The value of a UWA degree

What do you think are the benefits of having a strong personal brand?

Opportunity, that is the main benefit of having a strong personal brand. When you engage with your network and expand it through personal branding, you create vast opportunities. Many jobs are filled through networking and having a reputable personal brand. It builds trust and creates awareness for you and your brand. If you are not developing your brand and relationships, you cannot develop trust and you limit your ability to be seen by potential employers.

What makes a successful personal brand? What would be some of your top tips for someone who doesn’t have much experience in building a personal brand?

Keeping it simple because building a personal brand is simple. A successful personal brand is authentic, consistent and focuses on quality over quantity. The focus and core of a good personal brand is good relationships. Being authentic allows you to connect with people on a genuine level, forming a real connection. Consistency in your interaction and message will result in a strong message that resonates with your audience. You are remembered rather than forgotten. Lastly, focus on quality rather than quantity in regard to relationships and the content your put to your audience. It is when you think long term, that you see the true value of a personal brand.

What are some of the best ways to meet new people from a professional point of view to build a strong personal brand?

Start with writing your interests, industries you would like to get involved in and the type of people that you would like to meet.

Then find events, organisations and people via online resources such as LinkedIn, Eventbrite, Facebook, and company websites that resonate with your list.

Utilise LinkedIn to ask people that interest you for coffee/tea. This takes courage but you need to get out of your comfort zone in order to create new opportunities.

What role does social media play in building a personal brand? How should people utilise it for job opportunities?

Social media is a way you can brand yourself personally and professionally. Use it to showcase your value, professional goals and you as a person. It is a powerful tool to deliver your message to your audience. A way to create job opportunities through its reach. 

LinkedIn is a fantastic social media platform you should utilise for job opportunities. Understand how to market yourself and get in front of the right people. When you can effectively brand yourself via social media, people can find you and see the value you provide to them or the organisation. They know what you represent and offer.

About the contributor

My vision dedicated to:

1. Empowering brands to capture new opportunities.
2. Strengthening trade and investment between Australia and Laos.
3. Bringing people of diverse backgrounds together through inclusive events.

I am a Board Member of Asia Business Council of Western Australia Incorporated and currently the President of Australia - Laos Business Advisory and Founder/Chief Consultant at Totostips - a Brand Strategy consultancy.

With a strong vision to strengthen the relationship between Australia and Laos through business, trade and investment, I value my international experience within the private and public sector in the areas of business branding and communication; market positioning; investment attraction; lobbying; market entry strategies and business establishment.

Having a strong belief in innovation, creativity, positive impact and integrity. I am selective in the businesses and people I interact with. The industries I enjoy engaging with are education, health, agriculture, technology, tourism and infrastructure.

An advocate for promoting inclusiveness, diversity and equal opportunity. My involvement as a Director on The Board of Cahoots - a charity that creates inclusive opportunities for children and young people living with a disability, is to bring communities together. To support children, youth and families with a disability in developing friendships, skills and confidence. 

You can connect with Toto on LinkedIn.