Before we even talk about the benefits of a personal brand, one must ask…what is a personal brand?
Well, imagine this, you have been eagerly looking for a job for over a year but haven’t been successful. Has it hit you that your profile picture on Facebook with a beer bottle in one hand and an indecently dressed girl on the other have anything to do with it? If you think you can just rely on your strong resume, interview skills or high-end suit to advance in your career, think again. Employers and customers are relying strongly on social media to evaluate you before you even have the chance to enter the office door for an interview. Think about it, the only thing that might be standing between you and your dream job is that blog you posted a month ago about how depressed you are or how much you hate your boss. This is why you need to develop a strong personal brand.
The PERSONAL in personal brand
Listen up people: your personal traits do matter. Not only does your personal brand have to be authentic and represent you, it has to represent more than your technical skills. This is not another form of a resume; it is your time to shine. Think for instance of Tom the financial advisor. It is not enough to have a college degree in order to get a job. His educational credentials do not distinguish Tom from John the financial advisor down the street. What makes Tom’s personal brand is his honesty, loyalty and his passion. His Facebook profile with an old couple that he helped achieve their retirement dreams, or a simple thank you note from a customer posted on his Linked In page will definitely contribute to his personal brand.
Market yourself
Think of Donald Trump. His personal brand is about success and wealth. If you want to learn about wealth you are likely to watch a Trump seminar. NOW, what distinguishes you? If you can choose three words to market yourself what would they be? Personal branding is making an online impression and standing out from your competitors in order to achieve your goals.
Tailor your personal brand and not just that Gucci suit!
Having a personal brand can help you advance in your career because employers are using social media and search engines to learn all about you before an interview. It is essential that you know your career goals and tailor your online image to be compatible with the job requirements. For instance, if you are applying for director of sales position, that photo you posted with hot pink hair will not exactly land you that opportunity. Remember that your personal brand is out there whether you like it or not so why not make it work for you? Tailor your personal brand to leverage you towards success rather than pull you down! Are you that person on Facebook with pink hair or the caring one campaigning against animal abuse? Here is a little exercise for you. Look deeply at yourself and evaluate how do use social media to contribute your personal brand.