Think about your favorite brand. What makes them memorable? What value do they provide and how do they communicate it? A personal brand is what you do. A professional brand is your work, and how you represent yourself in the field, industry, or network.
How to Build your Brand
First, define your purpose. Ask yourself the following:
- What do I care about?
- What are my values?
- What do I want people to know about me?
- How do I want to define myself?
- What makes me special?
- How do I provide value to others?
Now, write a value statement. This clearly states who you are, what value you provide and why this value is important to the professional you want to play in your career. The goal is to be AUTHENTIC and IMPACTFUL.
Next, audit your personal brand. Connect your personal brand with the professional you. How might the skill of being a good listener, being determined, open minded, etc. connect to the skill value in your future career?
Once you set your goals to turn your personal brand into your professional brand, collect the evidence to support this notion. This proof will come from stories others can tell that illustrate your values and support your value statement. You can use these stories during interviews or to build your reference list.
Living your Brand
Your brand is what comes natural to you. Representing your brand means actively enhancing your unique value, not just adding it as a line on your resume. It’s a chance to practice LIVING your brand.
First, connect with others that share your value: join online groups, local organizations and collect mentors in similar fields that interest you. Mentors can provide input on what to expect, how to prepare, and introduce you to other people to grow your network.
Promote your brand. Social media is the first thing a potential employer will check, either before or after an interview. Think before you post. Only share posts that support your values.
Finally, rely on friends and fellow colleagues to evaluate and give you honest feedback on your personal brand.
A strong brand can attract the right people, land your dream job or promotion, and can lead you to new opportunities you never would’ve imagined.
Let’s talk! If you are ready to start developing your personal brand, please contact Deborah Whistler, director of the Career Design Center, at dwhistler@spalding.edu.