How to Build a Powerful Personal Brand as an Executive Assistant

Everyone has a personal brand. Why not take control of your career narrative and begin sharing your story in your own voice? Learn how you can build yours from the point of view of an Executive Assistant.

As an Executive Assistant, how would you define your personal brand? Remember, every EA, including you, represents a brand.

While the term is often associated with products, your personal brand narrates your career journey. It tells a story about who you are, what you do, and how you add value. Everyone has one, even if they aren’t actively investing in it.

But if left unattended, your story will be from someone else’s perspective, influenced by their opinions and biases, which may not truly represent you.

So, instead of letting others draft your personal brand, why not become the author of your own tale?

Embarking on the Journey 

Before we move on, let’s make somethings clear.

This post is for you if you:

• Haven’t taken charge of their personal brand yet.
• Are curious to explore it further.
• Are unsure about how to kick things off.

This post is NOT for you if you:

• Have been nurturing their personal brand for some time.
• Already have a concrete brand blueprint.
• Feel they’ve got everything you need sorted.

With that clear, let’s dive in.

Putting it on paper

Ever come across the term “Unique Selling Proposition” or USP? Simply put, USP is the unique factor that makes you stand out from everyone else. If you’ve collaborated with other EAs, what sets you apart? It’s not about who’s better, but about how you uniquely contribute to the bigger picture.

To craft your USP, consider these pointers:

1. Identify Your Niche: Are you particularly keen on tech-savvy solutions? Do you excel in crisis management? Pinpointing your niche will help you specialize and become the go-to person for those specific needs.
2. Quantify Your Impact: Use measurable achievements to back up your claims. For example, instead of saying “Managed executive schedules,” say “Coordinated schedules for five executives, resulting in a 30% increase in team productivity.”
3. Leverage Testimonials: Use quotes or endorsements from bosses, colleagues, or anyone who can vouch for your expertise. This adds credibility and a personal touch to your brand. I collect praises in a folder named “Attaboy” for reference. Just remember to ask approval before sharing any communication.

Embracing visuals

If writing is not your cup of tea, consider crafting your brand or a vision board, especially if you’re creatively inclined.

In 2017, I evolved “debbieinshape” from a fitness-centric brand to a holistic one. The transformation mirrored my recovery from brain tumor surgery, prompting me to extend the notion of fitness beyond having a fit physique. My website revamp was based on a brand board I created, which I still use today.

If a brand board feels excessive, please use this free vision board template I designed on Canva. Pinterest is a fantastic source for inspiration and great images.

Keen to showcase your vision board? Share it on LinkedIn – I’d love to see!

Your Personal Brand as an Executive Assistant

When you’re building a personal brand, think of it like constructing a house. You’ll need a foundation, walls, and finishing touches to make it a home. And like a house, it takes time to finish and requires frequent maintenance.

The elements I mentioned in this post are just the first steps. While there’s much more than writing your USP or putting together a brand board, the results are worth the time invested.

To give a hands-on approach, here are more examples from my personal brand.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

As a Senior Executive Assistant, I’m your go-to for streamlining operations and admin, freeing up leaders to focus on what they do best while fostering a culture of empowerment and continuous learning.

Mission Statement

As a Senior Executive Assistant, I’m focused on elevating leadership and driving organizational success through proactive problem-solving and dependable guidance. I thrive in fast-paced environments, always looking to grow and empower those around me.

Core Values

1. Reliability and Trustworthiness: I’ve built my reputation on always being someone you can count on for steadfast support and sound advice.
2. Adaptability and Agility: In fast-paced, constantly evolving settings, I excel by adapting quickly and facing new challenges with enthusiasm and resourcefulness.
3. Lifelong Learning: Curiosity isn’t just a trait; it’s a commitment. I’m always on the hunt for new knowledge and skills to bring to the table.
4. Empowerment and Mentorship: My passion is helping others shine. Through mentoring or knowledge-sharing, I am dedicated to helping people reach their full potential.

Did you find this post helpful? Please, let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn.