We launched Data on Rails in February 2023. One of our primary goals was to provide a platform for new content creators to begin that process of building their personal brand. This platform gives them the opportunity to write blog posts about content they are excited about and have it broadcasted by champions in the community. As the creators continue to create their own audience, we look forward to the day when they launch their own personal blogs to continue elevating their voice in the community.
Building a brand is not just about writing or speaking, it’s about you. Who are you and what do you want to present to the community that you are trying to build a brand in. When Data on Wheels was started over 12 years ago, I did that with the idea that I didn’t want to forget things I learned. It turns out that other people learned from that as well and it gave me a platform to support the speaking I enjoyed doing later.
That is not the only brand we can build! We have opportunities to build a brand where we work, where we play, and where we live. Sometimes we might do that in the same way or even on some of the same platforms. For example, after being diagnosed with ALS I expanded what I talk about Data on Wheels to include tools and software that allows me to keep working. For example, I am using a combination of Dictation in Office 365 and Voice Access in Windows 11 to build and edit this blog post. This blog post will be created without me ever typing a character. I share that to say our brand is about what we know and what we choose to share. And just as importantly who we want to share it with.
I want to share some key thoughts that I learned while watching a video about brand put on by Tales from the Field. This is a great video that discusses some key topics around brand building and how it can take on different shapes and flavors based on who you are and where you are building that brand. Here are my three key takeaways from that video. I hope you find it helpful when thinking about how you want your brand to be as well:
- It’s about the why-people want to know why what you’re talking about is important or what it means to you.
- Start small-running a blog on data on rails, sharing content on LinkedIn, or volunteering add an event, do what feels comfortable to get started and involved
- Take advantage of your luck-you never know what topic, activity, or whatever will be that “thing” that others find interesting. When you do, double down and become an expert on a topic you may or may not know well.
Once again I encourage you to watch this video and grab some additional insights that will help you grow your brand wherever you are.
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