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This book gives you the essential tips and tools to effectively create a brand name for yourself and use the Internet to tell the world about it. You’ll discover: *What personal branding is, why you need it, and how to use it to further your goals *The best ways to determine the perfect brand image and the methods for hammering home that image so it makes the most impact in the least amount of time *Effective online and offline strategies for branding your image and identity onto the computer screens and into the consciousness of the masses

You may be asking, “Why do I need to brand myself online? How does it benefit me?” The answer is that branding allows you to take control of your online identity and influence the impression that people have of you, which helps you accomplish the following objectives: *Establish yourself as an expert in your field *Connect with like-minded people on a large scale *Focus your energies on feeding your life’s purpose *Build a solid reputation within your industry *Become self-employed doing something you enjoy (or gain credibility and be in a better position to land the job you really want) *Increase your notoriety and improve your perceived value in the marketplace *Develop your circle of influence within a business niche *Earn praise and recognition from a growing number of people who embrace your message *Become a celebrity in your chosen field

If you’re an artist, branding helps you connect your name with your technique and attract more (and more paying) fans. If you’re a Web designer, branding allows you to mix your attitude and distinct perspective with your technical skills so more people hire you. If you’re a writer, branding paves the way to reaching a loyal readership without having to kiss the, err…feet of a major publisher.

Poor Richard’s Branding Yourself Online not only explains why you will benefit from establishing a personal brand; it also explains how you determine your brand identity. Here are a few questions to ask yourself: What are your personal strengths and weaknesses? What are you passionate about? What are you knowledgeable about? What solutions do you provide?

Once you have learned how to effectively position yourself, define your focus, and develop a “fan-club mentality,” the author delves into ways of promoting the brand you. You’ll find out how to: *Maximize e-mail for brand delivery—there’s more to it than just creating a signature file *Design your Web site for brand impact, includes tips on content, design, and interactivity *Exploit the e-zines and Web sites of others *Publish e-books and e-mail newsletters to distribute your message *Brand by networking in mailing lists, discussion forums, message boards, and other online avenues

Throughout the book are examples of people who have successfully branded themselves. Appendix A, “Online Success Stories,” offers a Q&A with some of the most well-known personalities on the Internet. These examples provide insight and inspiration, and illustrate the following: *They build trust by conducting themselves honestly and with integrity. *They are clear about who they are and what they offer; they have a consistent theme. *They use repetition to maintain visibility and create familiarity. *They are available—it is easy to contact them and they respond within a reasonable amount of time. *They touch people by inspiring them, revealing personal experiences, taking a stand on an issue, etc. *They teach people with free articles, resources, and information on their Web site. *They exploit third-party endorsements and awards.

In advertising terms, branding is the image created in the minds of people when they see or hear a name, product, or logo. With all of the competition on the Internet, companies realize the critical importance of corporate branding. They understand that people are more likely to buy from a company they know or recognize. The same holds true for individuals.

The Internet provides an excellent, cost-effective tool to gain recognition, whether you want to become a celebrity or expert in your field, or simply hope to promote a business, idea, or cause.

If you’re looking for a book on corporate branding, look elsewhere. If you seek low-cost, high-impact tactics to establish a rock-solid identity for yourself online, this is the resource you need.