Self-branding

“Self-branding is primarily a series of marketing strategies applied to the individual” (166). In other words, this is the idea of creating a specific identity for oneself and promoting it in a way that catches the attention of others, specifically potential employers. It is about creating an image and making yourself a “salable commodity” (166). Someone who aims to self-brand will need to find something that they identify with, are exceptionally good or talented at, and / or aim to be known for. Someone’s self-brand needs to separate them from the rest of the competition in order for the self-brand to be considered successful. The point of self-branding is for outside individuals to associate you with your specific identity any time they hear or see something about it. This person will focus in on that on identity in order to make it big, make it clear, and make it noticed. Self-branding is a marketing technique that takes time, dedication, and a creative outlook. Self-branding can also be known as personal branding.

Self-branding sometimes can be seen as “inherently contradictory” because it aims to have the person seen as authentic, or relatable and real while they are also trying to sell themselves in a promotional way that be can seen a trickery or false advertisement (167).