If I met Bill Gates in an elevator, I’d never start with that cheesy elevator pitch. He’s not interested in me and I don’t really know him, despite what I’ve read about him.
But here’s what a personal brand does for a business owner like Bill Gates.
It gives him prestige, authority, and helps him connect with strangers without saying a word.
And as a personal brand consultant and former diplomat, this is what I’d do in this situation. Let me explain.
Back when I was a diplomat in training, I was at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the United Kingdom. The opulence and the grandeur of the place is enough to impress anyone.
But I had my eye on ONE individual – the Head of the United Nations Political Team at the Foreign Service, and I wasn’t the only one vying for his attention.
I was a woman on a mission and as the event wound down with guests eager to go home, I made my move. My big opening statement to him was: “What’s your favorite color?”
The room went quiet. I could hear empty wine glasses clink. He looked at me completely confused. After repeating my question, he responded with a flummoxed: “O-orange.”
Then I walked away because I told him orange was my worst color and we wouldn’t get on. I could hear others gasp like I was CRAZY.
But he came after me because I got his attention. We exchanged business cards and met for coffee the following week. He became my mentor and eventually a senior diplomat for my government.
Personal branding is about showing people the REAL YOU and having the ability to show a part of yourself that exudes confidence (without the ego), trust (without the sales pitch), and likeability (without acting desperate).
When you know what part of you you’re showing to the public, you’ll start to figure out what angle is the right approach when connecting with people you have an interest in.
As a Personal Brand Consultant who trained as a diplomat, the subtle art of reading people, reading between the lines, pulling pieces of a disjointed puzzle together, and coming up with a strategy that makes sense for that individual is everything that I bring to the table.
Your personality, your experience, your journey, and your trials and tribulations are all things that should be explained as part of your personal brand without you having to explain yourself or show them your scars.
Your expertise should come through loud and clear on how you hold yourself and the valuable content you share in your expertise.
Your business will not work without your leadership and your personal brand plays a big part in the success or failure of your business growth.
There will always be someone willing and waiting to do something cheaper than you. So why not charge more and be premium?
There is less competition up top. A strong personal brand develops trust and loyalty through what you share, making you the go-to choice for your audience.
This trust translates into long-term relationships and repeat business, allowing you to charge premium prices for your unique expertise and perspective – when it’s done correctly, of course!
Investing in your personal brand is an investment in your future. It requires time, effort, and a deep understanding of who you are and what you stand for.
But the rewards; greater visibility, higher income, more meaningful connections, and a legacy, are well worth it.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, building a strong personal brand is essential for achieving your professional goals. Charge more, hustle less, and actually live your life!
So, to go back to my original point, if you met Bill Gates in an elevator, what would you say first?
Me? I’ll start off by saying: “Hi, would you know the Fairy BOSSmother by any chance?”
Bill (probably amused): “No, who’s that?”
Me: “Well, you’ve just met her. I’m Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, your Fairy BOSSmother and Personal Brand Consultant. It’s lovely to meet you.”
CONTRIBUTOR
Talyn Rahman-Figueroa
Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, known as the "Fairy BOSSmother," is the founder of Boss Diplomat, a brand consultancy that transforms solopreneurs into premium brands. Talyn specializes in personal branding for service providers, product innovators, and content creators. She leverages her global expertise and unique approach to help clients become the standout choice in their industries, turning their personal stories into powerful business assets.
