Get LinkedIn or LockedOut

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? If you're not on LinkedIn, it's like you don't exist to recruiters and hiring managers. Whether you're in a job search or not, it's important to have a LinkedIn profile.  Remember, 70% or more of jobs are found through networking. And, using social media is one form of networking.


5 tips to keep in mind when creating or refining your LinkedIn profile:

1. Include a professional looking headshot which may increase the number of views your profile receives.
2. Your headline, the space just below your name is prime real estate. This is the area to include your job target.
3. Include a summary that provides a relevant and compelling snapshot of you and entices the reader to read on.
4. Rather than listing your job duties for each position you've held, include accomplishments.
5. Join groups relevant to your job target or field and industry in which you currently work. Be active in those groups by posting and responding to questions. This helps increase your visibility and your credibility, thereby expanding your personal brand. Invite members of each group to connect with you.

Make the changes recommended and monitor the number of times you show up in search results and the number of people who have viewed your profile.

Why is it important to know your personal brand?

Knowing your personal brand is important for many different people, including career-minded professionals who want to develop professionally; those in a job search; independent consultants, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, salespeople, etc. It’s important to know how others perceive you, so you can capitalize on your strengths and expand how others see you. It's also important to know how others perceive you so you can diminish those areas you don’t want to be seen as- the ones that can negatively impact your success.

If you want to advance to the next level, are you currently being "seen" as someone who is promotable? If you are in a job search and you and the other candidates have the same table stakes to get into the game, what makes you unique, relevant, and compelling? If you are in business for yourself, what separates you from your competition? Your personal brand can help you in each of these situations.

Show Your Brand in Your Interactions

Your brand can show up in your interaction with others. Let’s say you’re employed by a company and you consistently receive positive feedback about how you “go above and beyond” in the area of customer service. This reminds me of a story of a client who worked in collections. We know what kind of reputation they have. Well, this client has actually received thank you letters from individuals she has called on who have been late in paying their bills. Why? Because of the way she handles these folks that are oftentimes in dire straits. This behavior is “out of the norm” for the person typically doing collections. Her ability to demonstrate true empathy and concern shines through.

How about you? How does your brand show up in your interactions with others? Do you want to show up differently?

Show Your Brand in Your Actions

Your brand can show up in your actions. I am a continuous learner, always updating and expanding my skills and being sought out as a career expert. I want my clients and potential clients to see me as a career expert.  Why? Because I want to attract clients that are highly motivated and invested in their careers too. My actions as a continuous learner have led to me being selected to serve as a career expert by Monster.com and as a career coach for CareerBuilder.com- two of the heavy-hitter global job boards. I was also invited to be an expert blogger on careers by the Career Thought Leaders Consortium, a think tank for the now, the new, and the next in careers.

Your actions are important, whether you're in a job search, want to increase success and satisfaction on the job, or advance to the next level. How does your brand show up in your actions? Do you want to be seen as creative? How about a subject matter expert? Or maybe you want to be seen as global? Are your actions on target to help you achieve your career goals?

Using Colors to Build Your Personal Brand

A friend of mine, a local real estate agent, loves the colors of teal and purple. This has become an important part of her brand. Her clothing and accessories incorporate these colors. Her business cards, website, and other marketing materials reflect these colors. And, even her home and office décor include teal and purple. Those who know her expect to see these colors associated with her.

What colors are associated with you? How do you incorporate these colors into your brand? Take a quiz to find out how colors can help you build and differentiate your brand.

Who is Personal Branding for?

Having a personal brand is important for career-minded professionals who are in a job search or want to increase success and satisfaction in their current role or want to advance to the next level. It's also important for entrepreneurs who need external feedback to help guide their businesses.

Your personal brand shows up in your appearance, your actions, and your interactions with others. Some questions to consider: How are you being perceived? Are you being perceived as you would like? Are you being consistent with your brand? If you're not sure, it's important to find out. And, if you're not showing up as you would like, you will want to make changes to ensure that your brand is on target.

What is Personal Branding?

I've been invited as a guest expert for Liz Uram's Get Stuff Done! Club. I will be talking about personal branding. Personal branding is identifying and communicating what makes you unique, relevant, and compelling. Your brand can help you capitalize on your strengths to help you achieve your career or business goals. Starbucks has a brand. Michael Jordan has a brand. And, whether you think so or not, YOU have a brand! Your brand is your professional reputation, i.e., how others perceive you. Stay tuned for much more discussion on personal branding.

Welcome!

Welcome! I am excited to share strategies, secrets, tips, and ideas to help you achieve career success. Whether you want to find a job you love faster, increase success and satisfaction on the job, or advance to the next level, you will find helpful information on my blog.