Do you have a brand? is it working for you? A personal or career brand conveys your identity, your distinctiveness and your capabilities as a high achieving professional and leader. It communicates the value you offer to present and future employers. A strong brand generates interests, open up doors and builds your reputation. A weak or wrong brand prevents you from achieving your career goals and having the impact you want. To stand out from the crowd, a strong personal brand is critical. Here are four situations you will absolutely need a brand check-up:
1. Craft Your Own Brand: Is it Up-to-Date?
What are your unique strengths or motivated skills? How well do you utilize them? What accomplishments are you most proud of and would create the most value to others? How do you make your brand real, marketable and true to who you are?
2. Leverage Your Brand Internally for Advancement
How do you enhance your brand within your present role? How do you assess the organization culture, the criteria for upward mobility and the right ways to be a rising star? How do you build powerful networks up, sideways and outside to further your career?
3. Jump Start Your Brand in Your New Position
What can you do in the first 100 days in a new position to establish and solidify your brand? How do you quickly flesh out your new role, your new culture, your new boss? What are the strategies for ensuring that your on-boarding is a success?
4. Re-Brand for Career Shifts Internally or Externally
What the most effective strategies for shifting or changing careers? Which shifts are the easiest and which the more difficult? How do you deal with career shifting obstacles? What career management skills are required to successfully shift careers?
In taking control of your career, a strong brand becomes critical to differentiate yourself, to enhance your marketability, and most importantly to achieve career success.