Underestimate personal branding at your peril.

Think of every famous person you know. Are they famous by accident or has their story and image been carefully curated over time? YES of course it has, nothing happens by accident.

Therefore, it is super important that you pay careful attention to ensuring that your personal brand stands out so that you get noticed.

You also need to recognise that now more than ever you may have more than one career in your life. We have heard the expression being used that “a career is old technology” and the employees of the future will pivot from one career to another.

That’s why having a strong personal brand is so important and that is what will define you and set you apart from the competition.

So how do you do that?

Identify your value proposition – what do you stand for? who are you? What value do you bring that employers will be interested in? If you don’t know what you stand for and if you can’t articulate this, then how can you expect others to get it?

Recognise that those who stand out are more likely to progress in their career. But how do I do that, you may ask? The best way to be visible is by having something to say

• Join an organisation
• Make a speech
• Write an article
• Put yourself out there

That may sound scary and “putting yourself out there” is a vulnerable place to be you may think, but the simple truth is just do it.

More people will be impressed by your actions than those who will want to ridicule you. Trust me, the positives will greatly outweigh the negatives.

Start developing your social medial profile

Write a blog, write posts on LinkedIn, start  a podcast, post video. Content is king and a great way to get noticed and build your personal brand. Not only that  but producing content can position you as an authority in your field, which, if you are looking for a new job, is gold dust.

However, you must be consistent.

There is no point writing a blog once and then forgetting about it, it needs to be done on a regular, consistent basis. The more people see your content, the more they will get to know and like you.

You are who Google says you are

Get comfortable with public speaking

Seek out opportunities to hone that skillset. Warren Buffet has said that the single most important skill set anyone can acquire is mastering the art of public speaking.

Why does he say that?

Because it’s all about putting yourself out there and having something to say. So, it’s good enough for Warren, it should be good enough for you.

You are who Google says you are

Have a positive social medial profile. The more visible you are, the more Google will like you.

Be generous with your time

Look to help people without expecting anything in return. If you have a mindset whereby you always look to give first, then you will receive much back in return.

Being know as a great person is something we all aspire to be so why not set about making it happen now. What goes around comes around, if you look to play the long game.

Be authentic

Don’t be a bullshitter and don’t fake it, just be yourself. There is nothing worse than coming across someone you know who is being fake. We diminish all trust and respect for such people. People appreciate honesty and sincerity, so keep it real.