What do you do if you want to transition into a career in brand strategy but lack the necessary skills?

Get the skills, become a student to the craft. Take a course, read some books, work in agency. There’s no shortcut, you have to be competent at what you do to feel confident at what you do.

The quickest way to transition into brand strategy (without the necessary skills) is to start by identifying YOUR unique problem-solving superpowers. Prove them: analyze BIG brands, dissect their strengths and missed opportunities. This showcases value and attracts attention. Network, find mentors. The rest will follow.

Training in marketing and branding makes you a better marketer. So you'll definitely want to get some training on branding and brand strategy. I'd make sure it was something like the Mini-MBA in brand management or a similar class. A lot of the books on brand strategy haven't been very good. You'd have to go back to some of the foundational texts by folks like David Aaker to get a real understanding of the basics. If not, you'll end up getting pushed off course pretty easily.

I was a lawyer originally so this is me! As a business owner specialising in LinkedIn marketing and training, venturing into brand strategy without prior skills was daunting. I started by educating myself, attending online courses and webinars specific to brand strategy and digital marketing. Networking with seasoned brand strategists on LinkedIn provided invaluable insights and mentorship. I applied learning to my own brand, experimenting and refining strategies. Sharing my journey and learnings through LinkedIn posts not only enhanced my understanding but also established my credibility in the field.

Practitioners are often confused these days, so learn how-to identify and make the distinctions between branding strategy and marketing tactics. Next, gain clarity on the strategic role players on your cross-function team like copywriters, illustrators and graphic designers who will be instrumental in crafting brand identity, but are NOT strategists by default. A brand strategist must have a stomach for conducting quantitative and qualitative statistical data gathering to analyze and assess measurable metrics required to determine and develop brand positioning, messaging, key performance insights and collateral asset resources to achieve the integrated go-to-market campaign objective: sales and community-building.

Don't underestimate the power of hands-on learning. Volunteer for projects or internships that offer exposure to brand strategy. Whether it's assisting a local business with a rebrand or joining a marketing team, these experiences help you apply your knowledge and showcase your skills to future employers.

To optimise your LinkedIn profile for SEO, start by incorporating relevant keywords into your headline, summary, and experience sections. Choose keywords related to your industry and role, such as "LinkedIn Marketing Specialist" or "Brand Strategy Consultant." Ensure your profile is complete, with a professional photo and detailed descriptions of your experiences and skills. Customise your LinkedIn URL to make it more recognisable and searchable. Regularly publish and share content related to your expertise to increase visibility. Engage with others' content to boost your profile

Beyond SEO, enhance your LinkedIn with these tips: 1. Network: Connect with industry professionals and personalise your requests. 2. Content: Post regularly, sharing industry insights and updates to showcase expertise. 3. Engagement: Interact with others’ content to boost your visibility. 4. Profile Aesthetics: Use a professional photo and organise your profile for easy reading. 5. Recommendations: Seek endorsements to add credibility. 6. Groups: Join relevant groups and participate in discussions. 7. Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and LinkedIn features. These steps will not only improve your profile’s SEO but also your overall presence and influence on LinkedIn.