How can you manage your personal brand in different career stages?

??During your early career stage, focus on the following areas when you are building your personal brand: - Observe & learn - Build a reputation - Analyze your competition - Find what makes you unique - Be Humble, Hungry, and Honest - Get feedback from your mentors - Be different and let your creativity shine - Have a way to present examples of your work - Make sure your online reputation is in the clear The early career stage is a critical time for building a strong foundation and setting the trajectory for your future success.

I find that exploring different projects is always helpful in discovering your strengths and values. Building a personal website through platforms like Wix, Weebly, or WordPress allows you to showcase your life and work achievements, as well as your interests and hobbies, inviting people to get to know you better. Additionally, as you progress on your life journey, remember to periodically audit and fine-tune your brand voice and focus.

Before any exploration and demonstration of brand: Think about what you want and what you stand for. What is it you want to achieve? Don't just consider your industry's definition or mold of what your position should be. Meet those expectations, but exceed them or tweak them to make them your own. Don't just go by what's already there. Make it a unique experience for others. People need to realize they have more control over their brand. Do your due diligence, yes. But don't fall into the usual, mindless, boring script.

Once you've established your value proposition, consider your resume, LinkedIn profile, and personal portfolio (if you have one) to be intricately linked, adding value in their each unique way. Your resume should tell your professional success story; where you've made the biggest impact and what skills you've learned along the way. Your LinkedIn profile should be your digital presence that showcases your thought leadership and gives a slightly different view of your expertise, often with a bit more personal touch. Your portfolio or personal website amplify your story with examples of work you've done to bring more life to what you do. These platforms together create a compelling personal brand story.

From my experience, as you progress in your career, expanding your personal brand becomes a strategic move. It's about going beyond your comfort zone and exploring new horizons. Identify trends, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and showcase your thought leadership. Keep in mind that expansion opens doors to new opportunities and markets, helping you reach your full potential!

Your personal brand should evolve over time and it's okay to have several brands throughout your career. Many of us were taught to focus on one career or one skillset that we stuck with for life. As the world of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the ability to be agile in your personal brand is more important. Continually assess your brand against the current market and identify new ways to tell your story through your personal brand. Lean into gaps by learning new skills, trying a new approach, or identifying training to meet your goals.

No matter where you are in your career, safeguarding your personal brand is non-negotiable. Your online presence is often the first impression you make. Regularly monitor your online reputation, respond professionally to feedback, and be cautious about what you share. It's good to be vocal about topics you're passionate about but be mindful that you don't share something that will hinder your success in the future because it was inappropriate or controversial. Protecting your brand is like preserving a precious asset, and it's a responsibility that lasts a lifetime.

Managing your personal brand is an ongoing journey, and this article provides an excellent roadmap. In addition to protecting your brand, I'd suggest regularly auditing your online presence. This involves not only cleaning up any content that may be less than ideal but also ensuring that your digital footprint aligns with your evolving brand. It's a proactive approach to maintaining a positive online reputation. I'd also like to stress the importance of consistency across platforms and over time. Whether you're just starting or expanding your brand, staying true to your values and messaging is vital. Consistency builds trust with your audience and reinforces your brand identity.