By David Malecki | 2021 - updated November 2023
My name is David Malecki. I am studying integrated marketing communications in a graduate program. I also completed my undergraduate studies in advertising and public relations with a minor in marketing at West Virginia University. I am really interested in photography and videography, and have a job with the University as a photographer.
Now wasn’t that boring?
Personal branding is crucial to telling anyone’s story because no brand is more important to you than your own brand. Imagine if I could tell an exciting story with no more than a few words, or even no words at all - that is the power of personal branding. Consider the following narrative instead:
When the world was at a distinct turning point in early 2020, my insatiable curiosity had caused me to take up an opportunity to truly learn photography. Seeing photo credits to David Malecki in published print in the WVU student newspaper for the first time was an unforgettable experience for me. This movement also compelled me to change majors to advertising, because I want to be a creative voice for a brand or organization to help them. As a result of this, I have started a freelance business, accumulated several awards, became a photographer for the Daily Athenaeum and Mirage Magazine, and have obtained a highly desirable position as a photographer for West Virginia University Relations, and my story is only just beginning.
This blog will discover tips to help readers realize and perfect their own personal branding through 4 important techniques. I will discuss various things that can help make a strong personal brand such as logos, buzz words, colors, stylistic choices, and even a consistent outfit or accessory like a watch or glasses that make your signature style.
As college students in the age of online technology and social media, it’s more important than ever to make more than a good impression. Standing out from the crowd is essential. But the fact of the matter is, in this world where everyone is seemingly individual and “uniquely you,” why does it seem like no one takes advantage of just one unique thing about them and goes with it?
Here’s what personal branding is not. It is not how you know yourself on the inside - only you know that. Rather, personal branding is a combination of the thing you know about yourself with how others perceive you from your story to share with the world.
After all, you should own it if it makes you distinctly you.
Here are 4 of what I believe to be the most important factors in successful personal branding in the digital age.
1. Create your own color pallet and logo
An important thing to consider about your own branding is the mood you cast based on your clothing colors. For me, wearing blue, green or tan is very common. Green “denotes freshness, safety and harmony. It’s also associated with money and the “go” signal for a traffic light—both great characteristics in the workplace (Color).” While blue “is the color of truth and
wisdom. It also has a calming effect and is linked to intellect. It’s also the most stable color (Color).” For more information on colors and moods, click here.
Next, incorporate a logo using your strong colors. Let it visually represent you by using your passions or objects you like. For example, using a camera into the logo to show your love for creative storytelling. It can be simple and not distracting, and can go a long way in defining who you are with no words.
2. Develop your story using strong buzzwords
For this one, really think about the best attributes of you and the words that define you in a powerful way. Consider some words from here. For extra emphasis, an adverb before it to support the word, such as saying ambitiously driven. For me, the words I would like to use are creative, kind-hearted, insatiably curious, and adaptable.
From this selection of words, choose a few to incorporate into a true story about yourself. It can be long or short, but a deep narrative is much more compelling than some surface-level facts. Think back to the beginning of this writing, how much of a difference using the right words brought.
3. Have a distinct “look”
An overlooked but incredibly important part of personal branding is how you look. Having a consistent favorite outfit can define you, and people will become familiar with the look. After all, would Steve Jobs be Steve Jobs if he didn’t wear his black turtleneck, jeans, and white New Balance sneakers? “Even Oprah Winfrey began by going through several style iterations on a small local show before defining her voice into one of the most influential personal brands in the world (Chan).”
4. Incorporate all into your social media and any other method of communication
If you are not incorporating personal branding into your personal mistake, you are setting yourself up for professional failure. Being genuine is more important now than ever, with social media creeping into our personal and professional lives, you have to develop a consistent brand, so let it be true to yourself! With the explosive success of TikTok and other social media, keeping up with them to capitalize on who you are is an incredible opportunity to make a name for yourself. It’s not about pursuing fame or unrealistic goals, but rather using the platforms provided to help achieve the goal of personal branding.
Personal branding is something that everyone should incorporate into their professional as well as personal life, no matter their career preference. It will help them stand out from the crowd of blended faces as a refreshing, unique one. “Whether you have a date or a job interview, chances are someone is going to Google you to learn more about who you are (Castrillon).” As college
students, it would be a terrible mistake to turn down the immense opportunities to pursue powerful personal branding.
References
Chan, G. (8 November 2018). 10 Golden Rules Of Personal Branding. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/goldiechan/2018/11/08/10-golden-rules-personal-branding/?sh=46 724e3458a7
Castrillon, C. (12 February 2019). Why Personal Branding Is More Important Than Ever. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2019/02/12/why-personal branding-is-more-important-than-ever/?sh=6d93f4022408
Color Psychology: What Colors Should You Wear and Why. Science of People. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/color-psychology/
Weiner, W. (15 March 2019). 5 Words to Describe Yourself When Building Your Personal Brand. Thrive Global
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