Ever wondered why some folks seem to effortlessly glide up the professional ladder while others struggle to take the first step? Spoiler alert: it’s all about your personal brand.
Building a successful career isn’t just about ticking off achievements; it’s about moulding your personal brand. It starts with clarifying your vision of success and incorporating it into your professional path.
According to a recent Zippia survey, while most American workers are content with their professions, only 20% are deeply passionate about what they do. 65% of respondents said they were happy with their jobs, but 61% also stated they intended to quit in 2023.
Even more concerning, according to Pew Research, only 51% of employees are happy in their current roles. According to the study, older workers had higher levels of satisfaction than younger workers, and this difference appears to be tied to their income.
Your professional essence: The personal brand
A “personal brand” might sound like a marketing buzzword, but think of it as your career DNA. It’s almost like a competitive advantage, that makes you, well you! Your skills, values, and dreams, that’s the core of your personal brand. Think of it as the lens through which others perceive your professional identity. This brand is the foundation upon which you construct a successful career.
Real talk: Be you
Do away with the polished and poised LinkedIn version of yourself. What really matters is that you let your authentic self shine through. Embrace your quirks, don’t be afraid to show off your true self, and step back and watch how authenticity becomes your career power move! People love working with real humans. People who showcase their true human essence are what we’re talking about, not those presenting themselves as robotic machines.
Tell your story, ace your narrative
Your personal brand is basically your story. Think of it like the movie of your career, with all the plot twists, victories, and even those cringe-worthy moments. Taking the time and effort to build this narrative strategically can be a powerful tool in shaping the perception others have of you.
Clarifying your personal brand is the first step towards creating a successful and fulfilling career that you love. The Harvard Business Review defines personal branding as an “intentional, strategic practice in which you define and express your own value proposition.” But how do we pull this through?
Identify your unique strengths
Start by identifying your superhero talents. What makes you stand out? Maybe it’s your professional coding skills, your knack for problem-solving, or your uncanny ability to make the office plant thrive.
Your connections at work, job satisfaction, and self-confidence can all be enhanced by being aware of your abilities. Finding your skills can help you make decisions and steer your career in a way that best suits you, so it’s not just a feel-good activity.
In fact, research shows that people who use their strengths are more productive, engaged, and successful in their careers. When you’re aware of your strengths, you can focus your energy and time on tasks that will yield the greatest results.
Storytime: Share the good stuff
Humans dig stories. Share those career tales—the ones with lessons, growth, and maybe a touch of humour. It’s not just storytelling; it’s about showing your resilience and how you handle curveballs. That’s the kind of person people want on their team.
In an interview, sharing your past experiences could be a good card to play in getting the job or grabbing the interviewer’s attention. It’s common to feel exposed when talking about your professional goals. Speaking about your career story might be a big shift, but it can also be thrilling since it might help you land the job you want.
Stay visible, stay you
Building a personal brand requires consistent visibility. It’s not just about occasional bursts of brilliance but about maintaining a steady presence that reinforces your brand over time.
Get techy, and leverage social media for the spotlight
In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool for personal branding. Be intentional about your online presence. Share insights, engage with your industry community, and use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Consistency across platforms reinforces your personal brand.
IRL (in real life) connections matter
Sure, we live in a digital world, but nothing beats good old face-to-face connections. Attend events, network like a pro, and let people experience your brand in person.
Building a great personal brand requires networking, both offline and online. You can learn firsthand whether an organisation is one that only talks the talk or one that actually does what it says by speaking with employees at organisations that appear ideal.
Additionally, networking can assist you in communicating your unique selling proposition to your target audience and showcasing your accomplishments, abilities, and credentials. Making a good first impression and developing a distinctive personality that represents your unique brand are more benefits of networking.
In a Nutshell: Your Brand, Your Legacy
Your personal brand isn’t just a superficial image, it’s what helps your values, strength, and narratives to reflect through you. Cultivating and nurturing your own brand requires dedication and authenticity, but the rewards are immense.
It’s important to keep in mind that your personal brand is essential to achieving the success you want while you endure the ups and downs of your career path. You may not only create a rewarding profession but also leave a lasting impression on the always-changing script of your professional life by devoting time and energy to comprehending and communicating your personal brand and industry.
(Tashia Bernardus)