Business Branding VS Personal Branding in the Modern Workplace with Branding Expert Nomndeni Sethole

Business Branding vs. Personal Branding in the Modern Workplace: Notes from Michelle Expert with Nomndeni Sethole

**1. Summary**

This video, a panel discussion between Michelle Expert and branding expert Nomndeni Sethole, focuses on the often-conflicting relationship between business and personal branding, particularly for entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of personal branding in accelerating business growth by leveraging emotional connections with customers. Nomndeni shares her five-step framework for building a strong personal brand, emphasizing the crucial role of self-awareness, intentionality, and defining a clear "why." The discussion underscores the long-term nature of building a successful brand, the significance of self-leadership, and the need for consistent self-assessment through various means, including reflection and feedback.

**2. Key Takeaways**

* **Personal Branding Speeds Up Business Growth:** Leveraging emotional connections through a strong personal brand accelerates business success, faster than building a business brand alone.

* **Start with "Why":** A deep understanding of your purpose and passions forms the foundation of an authentic and successful personal brand. The "why" should come from a personal interrogation.

* **Five-Step Personal Branding Framework:**

* **Identifying Your Purpose:** Clarify your "why" and the problem you're solving (or passionate about solving).

* **Embodying Your Brand:** Align your actions and presence with your purpose.

* **Communicating Your Brand:** Strategically choose the right platforms to reach your target audience.

* **Seeking Feedback:** Establish a network of advisors who will challenge and provide honest assessments.

* **Empowering Others:** Make the strategy an opportunity to bring others along on your journey.

* **Be Intentional:** Be deliberate with the vision for the business, the choices, relationships. Everything has a purpose.

* **Accountability is Key:** Regularly revisit your goals and "why" to stay on track.

* **Focus on Solving a Problem:** Address a real pain point for yourself.

* **The Obstacle is the Way:** Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and reveal your virtues.

* **Actionable Steps:** Journaling, reading books, and introspection can help you align to your big vision.

**3. Detailed Notes**

**3.1 Introduction & Overview**

* The video is a panel discussion held at the Resonate Sales & Entrepreneurship Summit, part of Michelle Expert's channel.

* The discussion features Michelle Expert and Nomndeni Sethole, founder of Agenda Women.

* The conversation centers on personal branding and its intersection with business branding.

**3.2 Business Branding vs. Personal Branding**

* **The Core Conflict:** Entrepreneurs often struggle with whether to prioritize building their personal brand (e.g., Michelle) or the business brand (e.g., Resonate).

* **Personal Brands Accelerate Growth:** High-profile companies (e.g., Google, Tesla) are backed by strong personal brands (e.g., Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk). People buy emotionally, making personal brands highly impactful.

* **Building Both:** A strong personal brand combined with a business brand is a powerful approach.

* **Misconceptions:** Dispelling the idea that building a personal brand is solely about seeking fame, likes, or attention.

**3.3 Nomndeni's Perspective: Personal Branding Insights**

* **Practical Approach:** Nomndeni offers personal branding coaching.

* **The "Why" is a Personal Interrogation:** The "why" isn't simply what's needed in the market; it's about solving a personal problem that you are passionate about.

* **Ikigai:** The Japanese concept, which is related to finding the overlap between "what you are passionate about" and "what the business needs."

* **Agenda Women's Origin:** Born from Nomndeni's own struggles as an entrepreneur. (access to resources, mentorship, and community.)

* **Building for Yourself and for Others:** Address your own pain points, which allows you to understand and solve problems for your audience.

**3.4 The Five Steps to Building a Personal Brand**

* **1. Identifying Your Purpose:** Understanding your "why" is key. (Start with why, Simon Sinek)

* **2. Embodying Your Brand:** Living your brand values.

* Understanding who you are trying to reach (your target audience).

* **3. Communicating Your Brand:**

* Choose platforms aligned with your target audience (e.g., LinkedIn for B2B, not necessarily Instagram).

* **4. Seeking Feedback:** Building a support system.

* Having people in your life who challenge you to grow.

* Ensure the people who are offering help in your life are truly aligned with your values.

* **5. Taking Others Along:**

* Help to empower others.

**3.5 The Power of Intentionality & Action**

* **Being Deliberate:** Intentionality and clarity are crucial. The impact of how you package your brand.

* **Visual Representation:** Examples of deliberate choices (e.g., how Michelle changed her attire).

* **Translate Into The Business:** How does this show up in all aspects of your business.

* **Knowing the Numbers:** Define specific targets.

**3.6 Avoiding Pitfalls**

* **Challenge Negative Assumptions:**

* **Be Practical:**

* Focus on tangible actions and solutions instead of dwelling on emotional responses.

* **Recognize & Manage The Long Game:** View building a brand, as a long term-approach.

**3.7 Cultivating Self-Awareness & Growth**

* **The Role of Books:** Reading books (e.g., *Discipline Is Destiny* and *The Obstacle Is the Way* by Ryan Holiday) is key to building knowledge, awareness and reflection.

* **Journaling:** Reflecting and speaking your truth.

* **Define Success Clearly:** What does success look like? Be detailed and include a number.

* **You Have the Final Say:** Take back control, and take ownership.

**3.8 Additional Insights**

* Don't let a fear hold you back. Take the next step.

* Make yourself better.

* There is nothing that will empower you more, than knowing you are the final decision-maker.

* Ask "how is it challenging you".

* What is the virtue of this challenge?