I don’t know how many times I have heard this story from clients when I ask them what they want next in their career…”I don’t really know. I just started on this career path and did what needed to be done. I kept getting promoted and just fell into my next position.” To be honest, sometimes this works for people but it truly is a crap shoot. More often then not the client ended up in a position that he/she did not really enjoy. Now for the first time they were looking at their career and asking themselves what they really want. (Often this happens after a lay-off.)
Rather then waiting until your job gets painful or until you get laid off, why not take a moment to create a brand for yourself? A brand that will guide your career in the direction you choose. There are many benefits to choosing your own brand. First of all, you get to choose it! When you go to work for a company if you don’t walk into the job with your own clear brand I can guarantee the company will brand you. Don’t give them that kind of control. You are the leader of your career and it begins with a strong brand. When you choose your own brand you can make sure that it speaks to your strengths. That way as you put your brand out into the world through your verbal introduction, your resume and LinkedIn you will more likely be contacted by people with opportunities which use those strengths.
How do you create your brand? First ask yourself a few questions…
1. What are the top values you bring to the table wherever you work?
2. What are you known for?
3. What do you really love to do?
4. After answering these questions create a branding statement (One sentence or 3 groupings of words.)
5. Ask yourself, “Is this statement worded in a way to be marketable in my target industry/companies?”
6. Once you have created your brand put it on your resume and LinkedIn.
7. Print it out and put it in your office. Read it and live it.
Here’s a few examples…
Product success through creative thinking, collaboration and problem-solving.
Business and Finance collaborating for disruptive solutions.
Innovation|Result-Focused|Building a Culture of Success
Enjoy creating your own!
Have an Amazing Monday (and everyday!)
Leanna Fredrich, Leadership, Career and Stress-Management Consultant
Leanna@amazingmondays.com
PS: If you need help creating your branding statement email me. I’d be happy to support you.
Need help with your brand