Tom Peters coined the phrase the 'brand called you' in the 1990's and self marketing has never been more important than it is today. To be successful professionals need to continually build and enhance their brand and this branding is a key differentiator that works on all levels. If you articulate a clear and simple message about how you offer value and this is delivered consistently over time it will help you stand out from the crowd.
The following checklist will help you successfully build your brand
· Gain insight – clearly understand what you have to offer? Using product branding principles you need to list your features and benefits. What are your skills and attributes and what is holding you back from taking action now? By clearly understanding your strengths you will be able to identify exactly how, and where, these specific strengths can help you in your current situation. In addition you may even be able to build your job around these strengths and be in a position to learn new skills and techniques to further build this strength. Furthermore, from this you may also find the opportunities that are missing in your current role remedy.
· Be mindful of brand supporting behaviours. Remember that everything you do, say or write adds value to, or takes value from, your own brand issue. For example, if you say you are results orientated and customer focused you must always deliver on your promises. This means that attention needs to be paid to the small things such as responding promptly to internal customer requests, setting ‘out of office’ notices and always meeting targets and deadlines.
This also extends to your work clothes. A professional who wishes to be taken seriously will not wear shorts and flip flops to an office.
· Raise your profile and get yourself known not only in your own organisation but also in your professional networks. There are a number of ways you can do this. Internally you can get involved, speak up at meetings, participate in projects, join committees and extend your list of contacts. Externally you can join a professional body, take courses and engage in volunteering activities.
· Pay attention to your learning. Not only does continuing professional development (CPD) help to build your personal brand it also can give you confidence and credibility as you view your progression by tracking your learning. Activities can include: coaching, networking, shadowing, action learning, seeking feedback, regularly practicing a specific behaviour and mentoring.
· Also learn from your mistakes. You can only learn from a mistake after you admit you’ve made it. As soon as you start blaming other people you distance yourself from any possible learning and growth. Very often substantial progress has only been made when mistakes have been identified, their causes analysed and new learning embedded.
And finally
Giving clear and consistent messages means you can still evolve and change as you should regularly evaluate your brand and make adjustments as and when necessary. Everyone has a chance to stand out. Everyone has a chance to learn, improve and build their skills. The more you learn the more you build a brand and the more you can offer back. The trick is to make your brand more useful and valuable to others.
Coaches at Meet Your Goals can help with all aspects of career and performance management and meetings can be conducted face to face, by email at Kathy.whymark@meetyourgoals.co.uk or by telephone 01428 653977/ 07826 077140. Good luck! Although if you effectively manage your personal brand you will not need luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment