In the 1980’s, US companies laid off a lot of people. Now, the way it worked was you tightened your belts, got another temp job and waited for a call back when business picked up. That changed in the 80’s. Businesses started closing departments and sending them to cheaper climates- overseas. This way the companies could rest easy knowing they would not need to increase their US workforce. Suckie, but true.
Well, that was a gloomy intro into today’s post. I like it better when they are fun, but sadly, it is all too true. Okay- so we are jumping off into chapter 16 of Personal Branding for Dummies (A Wiley Brand). Find your copy cuz I slacked off there for about a week…it’s probably at the bottom of some pile somewhere- I’ll wait…got it? Awesome! Now, grab your cuppa, some power boosting nibbles and let’s get to this.
As a result of the mindset of companies back in the 80’s, most workers joining the job market today are fully aware that they will jump from job to job over the course of their careers. This is where personal branding can play to their benefit.
There once was a time long, long, ago when fitting in was the best way to ensure keeping your job, that is not the case today. Standing out (in a good way) is the best way to keep or move forward in the company. Standing out doesn’t mean you don’t fit in, it means you are flexible enough to fit anywhere. There is nothing wrong with allowing your skills to speak for themselves. Being different or unique can be a key asset.
The employee mind-set is all about fitting in; the personal branding mind-set is all about standing out from the crowd and more closely resemble how an entrepreneur looks at work- Personal Branding for Dummies
There is a chart on pages 288-289 that is quite interesting. I will give you some of the highlights.
The Employee -vs- Personal Branding Mind-set
The Employee Mind-set The Personal Branding Mind-set
• Blending in • Having a distinct personal identity
• Seeking job security • Seeking employability security (the ability to find work) • Striving for career success • Aiming for work/life blending (holistic life success)
• Seeking a certain position or title • Showcasing your competencies
• Creating an extremely driven career • Creating a self-driven career
These are just a few of the differences in our thought processes based on how we think in the workforce. Honestly- this is where having a copy of this book will come in handy while building not only your brand, but your mind set and thinking patterns in work and life.
Lifelong Learning: higher education -vs- vocational training?
Just a few decades ago companies wanted workers with an education (and debt up to their eyeballs). But now, they want both. They want smarts and skills. A piece of paper does not guarantee a job, but that piece of paper plus a honed skill that can be utilized and profited from immediately can.
For example- say you want to work for an up and coming cosmetics company. You have your piece of paper but to ensure employment, what do you do? Take a vocational course in cosmetology. Learn how to use the makeup you will hopefully be selling, promoting, and marketing for said company. Know the products and how they work. This example can work for a multitude of industries. The best way to sell a product is to know it inside and out. Know how it works and who would best excel for having it.
To sell a saw- you must first know how to use a saw.
You need to be learning…always. You can go to a Uni, take free online classes, community college, seminars, and even watching YouTube videos on topics that will grow your skills and expand the way you think. Learning does not end.
What do you want to read next?
AND THE WINNER IS…
• Around the Writer’s Block- Rosanne Bane
• Get a Literary Agent- Chuck Sambuchino
• Building Believable Characters- Marc McCutcheon
• Getting Your Book Published for Dummies (A Wiley Brand)
• The Writer’s Guide to Character Traits- Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D.
Polish your sparkle and just keep twirling.
Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
I’m always looking for new friends! 😊
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New Ink. Used Ideas. 
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!
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