Wednesday, December 22, 2010

What is my 'Brand' and why should I care? Part 2…How to begin to establish your 'Brand'...

As PART 1 of this article shows, a ‘brand’ is simply any clear, credible and compelling story that connects with a specific audience.

Successful brands generate larger and/or more interested audiences. It works for Coke, Nike and McDonalds just as it does for Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp and Bart Simpson. These are specific brands which generate specific followings.

So, how does this apply to job seekers?

Well, start with what is known:

FACT 1: People hire people they know.

FACT 2: ‘Networking’ is still the best way to get a job.

FACT 3: The goal of ‘networking’ is to make contact with employers before a job comes available.

When you network you are essentially trying to tell your story in a way so that when an employer has a job opening and asks themselves, “Who do I know?” they will think of you.

This is where ‘branding’ comes in. Your brand is your story and networking is how you get your story out there. In order for that to happen you have to first know yourself. Then you must consider where you came from and how that connects with where you want to go.

Your Brand is simply the essence of these steps directly related to your target companies.

Step 1…know yourself
Step 2…know where you are coming from
Step 3…know where you are going

If you can successfully connect these three steps you will have a much better chance of making an impression on those you speak with. In turn, your ‘brand’ will be clearly seen and employers who meet you will have you in mind when their jobs come available.

As you go about establishing your brand please keep this in mind…
'6 Personal Branding Mistakes That Can Threaten Your Job Search’

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