , pursuing personal goals , or fostering deeper connections , a strong personal brand rooted in self-love can make all the difference .
February , the month of love , is the perfect time to turn some of that affection inward . As Dr . Alison Fragale writes in her empowering book Likeable Badass : Embracing Your Strengths to Influence Others , “ The most important relationship you ’ ll ever have is the one with yourself . Loving who you are is the foundation of authentic influence .”
THE HEART OF A PERSONAL BRAND
Your personal brand is your story — how you present yourself and how others perceive you . It ’ s built not only on your skills and accomplishments but also on your authenticity and how you make people feel . Dr . Fragale explains , “ Your brand is about being unapologetically you while inspiring others to see their own potential .”
This authenticity isn ’ t about perfection ; it ’ s about embracing your quirks , flaws , and strengths alike . By loving yourself , you create a brand that is genuine , relatable , and magnetic .
WHY SELF-LOVE IS KEY
Loving yourself isn ’ t just a feel-good mantra — it ’ s a cornerstone of a compelling personal brand . When you truly value who you are , you project confidence and invite others to trust and respect you . Dr . Fragale calls this “ owning your space ,” writing , “ When you accept yourself fully , you free up energy to connect with others and pursue your goals without fear of judgment .”
STEPS TO BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND WITH HEART
1 . Identify Your Strengths & Values : Start by reflecting on what makes you unique . What skills or qualities do you consistently bring to the table ? What do you want to be known for ? Dr . Fragale suggests creating a “ strengths inventory ” and aligning it with your goals .
2 . Celebrate Your Uniqueness : Reflect on what makes you special — your talents , values , and even the quirks that set you apart . These are the ingredients of your personal brand . As Dr . Fragale notes , “ What you think makes you different often makes you unforgettable .”
3 . Show Up Consistently : Consistency is crucial in building trust . Whether you ’ re posting on LinkedIn or speaking at a community event , ensure your actions and words align with your brand .
4 . Share Your Passion : Your enthusiasm for what you do is contagious . When you show up with purpose and passion , you naturally attract opportunities and connections that align with your values .
5 . Embrace Your Weirdness : February may be about love , but let ’ s make it about loving your weirdness too . Those idiosyncrasies are often the most memorable parts of who you are .
THE FINAL WORD
Creating a personal brand isn ’ t about becoming someone else — it ’ s about becoming more of who you already are . As Dr . Fragale beautifully states , “ Your power lies in your ability to embrace yourself fully and use that authenticity to influence the world around you .”
This February , as you think about your personal brand , remember to lead with selflove , celebrate your quirks , and embrace the unique magic that makes you , you . Remember : authenticity and intentionality are your greatest assets .
Stay weird , Lisa . ❤️
Lisa Jefferies is Senior Vice President of Operations at Zocalo Community Development .
4 | TRENDS FEBRUARY 2025 www . aamdhq . org