Why am I sipping on a Bubly sparkling water while I write this?  

Maybe it’s those clever Michael Bublé commercials that first lured me in back in 2019.

Or perhaps it’s the eye-catching packaging that shows the effervescent bubbles right on the can.

Could it be the strategic placement of this product in stores, making it impossible to ignore?

Then again, it’s quite likely a combination of all these factors that led me to choose Bubly over other brands.

Those marketing geniuses set a GOAL to sell their product and TARGETED people like me as the type of consumer they wanted to reach.  

Their tactics worked like a charm – here I am, sipping on a Bubly!

Now, think about this: These same marketing principles apply to personal branding!  

YOU are the “product,” and you want to attract your chosen “target audience” to help achieve your goals.

So, before we jump into creating your desired personal brand, we will start by defining your goals and target audience.

Branding Goals

Let’s start by having you consider the goals of your personal brand strategy. What outcomes are you trying to create for yourself? 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Expand your professional network.
• Secure that long-awaited job promotion.
• Land a brand new job opportunity.
• Have a voice and influence important decisions.
• Be the first choice for exciting projects and opportunities.
• Sustain a positive professional reputation as an invaluable asset in your company (translation – ensure ongoing job security). 

Over the next few days, spend some time reflecting on your goals. Think about where you want your brand to take you. It might help to consider where you want to be in five years or what skills and talents you aspire to develop.

Target Audience

Who do you want to “buy your product” to help you achieve your goals? Who needs to notice your brand and take action because of it?

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Decision makers who are responsible for hiring and promotions.
• Colleagues and collaborators whose opinions you need to sway.
• Industry experts whom you hope to have as mentors.
• Well-connected professionals who can facilitate valuable introductions.

Create a list of individuals and the roles you want to attract.

Remember, the brand you create, how you “package” yourself, and your strategies for marketing this brand are all intended to help you achieve your goals by tapping into your target audience.

Don’t skip over these essential steps in your personal branding process. Map out your goals and target audience, and tune in next week to learn how to build your desired brand in alignment with your goals.

Wishing you the best!

P.S. This is part 3 of a 5-part series on personal branding. Use these links to catch up on anything you missed!

• Personal Branding Part 1: Everything Sends a Message
• Personal Branding Part 2: Why Your Brand is Important
• Personal Branding Part 3: Identifying Your Goals and Audience (this post)
• Personal Branding Part 4: Creating Your Brand Statement
• Personal Branding Part 5: Promoting Your Brand