When we talk about personal branding, we’re not just slapping a shiny logo onto your LinkedIn profile and calling it a day. Personal branding runs deeper—it’s the bridge between who you are and how your business shows up in the world. In a way, it’s marketing meets psychology, with a touch of soul-searching. Sounds heavy? Don’t worry. Today, we’re keeping it light and fun with three exercises that help you align your one-person business with your purpose, mission, and values.
Let’s dive in and get those creative (and introspective) juices flowing!
Picture this: You’re walking through a lush, magical forest. Birds are chirping, sunlight filters through the trees, and suddenly—a fairy appears. Not just any fairy. She’s here for business (literally). She grants you three big wishes for your business. No limits, no rules. What do you wish for?
Write these wishes down. Then dig deeper: What do they reveal about what you truly want from your business?
Why it works:
This exercise taps into your subconscious desires, bypassing the overthinking brain that might get stuck in “realistic” goals. It’s like your inner child meets your future CEO self. You’ll start to see patterns—maybe all your wishes revolve around connection, creativity, or freedom. That’s a clue to what your business stands for and the values it should project.
Fast-forward a century. You’ve had a long, fulfilling life, and it’s time for the final curtain call. At your funeral, one of your colleagues, clients, or employees steps up to deliver a eulogy.
What do they say about you?
Take a few minutes to write this imaginary speech. Be honest and bold—this is your legacy, after all.
Why it works:
This exercise pushes you to think beyond the day-to-day grind. It’s not about hitting Q4 targets; it’s about the bigger picture. What do you want to be remembered for? Answering this gives your business a north star—your mission and vision. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get poetic about yourself (and we all need that sometimes).
Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party. The room is buzzing with conversation, and someone asks, “So, what do you do?”
But here’s the catch: You only have one sentence to answer, and it has to be intriguing enough to make them want to know more.
What do you say?
Write down your first attempt, then refine it until it feels like you.
Why it works:
This exercise forces clarity. If you can’t sum up your business in one sentence, it might be time to revisit your messaging. Plus, this little gem doubles as your elevator pitch—useful for networking, marketing, or explaining to your mom what you do for a living.
What do these exercises have in common? They’re all about clarity—about uncovering the threads of your story, values, and purpose that make your business uniquely yours. Whether you’re crafting your mission statement, updating your website, or just trying to feel more aligned, these exercises give you a solid foundation.
Once you’ve done the exercises, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Do you notice recurring themes? Are there values or goals that keep popping up? These insights are gold for shaping your brand identity. From here, you can dive into things like visual branding, tone of voice, or even refining your business strategy.
Personal branding isn’t just about looking good online—it’s about building something that feels like an extension of you. And that’s where the magic happens.
So, grab a notebook, let your imagination run wild, and see where these exercises take you. You might just surprise yourself.
