Personal Branding for Your Job
COVID-19 has proved to be an unprecedented crisis. It’s almost hard to believe how a virus, first documented in Wuhan China in December 2019, has spread to more than 170 countries. Sadly claiming lives, sickening millions and forcing half the world’s population into confinement.
We all know this isn’t just a public health problem; it is also an economic one. Many businesses have learned of dependencies on other types of businesses that they may haven’t realized before.
Businesses are finding ways to maintain continuity and pivot. With most people working remotely, it is predicted that the home office and co-working spaces will be the new normal when this pandemic subsides.
Remote Working
Remote working isn’t new. Thanks to technology advancements this continues to get easier. A study commissioned by co-working office company Regus, states: “In the future, companies will focus their strategy on a more flexible working model, where employees find their own office space.” This was trending even before COVID-19 hit.
Evidently, the key to survival and long-term prosperity is adaptability. This experience will fast-track the digitalization of the workplace and advance the “work from anywhere” model.
The Growing Gig Economy
The gig economy is part of the changing cultural and business environments. The market of freelancers and independent contractors for specific tasks is growing. This online platform continues to rise and will continue to do so post COVID-19.
Since work is “something you do, not a place,” employers have access to a geographically diverse talent pool. And it allows people to take on jobs better aligned with their preferred lifestyle. (How does working from the beach sound?)
And, the gig economy is popping up in just about every sector.
The Need for Personal Branding
Employers and potential clients or business partners also have a wide pool of jobseekers and service providers to choose from. Having a strong personal brand will differentiate you from other experts in your field and increase your chances over competitors with similar (if not better) qualifications.
In essence, your personal brand is your unique combination of personal qualities, skills and experiences, and the effort you put into defining and communicating this elevates your brand.
Know Yourself: Begin with a self-assessment of your assets. These include your values, beliefs, passion, interests and credentials.
It is important to note that personal branding isn’t about crafting a different public persona but a reflection of who you really are.
Position Yourself: Gather together the key elements of your personal brand. What do you want to be known for? What specific needs do you want to address and whom do you want to influence (who is your target client?) What is your unique value proposition and is it believable? What personality traits do you want to be associated with?
Project Yourself: Not everyone knows who you are and what you can offer. Hence, the need to communicate, and constantly reinforce what you stand for. Communicate where your target client hangs out. Is it LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube?
To maintain authenticity, your image must be consistent online and in real life. Seize every opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise. Remember, there is no second chance to make a first impression!
As Jeff Bezos said: “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” Whatever content you put out there—is another piece to the puzzle that is your personal brand.
Are you ready to elevate your personal brand? Fill out this form below to get in touch.
