From Start-Up Capital to Diversification and Sustainability of Personal Branding Activities

Abstract

Personal branding has become a common practice in the business world. In a knowledge-based economy, this seems to be a natural direction for the development of individuals’ professional activities. However, the diversity in the activities undertaken is significant. Therefore, it is important to examine not only the final results of the activities undertaken but also their internal variation and sources, which can influence the long-term development of the individual and the ability to maintain these activities in the long term. The purpose of this article is to present the results of research on the impact of an individual’s start-up capital and occupation on the diversification of activities undertaken while building a personal brand. Literature research was conducted to identify the components of start-up capital and to establish the relationship between the personal branding process and the start-up capital possessed. The empirical research used a diagnostic survey method, a questionnaire technique. It was conducted among a representative sample of Polish internet users in May 2021. Analyses revealed relationships between individual components of start-up capital and the variation in personal branding activities undertaken, as well as among those in occupations requiring creativity, broad decision-making and dependence on individual performance. The study provides relevant information for the discussion on how the concept of personal branding can be practically applied among people from different social and professional groups.