“To succeed in any professional endeavor, you must make your unique value memorable”
Hmm… have you ever thought about what’s unique about yourself at your workplace compared to the rest? Or are you just working for the sake of getting some cash to feed your family?
Maybe it is time for you to sit down and think about the direction which you are heading towards to in your career. Personal branding is something which most people do not pay much attention to in their lives. If you are particular about the brand of your handbag, clothes and shoes, then you should place the same importance when it comes to branding yourself at your workplace.
(Source: smartwomanguides.com)
According to Catherine Kaputa, founder of the SelfBrand LLC, personal brands are important as it will lead your way. It is just not about ‘selling’ yourself to the working world but it is more of finding what is unique and special about you and what do you that meets a particular need in the marketplace.
You may not realize how important personal branding is but your employers would be able to tell the difference. According to The Adeco, personal branding can improve your career success as you will naturally get rewarded by your organization. It would also enhance your capabilities and your perceived value as an employee.
(Source: venusawards.co.uk)
If you haven’t thought about branding yourself yet, then here are some guidelines for you.
Know what you want
Think of yourself as a ‘product’ and start figuring out how you would like others to see you as. Dan Schawbel claimed that the common mistake people make is that they do not spend enough time thinking about their future. Your personal brand should incorporate your passion, mission and your ultimate goal in life as well. You should also be able to visualise yourself as that particular person 20 years down the road.
(Source: womensdish.com)
Compare the two
Once you have written down everything, start evaluating yourself. The evaluation process should be done by you – how do you see yourself at your workplace currently and it should also include the feedback’s which others give you. Always remember that negative feedback’s are good as only then will you know your flaws and you can make a difference. Ask your employers about your performance and identify the areas which you are slacking in. While evaluating yourself, these are the questions which you should consider:
- What am I already known for
- What am I truly good at?
- Do I like what I am doing?
Once you have compared the two, then start working on it. By now you would have known your flaws and you should be more than ready to start changing your attitude slowly. For instance, if you would like to portray yourself as an understanding superior and the remarks which you have gotten so far from your colleagues says otherwise, then slowly start making the change immediately. It takes time but at the end of the day, you would feel happy that you have reached your goal.
(Source: tweakyourbiz.com)
If you are not happy doing what you are currently doing, then make the change instantly. Remember ladies, there is no point spending time doing something which you can’t see yourself doing 20 years down the road.
