Expressing your authentic self
…that’s what branding is all about.
The book we are working with is Personal Branding for Dummies (A Willey Brand).
We have all been in situations where we just didn’t fit in. Round peg in a square hole kind of feeling. You’ve sat at a party that, for the life of you, you can’t figure out why you were even invited. Recognize that “my puzzle piece doesn’t fit” kind of feeling. This is NOT your target audience.
To find the right target, you need to know what your needs are. What do you value? Strengths, weaknesses, vision… If you have a clear vision of what you want, then you are more than likely to achieve it.
Now, if you are looking for a job you can use the ACE method.
Assess all your personal and career assets-
- relationships with people in the industry
- your career and personal goals
- education and training
- industry knowledge
- motivation…
- There are several more in the book- pick one up! It’s worth it.
Clarify what’s important-
- Your top motivated skills/leadership competencies
- Passions and interests
- Personal brand attributes
Evaluate the best fit for you-
- Preferred career target
- Location, sector, industries.
- Preferred project
If you are clear about what you want, you are that much closer to gaining it. As for using ACE for me- it’s all about knowing the business. Understanding how to get from point to point and staying on task. I can use these bullet points as easily as anyone looking for a new job.
If you are not looking to change jobs, your target is right in front of you. If your goal is advancement, then it is up to you to learn everything you can about the company and what their needs are. Can you fill the needs? Each company has its own brand, just like the one you are trying to build. When a company builds a strong brand, they are careful when bringing new people in. Your job is to not jeopardize that brand.
What kind of employee does your company value? The hard worker? The planner? The creative one? Here are a few questions to help you figure out where you stand.
- What have you been praised for during your evaluations?
- Who values your work most?
- What tasks do you excel at?
- What environment promotes your best work?
- When have you been on your game and when haven’t you? Why?
Once you answer these questions you can focus on building your brand within your company.
Information is powerful, this is where my favorite word comes in to play- research. Now that you know your target it is time to know your target. The internet is a good place to start but can be overwhelming. Start with a simple Google search of your company and 
build from there. Don’t stop there, LinkedIn.com, bizjournals.com, and job-hunt.com are good places to look when gathering intel on your company and their business practices. Getting access to databases like Hoover’s and Dun & Bradstreet may be found at your local library.
Get organized about how you want to approach this. Make lists. Build a spreadsheet if that’s your thing. Use whatever skills you have to make the best use of the information you have collected. Boring? In my opinion- yup. But it is necessary. Just as important as building your brand.
Build a solid brand. Be your biggest fan. You are your biggest advocate.
Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
Other places to find me~
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TiciaRani
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nella-Warrent-1863744137235991/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ticia-metheney-22181476/
New Ink. Used Ideas. 