MY STORY - From Dream to Reality

When I decided to write this series of articles about my approach to professional branding, I knew I wanted to share secrets I learned from my life experiences. I will tell you what I learned and how I learned it. What worked for me will work for you. Here is MY STORY.

My dream of having my own business began early. My father was a veterinary hospital administrator for many years. Then he opened his own business, The Groomery, and became a well-known small business owner in San Francisco. My mother was a Licensed Vocational Nurse who worked in Real Estate and later joined my father in our family business. At home growing up, I learned the power of education and the independence that comes from business ownership.

As my traditional career took shape, I realized in spite of my success, I was getting farther and farther from my lifelong dream of having my own business. I decided to take action and get back on track. I turned to a professional who guided me toward some amazing discoveries. It all began with writing a plan. 

I knew it was important for me to remain committed to the people for whom I worked. I never lost sight of that; but in my private time, I quietly began developing a long-term career plan. The plan, I soon learned, was the first step toward creating a Professional Brand. Together with my guide, we created my own Professional Brand, I felt like I had learned the secret professionally successful people seemed to already know.

So, what am I talking about? Let’s start with the first question I asked, “What is a Professional Brand?”

A Professional Brand is a dramatic and powerful tool that defines and confirms who you are and what you stand for. You Professional Brand is based on your values and key assets. 

Your Professional Brand is what matters to a potential employer, networking contact, or anyone who can help you reach your career purpose.

Your Professional Brand is a means to keep you focused on your beliefs and the career journey you want. 

Creating my Professional Brand allowed me to find my way in a crowded marketplace while providing valuable direction when I came to forks-in-the-road of my career journey. I discovered a clear, concise Professional Brand becomes the vehicle that underscores your skills and experiences to employers.

Excited? It’s time to learn how to create a Professional Brand that works for you.

In the next article in the series, I will introduce you to Alexis whose experience will be enlightening. What worked for Alexis and me will work for you. Join me next time as we begin guiding you toward how you can begin building your own Professional Brand. 

Note: This is Part 2 of a 4-part series.

Click here for Part 1: An Introduction to Professional Branding

Click here for Part 3: My Secrets to Creating My Professional Brand

Click here for Part 4: Sharing Your Professional Brand With The World

Debra Plousha Moore is one of the nation’s foremost authorities in the fields of leadership development, governance, professional branding, human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion.

She is the founder and principal of the Plousha Moore Group a boutique consulting firm, offering customized executive-level leadership and advisory services.

“For more than 35 years, I have been honored to serve with many amazing executive leaders through a broad spectrum of C-suite functions. Let me assist you with the next steps in your career journey.” Learn more at Plousha Moore Group.