Personal Branding Part 2

Welcome back to part 2 to of my Personal Branding Series. In the last blog post I covered knowing who you are, knowing what you want, building your skills and telling your story. All of these steps help you articulate what you have to offer and what specific jobs and industries you want to target. You will get better results when you tell others what type of jobs you are looking for, rather than simply asking your contact to help you get a job. Once you are able to tell a compelling story to colleagues and hiring managers it is time to network.

1. Find people who can help you. During a pandemic it is impossible to network in person, but we are all finding ways to meet with others online. Few people actually use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to connect with others to learn more about job opportunities. Joining LinkedIn groups for professional organizations and industries is free and a great way to learn about job opportunities, professional development and virtual industry events. Facebook also has pages for professional groups and it is a great way to, get access to these networks and join conversations with influencers without paying membership fees to join the organizations. Following organizations and companies on Instagram and other social media sites is another way to learn more about the company culture and job openings. Use these platforms to introduce yourself and ask for informational interviews as well.

2. Create and post content. Writing thoughtful comments and asking questions on online forums is a great way to meet people. However, writing your own articles and creating your own videos helps to influence public perception of you by positioning you as an authority in your industry. Posting information about resources, jobs and professional development opportunities establishes your credibility as a lifelong learner, supportive colleague and expert in your field. Offering timely responses to questions, messages and comments online also demonstrates how you might interact with internal and external customers on the job. Presenting at professional conferences is also a great way to build credibility in your field and many of these events are more affordable this year because they are virtual.

3. Be of service. Many clients that I work with tell me that they hate networking because it feels like they are trying to get something from someone. I like to think of it as building relationships through service. Building relationships starts with thoughtful listening and ends with kindness. You can only increase your circle of influence and have a larger impact on others if you understand what people need. If you are only paying attention to what you can get from others, you are not hearing how you can make a positive impact. The most successful networkers listen for the aspirations, goals, needs and problems of others and then share information, offer resources and connect people who have common goals. Relationships are built over time and job leads or other opportunities may not come for many years. It is important to connect at least twice each year with colleagues and comment if someone you know posts on social media. Volunteer if someone asks for help with a project and offer support if someone loses their job due to the pandemic. If you think of networking with a mission of service, it doesn’t feel as icky.

4. Create a personal board of directors. Asking for help when you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed is essential to preventing job search fatigue. A great way to create accountability throughout your career is to ask your greatest allies for support. The first step is to make a list of your inner circle and think about which friends are great listeners, motivators or have industry connections. Other friends can help you with technology, writing a resume or brainstorming. Think of them as your personal steering committee or board of directors. These are people you can call on to help you solve problems, build your network or simply listen to you vent about a challenge. It is also helpful to find a colleague who is also managing a job search and ask them to be your accountability partner. For a deep dive into getting an accountability partner, check out my blog post.) This person could check in with you weekly to make sure you are moving forward with your personal branding.

5. Practice self-care.  Getting support during your job search also includes the grace and kindness you give yourself. The pandemic, recession and political climate are stressful and prolonged exposure to the news can be harmful to your mental health. Taking a break from social media and your job search activities will give you the energy and hope you need to work on your personal branding. You need to schedule time for exercise, meditation, eating healthy meals and interacting with loved ones. Self-care is not a deterrent from your career development. Self-care is an essential part of your career development plan. Period. Pursuing your interests and hobbies outside of work gives you hope, purpose and expands your network. If you need to speak with a mental health professional, you can start by getting a referral from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Starting to build your personal brand by taking these steps will help you get a survival job in the short-term and prepare for your next career move post-pandemic. These steps are not quick and easy fixes to finding a job during a recession, but they are actions that you can take now influence how others perceive you. These are things that are within your control. In the next few months I will write articles that explain each step in greater detail. Let me know how you stay connected to your network by leaving a comment below. If you need help with personal branding and your job search, contact me for a free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!