The Power of Personal Branding

Personal branding is not about being flashy, it's not boasting, it is about being smart and remaining focused on your career.

As someone who's knee-deep in the hustle of being an executive assistant, I get how you "don't have the time" but you need to know that I've seen firsthand the game-changing impact of personal branding in our careers.

Today, I'm going to break down the myths and misunderstandings surrounding personal branding for administrative or business support professionals of any level.

Let's open our eyes, learn more to do more and understand it's not just for businesses or for people who "have something to sell".

Personal branding is about learning to present yourself to the world in a way that showcases your unique value and personality. It's not about bragging or boasting, it's about being authentic and confident in who you are and what you do. It is your reputation.

"Doing is the game. If you’re not doing, nothing’s happening".- Gary Vaynerchuk

Why is personal branding important to Administrative Assistants?

Well, in today's very competitive and fast-paced world, you need to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression, being known as that "go-to" person extends past being the "go-to" just in the office.

Whether you're looking for a new job, internal promotion or new responsibilities, want to start something for yourself, or being a thought leader to elevate the profession, having a strong personal brand can help you achieve your goals, add credibility and social proof as well as open up new opportunities.

It is also important to say personal branding is not just about posting content on social media- it is the whole package. How you show up, how you speak up, the "value adds" you can communicate, your ideas, and your professional persona on and offline.

If you do have career aspirations of any kind, one other piece of advice I have had is, not to expect your network and contacts to help you out quickly when you need it the most.

Asking for help in looking for a new role when you are in a crisis is stressful. You will see better results if your personal brand is established and the professional relationships (networking) you have nurtured then become your backbone.

Example: Have you ever been asked to recommend someone for a role or direct to an Executive but you just don't know what they are like, or how they act, and find it hard to vouch for them because you don't know what they stand for or what their value and expertise is? Yes? now you are thinking about what a poor recommendation can do for your own reputation or personal brand.

So, how do I get started?

Here are some very simple steps to get you started.

1. Find your why. Think about what motivates you, what you're passionate about, and what you want to achieve long term. Your personal brand should reflect your purpose and vision.
2. Tell your story. Share your lived experiences, your achievements, how you got there and also your challenges. Your personal brand should showcase your journey and your growth. This will inspire and inform others.
3. Keep it consistent. Make sure your message, the value you add and your overall image are aligned across platforms e.g if you have different personas on different platforms, choose which ones are private and which ones are public and professional. Committing to a cadence of posting value-driven information on professional social media is also important.
4. Be you. Don't try to copy or imitate someone else. Embrace your uniqueness, your strengths, and your flaws. Your personal brand should be genuine and original.
5. Get online. Create and update your online profiles, especially LinkedIn. Engage with your network, share your insights, and showcase your work. Your personal brand should be visible and relevant. Be choosy with what you engage in, comment on and follow- does it align with your vision and purpose?

Personal branding is not a one-time effort, nor an empty profile waiting for when you need a new job. Showing up for yourself to maintain your credibility takes time and requires constant improvement and self-reflection.

I have found it very useful to collaborate with like-minded people and seek feedback from others, so don't be afraid to ask for help, network with others or seek mentorship to get you started. Celebrate and share all that you have achieved with meaningful valuable content.

There are many people out there waiting to be inspired by YOU, do they know you are out there?

By Jodie Mears - contact me if you need any 1:1 advice.

NETWORK LEARN GROW