Personal branding.
You can’t escape it.
While it might not be as prolific as Eric’s horrific #FirstSunburnoftheSummer Instagram pics; it’s up there.
The order of topics most likely to be on your social media feeds this summer: pictures of Eric’s first sunburn of the season, *insert latest political scandal here*, yet another couple who just had yet another baby, and then the topic of personal branding.
Bryan Clark, US editor at TNW, puts it best, “Everyone from my mailman to high school students are now building personal brands with the ferocity of a Kardashian. Maybe we should all just chill a little.”
And while personal branding has it’s deniers, naysayers, and anti-bandwagoners; more often than not, the concept of having a strong and recognizable personal brand is becoming a must in the job market.
Both as a job seeker, and as an employer, it’s important to recognize the impact of branding.
A quick breakdown on personal branding. (Feel free to read ahead it you’re like, “Yeah, we knowww, everyone knows.”)
Short and sweet, your personal brand lets people know who you are and what you stand for.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos offered smart advice when he said, “A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.”
It’s a get-to-know-you guide for your could-be-future employer to reference during the hiring process. Sometimes people can mask their true personality during the interview process, but having a traceable social media presence (that’s not just you and ‘the boys cracking some cold ones’ in Miami) can add value to your first impression and highlight your ability to enhance the company’s culture. This is not to say you have to class it up to ‘tea at high noon level’, or start posting solely about your newest business developments on Facebook. But you get it, it’s a best foot forward type of deal.
Top tips for building a killer personal brand?
–Be authentic
As mentioned above, maybe pics of you chugging beers with the bros on a beach is too much of an ode to your college days. But, if you don’t see yourself fastening that last button on your dress shirt everyday, don’t allude to the idea that that’s what gets you excited in the morning. Be a little silly, if you’re a silly person. Just because you’re trying to show professionalism, doesn’t mean you have to erase your personality. In fact, do the opposite! It’ll help you stand out from the millions of top button buttoners.
–Find your platform
For this whole branding thing to be effective, you must be memorable, discoverable, and shareable. Depending on your industry, the platform you use to market your brand will vary. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram are the obvious first choices; while you may also choose to build a website or start a blog. Regardless of the platform you choose, make sure you’re producing and sharing high quality content, that strongly expresses the message you’re trying to convey. And MOST important, remain consistent.
–Build your mission statement
This doesn’t have to be as mundane as it sounds. In fact, it doesn’t have to be mundane at all. If you don’t know about Richard Branson, get to know him. He’s a cool dude and his personal brand is strong. His mission statement? “Tie-loathing adventurer, philanthropist & troublemaker, who believes in turning ideas into reality. Otherwise known as Dr. Yes at @virgin!”
Make it bold. Make it fun.
–Cultivate your network
Exercise confidence. Cliche, yes, but important nonetheless. The more confidence you have, the easier it’ll be to build new connections, and the more connections you have, the more opportunities you’ll have. There’s nothing wrong with having a few friends in high places.
RNG would love to give you a little help with this one, if you don’t quite know where to begin.
We know you’re already awesome and don’t post pics of your first summer sunburn (but really, don’t be an Eric). So, all you have to do, is figure out how you want to convey that to the rest of the world. And, if you’re having trouble, never fear! There are resources out there, and RNG can help you get pointed in the right direction for free! Because that’s just the type of people we are; and we’re all for helping you #FindYourRoute to your next career.