How To 'Extract' Your Personal Brand

By Emily Marks

Jun 14, 2016 11:19 AM EDT

In today's competitive world, promoting an authentic personal brand is vital to the success of your business. The trick is not to build it but instead "extract" it.

According to Entrepreneur, business owners need to figure out their identity. What makes you "you?" Those who jump right on to "packaging" their businesses usually end up with forced brands that don't succeed.

Extracting your personal brand cannot be achieved by sitting down and deciding what your business should be. Authentic and genuine brands start organically.

Business owners need to ask the question: "What's your unique value proposition?" This process involves knowing who your target market is, what challenge does your service or product solve for them and how can you set yourself apart from competition.

After honest deliberation, you can now package your personal brand. This will help you reach, retain and keep your audience coming back for more.

Packaging your personal brand also entails choosing which social media tools to use. "An effective personal brand is like a tree, with strong roots and branches that extend naturally from the trunk," the publication wrote.

For those who have already started promoting their personal brands yet it doesn't feel true to your business, Forbes shared six things that you can do when your brand takes a dive.

First, strive to be honest with yourself and with others. If you committed an error, take responsibility for it and do better next time. Afterwards, find the balance between solving the problem and putting some time off to regroup.

Moreover, your personal brand should not be shaped by others. Don't let rumors and hearsay stop you from continuing to promote your personal brand. Always remember that only you know your true value, expertise and identity better than the workplace bully.

Also, continue to improve. Find a mentor who can help you achieve your goals. Let your achievements gained through hard work prove that you're great at your chosen industry as well.