?? Happy 1st Birthday Talent Bites

So here we are, at the one year mark! Feels like yesterday I dressed up my dog as clickbait and nervously clicked publish on the 1st article (see below). Since then so much has happened, we've grown to 2,605 subscribers, averaging 11 new followers every week and over 46,000 article views.

The messages I receive after each post have been my motivation to keep going, sounds a little cringe, but knowing that people find value and look forward to receiving each edition makes it all worth it; and is genuinely what's kept it going (even when I felt too busy ??).

So for this anniversary/Christmas edition, I wanted to round up the best bits in case you missed them, call it your Talent Bites wrapped but less exciting than Spotify!

In order of popularity:

1. 4 quick ways to boost your personal brand ??

No surprises on this one as personal brand continues to be such a hot topic. We're living in an age where everyone has a digital presence, and people are realising the power of crafting and managing their online image. Plus, with the gig economy and freelancing on the rise, having a strong personal brand can set you apart in a sea of talent. It's like curating your own story and making sure it's told the way you want it to be.

This post included a short video so no surprise it took the top spot for engagement, we all know how I feel about videos!

2. 6 steps to creating a killer personal brand??

Closely aligned to above, this article explores the importance of defining your personal brand before attempting to enhance it (maybe read this one first ??). I shared insights gained from participating in a LinkedIn initiative called #ElevateU and shared six tried and tested steps on how to define your own.

The emphasis is on authenticity and aligning personal values with a memorable brand to make a lasting impression in a world with diminishing attention spans. The article provides a practical guide to help individuals articulate and communicate their personal brand effectively.

3. ?As the story goes...

In 2021, during the pandemic, I transitioned from a successful recruiting career to teaching. Despite the challenges of virtual teaching, I embraced the experience, connecting with students and learning valuable lessons from them. As the pandemic waned, I returned to sales with a transformed perspective, understanding success as more than financial achievements.

This article was a result of storytelling workshop, emphasising the power of storytelling in personal branding and communication across various roles and environments. The key takeaways from the workshop include the power of storytelling to engage, connect, and influence, applicable to all professions.

I've really embraced storytelling since this workshop and have seen success for sure!

4. 4 ways to get more engagement on LinkedIn??

This post was the first morning in my new house and I remember it well. The inspiration was this graphic going round LinkedIn that I'd found really helpful:

Consistency in posting (at least twice a week), using hashtags, and strategic tagging are so important, as well as actively engaging with connections' content.

Other things to consider - actively participate, be consistent, and utilise various strategies to boost engagement on LinkedIn.

5. Optimise Your Talent Strategy: 8 Key Resources for Success ????

This recent post included a summary of valuable resources, webinars, and reports conducted over the past 18 months. These resources cover topics such as boosting job performance on LinkedIn, employer branding excellence, LinkedIn Learning, insights into the Unlimited Hiring Program, locating exceptional talent, global talent sourcing, profile optimisation strategies, and examination of the Green Skills Report.

A good one to bookmark and share with your team/colleagues ????.

6. ?? 8 podcasts to inspire you

I really enjoyed pulling this one together and it seems like you enjoyed it too. Like us all, love a good pod and love sharing it with people to enjoy ??.

This article features a diverse mix with potential takeaways for talent-related insights and personal well-being. The list includes podcasts on high performance, CEO diaries, health tips, women leadership, tech industry insights, vulnerability, and embracing failure. Check it out now!

7. ? 7 ways to improve your virtual meetings

I absolutely loved writing this one as I felt so inspired after completing Part 2 of The Persuasion Code, Part 2: The Neuroscience of Selling Remotely by Patrick Renvoise who specialises in neuroscience and human behavior. Highly recommend if you haven't checked them out ????

One key takeaway was how we should acknowledge the concept of "Zoom fatigue,", suggesting we need to keep our meetings concise. Other things I covered include the importance of body language, effective use of visual aids, and encouraging active participation to enhance the overall virtual meeting experience. Like us all, if you spend a lot of time on Teams/Zoom check it out for practical tips grounded in neuroscience for more engaging and productive virtual interactions.

That's a wrap for 2023! Thanks so much for sticking with us and getting involved ????

We'll be back in the New Year as we await the arrival of another Talent Bites family member ?? ??

Have a lovely festive season! ??

L