What's Your Brand?

Whether you work for a company or run your own business, who you are and how you market yourself has a lot to do with your success. Have you noticed in organisations those senior managers and directors who puzzle everyone by their rapid rise to success? They certainly didn't get there by talent alone.

This is where personal branding steps in. People do business with people, and those with a strong sense of who they are and what they offer are more likely to be contacted and approached directly. Individuals who can clearly market themselves and their skills in an authentic and credible way are the ones who will stand out from the crowd.

We are working in an incredibly competitive climate with seemingly endless choices in products and services. Sophisticated technology and products mean that differentiation has to come through people. The quickest way to differentiate yourself is to identify what is unique about you and what you do.

Having a strong personal brand will mean that people and business will come to you. So what does personal branding really mean?

World brands like David Beckham, Madonna and Kylie are the most well known. Although they have an army of people working for them, supporting and promoting them, there is no doubt that they have been hugely successful in developing their own personal brand.

So what can we mere mortals do to take control of how others view us?

Focus on your key strengths and skills

Get to know yourself really well. What are you good at and really excel at? It doesn't have to be work related. Perhaps you are a hot shot skier or a brilliant tennis player. What does this tell you about yourself? Discipline, self control, flashes of brilliance, team player, competitive?

Develop your expertise

Being a master in your field or an expert on a subject will have people flocking to your desk, asking for your involvement. Others feel reassured by experts and see them as a fast way to get an answer to their problems.

Innovate

Perhaps you have identified a whole new approach to your subject expertise. Being able to engage others and keep the topic fresh in the minds of others will keep you in demand. Businesses are always on the look out for innovation in products and services otherwise they won't survive.

Presenting yourself

How you speak, the tone of your voice and what you wear, as you probably know, are what make the first and probably lasting impression. Are you projecting a sporty casual image or are you at heart a sharp suit happiest in the latest designer gear. Projecting the right image is important for the business environments that you work in, yet maintaining a sense of your own uniqueness and originality is also important. Think of Jon Snow, ITV newsreader who wears bright abstract ties with an otherwise traditional suit.

Putting it into Practice

Building your personal brand starts with self awareness of your unique strengths and capabilities and the types of services or products you offer to your clients, colleagues or business associates. The ability to communicate this in a consistent and authentic way comes through every opportunity you have to interact with others. Every phone call, email, presentation, meeting you attend or article you write is an opportunity to engage others in wanting to do business with you.

If you want to stand out in a crowded market place then personal branding is absolutely essential for career success.

If you would like help with marketing yourself through your personal brand
contact CareerInsights at
info@careerinsights.co.uk
tel: 020 8841 5407 or 07958 636291

See our website at: www.careerinsights.co.uk