How can you help clients develop a personal brand and elevator pitch during a career transition?

1 What is a personal brand?

A personal brand is the unique combination of attributes, strengths, and passions that define your professional identity and differentiate you from others. It is not just a logo, a slogan, or a resume. It is a story that tells what you stand for, what you can do, and how you can add value to your target audience. A personal brand helps you to build trust, credibility, and visibility in your field and to attract the right opportunities that align with your goals and values.

2 How to create a personal brand?

To help your clients create a personal brand, you need to guide them through a process of self-discovery, research, and strategy. Start by helping them identify their core values, vision, mission, and purpose as these are the foundations of their personal brand and the drivers of their actions and decisions. Then, assess their skills, talents, and achievements to provide evidence of their capabilities. Furthermore, define their target audience, niche, and positioning to determine who they serve and how they stand out from the competition. Additionally, craft a personal brand statement that summarizes their value proposition and unique selling point. Finally, design a personal brand identity that includes their name, logo, colors, fonts, images, tone, and style.

4 How to write an elevator pitch?

To help your clients write an elevator pitch, you need to assist them in structuring their message, refining their language, and practicing their delivery. Start by guiding them on how to structure their message using the formula of who they are, what they do, how they do it, why they do it, and what they want. Each element should be clear, relevant, and concise. Then help them refine their language by using powerful words, active verbs, and positive statements. Avoid jargon, cliches, and filler words; also tailor the pitch to the audience and goal. Finally, practice their delivery with a confident and friendly tone, a natural and expressive voice, and a relaxed and engaging body language. Rehearse the pitch in front of a mirror, a recorder, or a feedback giver until they feel comfortable and confident.

5 How to use a personal brand and an elevator pitch?

A personal brand and an elevator pitch are not static or one-size-fits-all. Rather, they are dynamic and adaptable tools that your clients can use in different situations and contexts. For instance, they can be used on resumes, cover letters, and portfolios to highlight qualifications and achievements while showcasing personality and style. Additionally, they can be used on websites, blogs, and social media profiles to establish an online presence and share expertise with an audience. Furthermore, these tools can be used at networking events, job fairs, and conferences to introduce oneself and build relationships with potential employers, clients, or partners. Finally, they can be used in interviews, meetings, and presentations to demonstrate value and persuade listeners to take action.