Personal branding is a vital part of a successful career and job search. It can have long-term effects on your career path as well as your earning potential.
Hardhat Professionals share personal branding tips for career success.
Personal branding is an ongoing process where you establish a professional image, leaving an impression on others about who you are, what you can do, and why they should want to work with you. Personal branding is about what people know you for professionally, how people view you, and the value you bring to others.
Herewith personal branding tips from Construction and Built Environment Professionals
1. Identify what makes you unique
Your personal brand should be based on your most authentic self, so think about what makes you you. Present an image that comes naturally to you. People can often pick up on – and then avoid – personal brands they perceive as fake or disingenuous. Don't try to mimic someone else’s brand and make it your own. Instead, dig into the aspects of yourself that you admire most. Consider your skills, passions, interests, core values and experiences. At first glance, they might not seem special to you. However, once you combine them, you’ll have a better idea of the package you can present to your audience.
2. Hone in on your vision
Once you’ve identified the core parts of your brand, focus on the elements that will put your ideas into motion. Start with your vision – the direction in which you want to take your brand. When you think of your brand at its highest point of success, what thoughts come to mind? Do you see yourself inspiring business executives around the world to reach their greatest potential? Maybe you want to help companies form personal relationships with their clients to drive record sales. Incorporate this into your personal brand.
3. Define your mission
Your brand’s mission is how you plan to achieve your vision. It states what you want to accomplish and what will drive your everyday operations and actions. For example, your mission might be to help businesses streamline their project management processes so they can consistently deliver outstanding products to clients. Whatever your mission, it should be tailored to help you reach your brand’s biggest goals.
4. Be consistent
Regarding personal branding, consistency is key. Stick with the vision, passions, expertise and other core parts of your brand you identified during the earlier steps of establishing your brand. This way, people can more easily recognize your brand and distinguish it from others.
Consistency applies to everything from your messaging to your tone, website text fonts and colors, slogans and the quality of your work. Establishing consistent habits early on can help you create a strong, identifiable brand.
5. Treat your CV as a bio update it constantly
Consider your CV to be your bio for the purpose of your personal brand. Your CV is a bit more formal as a stand-alone document that you would use when applying for a new job. Boil the contents of your CV down into a short and powerful narrative that you can attach as your bio to your web profiles, blog posts, and other internet-based writing.
ALSO READ: Top 10 CV mistakes Hardhat Professionals whish they did not make.
Your professional bio will also be an integral part of every application you make for freelance gigs or for speaking and presenting opportunities. Your bio should include your education and work experiences, published works, awards, community activities, and some personal interest information. Keep your bio up to date by including important events as you accomplish them.
6. Networking
Networking with other people face-to-face is not just for when you are looking for a job. It is a full-time and ongoing process, even when you are not currently considering changing positions or careers. Networking provides insight into others’ career paths that you might never otherwise receive. Always seek out opportunities to meet new people in your business or industry.
Your personal brand will grow with every new relationship you make inside your industry. Attend as many conferences and social opportunities as possible and don’t be shy about introducing yourself and adding value to every new connection you make.
Overall, the main thing that can help you to advance your personal brand and career—whether you’re staying where you are or you’re ready for a career change. Become an expert at what you do.
These hardhatCAREERTIPS were compiled with the input from Construction and Built Environment Professionals (Hardhat Professionals)
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