Do you know that building a personal brand is a continuous process? When thinking of sustainable success, personal branding management should go beyond the active job-seeking stage. Like building a business, developing a thriving career requires unceasing efforts to create a positive image in the industry you belong. Do remember that the strongest of career foundations do not happen overnight. Reputation takes years to build up and in doing so, require daily work.
When thinking of building an effective personal brand that runs the test of time, the need to boost your relevance in the industry requires hard work and patience. To boost such efforts, here are a few methods to ensure success:
-
Tap both online and offline industry groups. Tap social media like LinkedIn as well as organizational websites. Be active in these online communities by connecting with other professionals. Be active in local events, too. Consider volunteering for your company as its representative. All these efforts will help boost your visibility and forge meaningful connections.
-
Join conferences, symposiums, trade fairs, and the likes. These are the very haven to learn more about the industry, network with likeminded people, and look for opportunities for growth. When doing so, always have business cards handy. Though deemed obsolete tools, they still work! Just make sure to add your website, email or phone number on the card to make it work.
-
Create a personal website or blog site that allows you to speak about the intricacies of the industry you are in. While most companies today give freedom to their employees to voice out their sentiments, it is only fitting that you ask permission on launching your own site to prevent conflict of interest. Writing about topics related to your field helps establish your authority and build your reputation.
-
Post accomplishments and job highlights—and connect it to your personal website. Do it in a humble way like congratulating everyone for the hard work and dedication. Make sure to give credit where it’s due.
-
Always be professional whenever, wherever. Just because social media espouses freedom of expression, for instance, what you post can have an impact on how others “see” you. Steer clear of controversial issues particularly political partisanship. It will only hinder opportunities and encourage animosity instead of connections.
-
Keep an eye on some of the notable personalities in the industry you belong. Many successful individuals have social pages allowing them to interact freely with followers. Listen to their sage wisdom. Ask questions and suggestions. Open avenues for discussion. In a way this makes you better informed and, when done right, can increase your credibility.
-
Integrate the value of volunteerism into your life. Find a cause that gives you a sense of purpose. This does not only make the whole struggle for success fulfilling, it also allows you to network with likeminded individuals.
-
Always exude optimism. People tend to gravitate to positivism. No one wants to be around a whiner or a nitpicker. While criticism is alright, do it constructively.
There is so much that you can do when thinking of building a robust personal brand image. One important piece of advice: never get too complacent in your career. The key that unlocks to a whole world of endless possibilities is to never stop learning and to always do something in keeping your good name in the loop.
