Picture this: you’ve become a go-to source of knowledge and inspiration in your workplace. You’re sought after by colleagues and peers in marketing for your insights and expertise. And you’ve developed skills that you’ve always dreamed of. What if you could achieve this level of influence by focusing on building your personal brand?
In the past few years, the idea of employees cultivating their own personal brands has grown in popularity—and it’s easy to see why. It shows you’re staying current in marketing, gaining recognition for your contributions, and being passionate about the field. This not only elevates your career but also adds value to your organization.
A study by Cross-tab revealed that 85% of hiring managers consider a strong personal brand to be an essential factor when evaluating job candidates. That doesn’t just stop after the hiring process! By developing and promoting your unique personal brand, you’ll increase your visibility and credibility in the industry in the long run.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of building your personal brand to enhance your chances of landing that promotion. Let’s dive in!
Define your unique value proposition
Your personal brand is all about what sets you apart from your peers. Start by identifying your “unique value proposition,” or UVP. What combination of skills, experiences, and qualities makes you stand out in the marketing world? What excites you so much you would work a few hours of overtime to make it happen?
Think about your strengths, passions, and areas of expertise, and consider how they align with your career goals. Your UVP should be concise and easy to communicate so it’s clear to others what you bring to the table. Remember, if you’re excited about something, that will always enable you to communicate with others more effectively.
Develop a consistent online presence
Your online presence plays a significant role in shaping your personal brand. Wherever you have a professional online presence be sure to:
- Use a professional-looking profile picture with good lighting
- Craft a compelling bio that highlights your UVP
- Showcase your accomplishments/portfolio
Consistency not only makes you easily recognizable but also helps to establish the trust and credibility that current and future employees are looking for.
Leverage LinkedIn
We recommend focusing on LinkedIn as the platform to start with. You should focus on sharing relevant industry news, engaging in discussions, and offering insights and advice on topics related to your area of expertise.
This will demonstrate your knowledge, position you as a thought leader, and help you grow your professional network. Be sure to engage with influencers and join industry-specific groups and forums to expand your reach. It’s important to comment and engage with others as much as you post about yourself. People are more likely to follow people who they believe genuinely care about them!
Create valuable content
Content creation is an essential aspect of personal branding. By creating and sharing high-quality content, such as articles, videos, or podcasts, you’ll showcase your expertise and provide value to your audience. Instead of simply re-posting, try to come up with unique opinions, perspectives, and contributions that differentiate you from the field. As you consistently share valuable content, you’ll establish yourself as a go-to resource in your niche and gain the attention of decision-makers who can influence your career growth.
Network strategically
Networking is crucial for expanding your professional circle and boosting your personal brand. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with like-minded marketers. Be genuine, come prepared with questions, and focus on building meaningful relationships rather than just connecting online. A strong network can open doors to new opportunities, including jobs and side hustles. It can also help you gain visibility within your organization and the marketing community at large.
Seek recommendations
Having others vouch for your skills and expertise can significantly enhance your personal brand. Request recommendations from colleagues, managers, and clients on LinkedIn. By seeking recommendations from your colleagues, managers, and clients, you’ll enhance your online reputation and bolster your personal brand. This can make you a more attractive candidate for a promotion or as a new hire elsewhere; you never know who is looking at your profile!
Pursue professional development
Continuously investing in your professional development is a key aspect of personal branding. Stay current with industry trends, attend training sessions, and get relevant certifications. If possible, identify key needs and your field and grow skills in that area. This not only makes you a better marketer but also signals to your organization that you’re passionate and committed to growth within the industry.
Build a reputation for excellence
Your personal brand is closely tied to the quality of your work. Strive for excellence in all your projects by proactively finding solutions, communicating with kindness, and going the extra mile to exceed expectations. Create a reputation for being a high-performing marketer by exceeding expectations wherever possible—but never at the expense of your mental or physical health, of course!
Be an active participant in your organization
To strengthen your personal brand, it’s essential to be an active participant within your company. Volunteer for cross-functional projects, contribute to internal discussions, and offer your insights and ideas during meetings. By making yourself visible and engaged, you’ll demonstrate your value and commitment to the company’s success, increasing the likelihood of being considered for a promotion. You’ll also enjoy working at the company more if you feel your opinions are valued and implemented across projects.
Monitor and refine your personal brand
Building a strong personal brand is an ongoing process. Regularly assess the impact of your personal branding efforts, and make adjustments as needed. Track your online engagement and analyze the results of your content creation efforts. By monitoring and refining your personal brand, you’ll stay aligned with your career goals and continue to make a positive impression on your peers and superiors.
Conclusion
Your personal brand is a powerful tool for advancing your marketing career. By defining your UVP, developing a consistent online presence, and strategically leveraging networking and content creation, you’ll stand out in the marketing world and position yourself for success.
