Wait, I have a Brand?!

When we think of the word Brand, what first comes to mind?  Well, depending on where you live in the world this could be related to livestock in some way.  This is definitely not the type of Brand I am referring to.  I am referring to our personal Brand, either as a candidate, an employer or an employee.  For the purposes of this article I am using the following definition;

Unique design, sign, symbol, words, or a combination of these, employed in creating an image that identifies a product and differentiates it from its competitors

As individuals it is critically important to separate ourselves from the pack, but that is becoming ever more difficult because right now everyone is building an image to prove there worth to others.  The question that arises, at least in my mind, is just getting your name "out there" really branding.  I have been in the talent acquisition field since 1995 when I was given an undeserving opportunity to prove myself as a technical recruiter.  Over that time friends have come into the industry and left the industry.  During the mortgage crisis, and this was always unexplained to me, real estate professionals became recruiters.  Now that the market is going through a course correction they are back in real estate. With that said, did they make there mark as a real estate professional?  A recruiter?  Or again as a real estate professional?  I am just using real estate as an example, there are plenty of professions that have went through transformations over the years, I just happen to personally know people that went through this particular journey.

In those 20 years since entering the talent acquisition arena I hope that my name has been associated with a positive thought of honesty and integrity.  But how do we make ourselves known in the market.  I have two words, Social Media.  Create an opportunity to provide information and thought leadership on not only something that you are an expert in, but also something that you are passionate about.  And let the world know it.  I once read, "If you're good at something, never do it for free".  I am not one that can work for free, and my wife would second that statement, but I love helping people.  Whether that is helping them to find a job or helping them invent, or re-invent, who they are, I will provide that advice all day long. 

A few steps that I have found to be helpful as I have built a reputation over the years;

• Start a blog - Sharing your thoughts with the world is a great outlet to share your skills and expertise
• Be Real - Don't share what you think other people want to hear, share content that is important to YOU.  Content that is meaningful to who you are and what you want to represent.
• Share Your Opinions - Let people know what you think.  Keep in mind though, don't over post, or over share, make sure you stand behind your views and are comfortable being seen in that light.
• Share Your Expertise - No matter where we are located in the world, someone somewhere is interested in what we have to offer.  Everyone is an expert at something, look at YouTube, they are all over this great site.
• Take An Inventory - Google yourself, see what comes up in that search.  Do you like what you see?  Is this the real you?  Do you want to be seen as the professional at the top of his career or the frat guy that probably shouldn't have posted that picture.

A personal brand is all about who we are and what we represent.  A brand should not change who we are but rather solidify the real us and what we stand for.

Happy Branding