Personal branding isn’t just for people like Gary Vaynerchuk, Oprah and Tony Robbins. It’s incredibly important for corporate professionals because you can showcase your skills, boost your professional reputation and expand your network. It can even mean the difference between getting a promotion or being passed over for one because no one knows you. But first, let’s start with the obvious question—what is personal branding?
Many people confuse reputation with personal branding. According to Harvard Business Review, “Your reputation is made up of the opinions and beliefs people form about you based on your collective actions and behaviors.” On the other hand, personal branding is intentional. It’s a way to differentiate yourself from the competition while establishing yourself as an industry thought leader. In today’s world, it’s not enough to be a strong performer. You need to have a stellar personal brand.
When it comes to leveling up your career or landing a new job, your personal brand provides a competitive edge. Let’s examine some additional benefits of personal branding in today’s competitive job market.
Boosts your chances of being seen by employers
Personal branding enhances your visibility and credibility while making you more memorable to recruiters and hiring managers. It also helps set you apart from others in your field, increasing your chances of securing a new job. Not only can a personal brand generate a connection with an employer, but it can also help you secure the interview. Ultimately, a personal brand that is authentic to you is a huge advantage, especially in a tough job market.
Increases exposure to job opportunities
When your visibility skyrockets, so do the number of job opportunities. That’s because your network has expanded significantly, which gives you access to hiring managers, recruiters and peers who can refer you to job openings. Consistent personal branding lets employers know that you are dedicated and goal-oriented. Suddenly employers are seeking you out instead of the other way around.
Forces you to clarify your unique value proposition
Another benefit to crafting a personal brand is that it forces you to identify your unique strengths and talents. It’s also a way to let the hiring manager know why you’re the best fit for the job and what value you’ll bring to the company. Look at it this way—you are the product, and the employer is the buyer. Why should they interview you instead of the hundreds of equally qualified job applicants? The answer to that question is your unique value proposition.
Positions you as a thought leader
Personal branding is also a powerful way to elevate your status as an expert in your field. By consistently sharing your perspective and insights across multiple platforms, you eventually become a thought leader. At that point, you gain trust and credibility, which can not only lead to jobs but also to partnerships, media coverage and speaking engagements.
Fuels professional and personal development
Committing to a personal brand requires dedication and hard work. Over time, you leverage (and improve) your current competencies while developing new ones. These can include skills like networking, content creation, communication, collaboration and others. In fact, the enthusiasm and perseverance you need to build a personal brand is like that required to succeed in various roles. By showing employers who you are, you build trust and create opportunities while boosting your self-confidence.
Whether you’re unemployed, working for someone else or self-employed, don’t underestimate the power of personal branding. It should be consistent, authentic and support your professional goals. While it isn’t a process that happens overnight, it’s well worth the effort. As Michelle Obama pointed out in her book, Becoming, “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.” Don’t let that happen. Once you control how you want to be seen in the world, opportunities will find you.
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