So you are thinking about a career change and you sort of know what you want to do. You think you can start to transition, but what happens when others don’t see it as you do? What about being put into a pigeon hole....
I may think I can do XYZ but potential employers only see what I’ve done NOT what I can potentially do.
So let's explore Branding… or better still self-branding:
Personal or self-branding enables you to promote your strengths and skills in a crowded market.
Branding is not just for corporations or products, made up of a logo and a tag line. It’s more than about creating an image – it’s about providing that unique value proposition.
It's important to review this while we consider the career redesign process as it provides a means for us to clarify and communicate what makes us different, unique and valuable to potential employers.
So what’s the unique value that you are offering?
In undertaking the self-reflective activities in the Career Redesign Program, we are aiming to discover (or rediscover) what that special combination of skills, strengths, talents and interests are that fulfill your purpose and reflect your values.
So in defining your brand consider reflect back on these and how they can be communicated in a new role you are seeking out.
What are your brand attributes? What do people say about you when you are not in the room? Listen to how people introduce you and reflect on what brand attributes they could be highlighting?
It’s useful to pull together these comments into a statement that can reflect your career or life purpose. This will become your Personal Brand Statement. While this might sound challenging it will to assist you to express you through your communications including CV’s and other interactions.
Then try this activity: Create a personal profile
Start by writing a ‘brand statement’, something that lists your unique skills, qualities, talents and attributes. We often call this your ‘unique value proposition’.
Then share this profile and make it easier for people to find you. Then add all of these to your email signature block.
Each of the following has a different role:
· About.me is a great way to create a profile and share this via social media as well as a great networking tool. Consider highlighting your values, goals and create a personal mission statement.
· LinkedIn has become the most highly used professional networking site and in conjunction with forums, updates and connections is an excellent way to show your skills through your history and tell the world about your new career.
· A personal website is another way to define yourself and make it easier for others to find you. This is not difficult now with a number of free template websites. Try Weebly, Wix or Squarespace for low cost sites or start a blog on Wordpress.org.
OR
if you are revamping your resume have a look at Artomotion, amazing visuals to bring your CV to life.