10 Ways to Build Your Professional Brand
Branding is a key part of success in professional life. Creating an image is often connected directly to marketability and reputation. Some parts of brand creation are developed through circumstance, but other aspects are the direct result of the hard work of building a brand over time.
Defining the Brand
The first part of branding is coming up with the parameters of an image or persona. This can change over time, but professionals must first define who they are in order to communicate this to others.
Networking
Networking is important as relationships continue to be a key part of doing business. Today's working professional must actively network and start conversations whenever the opportunity arises.
Technology
Everyone knows that technology is a crucial part of today's business environment, but just being on Twitter®, Facebook™ and LinkedIn® does not guarantee success. In order to get noticed by utilizing these networking tools, in addition to websites and blogs, one must develop unique and compelling content for these various media outlets.
Logos and Documents
Professional documents and supporting brand materials should be modern and up to date. Develop a logo that is in touch with current styles. Keep items like resumes, business cards and brochures ready at hand in case there are opportunities to make a connection and promote the brand.
Pitch Speech
Professionals need to be ready to describe quickly and easily what they do and who they are. Some call this a 30-second commercial or an elevator speech, but the point is to be ready to sell one's brand at a moment's notice.
Looking for Opportunities
Building a brand is about being active. Sometimes opportunities arise, but more often individuals need to go out and market themselves. You are your best salesperson, and you should seek out business opportunities during the workday or in social settings.
Staying Private
In today's technology-driven world, information is everywhere. Yet some content should remain private. Individuals should not make the mistake of posting too much sensitive or compromising information on certain sites, such as MySpace® or Facebook.
Professional Organizations
Connecting with others is crucial to selling a brand, which is why ambitious professionals should join professional organizations. Not only can people get expertise, but they can also network and find job opportunities.
Volunteering and Community Involvement
Getting out into the community and becoming involved by volunteering or sponsoring certain projects are great opportunities for exposure and can provide a personal side to a brand.
Expertise and Perspective
Building a professional brand may require help in the form of expert consulting or professional services. These may incur some cost but are worth the investment in the long run.
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LinkedIn is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corp.
MySpace is a registered trademark of MySpace Inc.
