What Academics Should Consider Before Building a Brand.

Have you ever considered building a personal brand as an academic? It has the potential to amplify your voice, connect you with a wider audience, and even change your career trajectory. But branding isn't all sunshine and roses. It also comes with challenges and potential negativity.

Here are 3 key things to consider before diving headfirst into brand building:

1. Brace Yourself for Criticism

Social media can be a double-edged sword. The more followers you gain, the more praise and recognition you'll receive, but also the more criticism you'll face.

Ask yourself: Can you handle the negativity alongside the potential for positive impact? Building a brand means stepping outside your comfort zone and accepting that criticism comes with the territory. It's important to be mentally prepared for online hate, but remember, the potential to help others can outweigh the negativity for many.

LET'S TALK BRAND BUILDING AND MINDSET ON A DISCOVERY CALL

2. Appreciate Your Small Audience

Growing an engaged following takes time and effort. Even a handful of active followers can be incredibly valuable. Before chasing after a massive audience, focus on appreciating the supporters you already have. Show them gratitude and create reasons for them to stick around. This will help you build a loyal fanbase, which is crucial for long-term success.

3. Building Trust is Key

Having a large following is more than just a vanity metric. As an academic influencer, you're cultivating relationships with people who rely on your expertise and advice. This means building trust is essential.

Consider your motivations. Are you driven by a desire to help others or by self-interest? Building a brand with the right intentions will ensure you're on the right track from the very beginning.

Building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires hard work, dedication, and consistent effort. But if you approach it strategically, it can be incredibly rewarding. Remember, there are people out there waiting to learn from you and benefit from your insights. Don't be discouraged by slow growth - focus on providing valuable content and building trust, and the right audience will find you.

Subscribe to Power Your Research's newsletter for academic branding strategies.