6 TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN SHAPING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
1
Personal values
Stick to your values. If you don’t know what you stand for it is too easy to get swayed which may ultimately take you down another path. This requires courage at times, as your values may not be aligned with the organisation, or people may ask you to behave in a way not in line with your values. When that happens you need to make a decision whether you can live with that or not. Values underpin behaviours and can’t be negotiable or compromised. 2
Assume the position (one especially for the women)
Too often as women when we are given an opportunity to step up we are so thankful we forget the value we are bringing. This needs
to stop! This also goes for your remuneration, don’t wait to deliver successful outcomes before you negotiate your package! 3
Don’t wait to get noticed
Do not work on the basis that if you do a good job, others will notice or hear about it. You need to be your own PR machine. I know for “Kiwis”, especially women, struggle to do this but when it comes to your own career you need to spread the word. Achievement is not a dirty word. 4
Have an opinion
When you are in meetings or one-on-one with your manager – make sure you give them your opinion – even if it’s different to theirs. I value people who think differently; I actively seek out those that will tell it to me straight and not tell me what I want to hear. Contributing makes you memorable – it demonstrates engagement and interest. Group thinking kills business – diversity is not just about gender or ethnicity or age it’s also about diversity of thought – make sure you give yours. 5
Know your gaps and fill them
If you want to take the next step in your career, start planning now. Identify your transferrable skills and where your gaps are, then go out and find opportunities to fill those gaps. This could be putting your hand up for projects outside your core role, finding a mentor, short courses – don’t hope that your gaps will get filled or worse, still accept that you just have them and can’t learn. Be proactive to put yourself in the best position possible. 6
The human touch
You need to network internally and externally.
Internal network. Internally your department or team isn't the business so don’t build your entire view from your desk, get out across the business and understand different perspectives. The water cooler conversations are priceless, people get to know you and connect with you. If you understand how different teams work and their issues when you take on bigger roles you are more likely to know how to get buy in and where you can make a difference.
External network. There are so many online channels we connect on, but nothing can replace face time, genuinely connecting with people. Set yourself a target of every week/ month meeting with your contacts and look for ways you can help them. Listen to what is happening in their world and see where you can add value. Is it sharing a podcast about something that is of interest to them, is it connecting them with someone who could be a good contact for them or a potential client. Get out and see speakers of interest, when you attend events you are interested in you already have a connection with the other people in the room. Consider tying your networking into where your gaps are – actively seek events or activities to address your gaps.