When it comes to building a personal brand, one question often rises to the top: What makes me unique? We feel compelled to have a standout feature, some superpower that sets us apart from everyone else. But here’s the truth—focusing on what makes you unique could be keeping you stuck.
Even when you graduate from “what” to “why”—the famous Simon Sinek approach—you’re still not getting to the heart of what truly matters for your personal brand. While “Start with Why” works wonders for companies, it’s a different story when you’re creating a brand based on who you are.
Instead of focusing on what or why, focus on the one thing that will drive everything else—who you are meant to serve.
The Power of Starting with “Who”
Your uniqueness doesn’t begin with what you do or why you do it. It begins with the who—the people you’re meant to serve.
When you shift your focus to who, the clarity you gain helps you pinpoint your message, your purpose, and even your profit. And here’s the kicker: it’s often the person you once were.
Think about it. The reason you work hard might be to support your family or a cause close to your heart. The reason someone might dedicate their life to medical research could be to find a cure for someone they love. More often than not, the “why” behind our actions comes down to a deep desire to help others. And the most powerful way to find your uniqueness is to start with who you are meant to help.
Clarity Follows When You Know Your “Who”
Once you have clarity on who you’re meant to serve, decisions become easier. Your content, offerings, and overall strategy will fall into alignment. You’ll know exactly where to show up, what events to attend, and what types of services to offer.
Let’s say you want to speak to single parents but also want to create resources for couples. These two groups have distinct needs, different challenges, and they spend time in different spaces. You can’t be everything to everyone.
The secret to success is getting specific about your who. And once you do, you’ll find your message, content, and offerings resonate deeply with your audience.
Discover Your Unique Position with “Who”
You might be wondering, How do I find my who? The secret lies in your own story.
You are most powerfully positioned to serve the person you once were. Your past struggles and the challenges you’ve overcome give you the unique ability to help others facing similar hurdles.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What challenges have I overcome?
- What setbacks have I survived?
- What obstacles have I triumphed over?
The answers to these questions are the keys to unlocking your “who.” No one is more qualified to help someone than you—because you’ve already been there.
It’s not about having an impressive list of credentials. It’s about having lived through something and knowing exactly what your audience is going through. This is what gives you the ultimate authority—your experience.
Experience: The Ultimate Qualification
You don’t need a fancy degree or a massive following to be successful. Your personal experiences are your greatest qualification. You’ve walked the path that others are struggling to navigate, and your story is the bridge that connects you to those you’re meant to serve.
When you focus on the who instead of the what, you’ll find that your personal brand feels more authentic. It’ll be aligned with your purpose, and it will resonate with the people who need you most.
The Key to Unlocking Your Personal Brand
If you’re ready to shift your focus from “why” to “who” and build a personal brand that truly speaks to your audience, it’s time to get started. Your “who” is the secret to discovering your uniqueness and your purpose.
The truth is, you’ve already experienced everything you need to in order to help someone else through their journey. You are uniquely qualified to make a difference in their lives. And that is where your brand starts.
Ready to dig deeper into discovering your who and building a personal brand that feels aligned with your purpose? Download our free Personal Branding Worksheet and take the first step toward crafting a brand that resonates with your audience.
