Because people buy you before they buy from you.
Let’s be honest:
Your business has a logo. But you are the face people trust.
In Nigeria (and across Africa), people don’t just buy products — they buy vibes, credibility, and consistency.
So while you’re building your business, it pays — literally — to build your personal brand.
What Is a Personal Brand, Really?
It’s not just aesthetics or an Instagram filter.
A personal brand is the public version of your value — what people associate with your name when you’re not in the room.
It’s why someone sees your tweet and says, “This person knows their stuff.”
Or why they’d rather buy from you than a faceless page with 10k followers.
Why Should You Care?
- Trust = Sales: People support people they relate to.
- Visibility = Opportunity: Speaking gigs, investors, collaborations — they don’t go to ghosts.
- Positioning = Power: You stop begging for attention. You start attracting it.
TL;DR: Your business can go viral once. You can be trusted forever.
How to Build Your Personal Brand (While Still Running Things)
1. Define Your Identity
Who are you — to your audience?
Ask:
- What do I want to be known for?
- Who am I trying to reach?
- What do I stand for?
Examples:
- “The no-BS accountant for creatives”
- “The skincare boss with the science receipts”
- “The tech bro that makes sense to your mum”
Niche doesn’t limit you. It focuses you.
2. Share the Journey, Not Just the Wins
You’re not just a founder — you’re a human with stories, lessons, Ls and Ws.
Post about:
- Behind-the-scenes of your business
- Challenges you’ve faced
- What you’re learning as you grow
- Customer feedback, testimonials, funny market wahala
Let people connect with your process, not just your product.
3. Be Loud on One or Two Platforms
You don’t need to be everywhere. Just be present and consistent where your audience is.
- Twitter/X: For thought leadership and hot takes
- LinkedIn: For corporate/professional clout
- Instagram: For visuals, storytelling, and personal touch
- TikTok: For culture, trends, and “edutainment”
Pick your weapon. Show up with intention.
4. Give Game for Free
Share value generously. It builds trust and loyalty.
- Tips from your industry
- Mistakes you’ve made (and fixed)
- Frameworks, templates, how-tos
When people see you as useful, they remember you when it’s time to spend money.
5. Tie Your Brand to Your Business (Smartly)
You’re not just building a fanbase — you’re building leads.
Make sure your content links back to your business:
- Pin your website/contact
- Talk about your offers, but not in a spammy way
- Celebrate customer success stories
You = trust.
Trust = traffic.
Traffic = sales.
Bonus: Personal Brand ≠ Influencer Pressure
You don’t need:
- 10k followers
- Perfect pictures
- Daily “boss life” content
You just need to show up consistently and stay real.
In fact, oversharing or trying too hard can damage your credibility. Focus on impact, not image.
Your business can grow fast.
But your personal brand? That’s what keeps the doors open when algorithms change, trends fade, or markets shake.
So while you’re out here building that brand or startup — don’t forget to build you.
Because when the founder is trusted, the business follows.
