The need for a personal brand in your field of experience and workplace is well documented and an important investment. Your brand is linked to your reputation and your ability to establish trust to work well with others and be seen as a value add. What is not so well documented are the deep-reaching benefits of having a positive one, and equally the costs of having a negative one.
The following are direct results and benefits of having a positive personal brand in your workplace or sector, and most of them stem from proactively building strong working relationships:
- You can be more influential as your credibility is already established
- You attract opportunities both in your career and professional development. It can help you land roles, stay employable in the market, and accelerate promotions
- It establishes you as an expert in your field
- People already trust you and your integrity when you ask them for information or assistance or offer to do something for them. You are not forever starting from scratch in establishing your credentials to undertake a task or deliver a professional service
- Importantly, life and work are both more fun! You can enjoy the relaxed sense of familiarity that you have when you are working with people who trust you
So, how do I build my personal brand in the workplace?
- Define what your personal brand is, firstly, and then identify your unique points. Determine what you want to be known for and what your key value-add will be and learn how to communicate that.
- Carefully and honestly self-analyse the insights, skills and competencies you can offer people both inside and outside your organisation
- Demonstrate consistency. Do what you say you are going to do in the workplace – actions matter much more than words
- Say yes to opportunities when they come your way, put your hand up more often than not. Find initiatives and organisational goals or projects that are aligned with your brand and put your hand up to get involved
- Be professional and present well. Be mature and conduct yourself well.
- Offer assistance and go above and beyond when it matters. Help out those in your network where you can.
- Live the company values that you align with
- Be yourself. Be real and authentic, because in a world that is threatened by superficiality in human and professional relationships, authenticity wins every time!
Be proud of what you have to offer, and revel in your personal brand because you are as unique as your DNA!
Mikahla Smith
Executive Consultant – Group Solutions
Mikahla began her career working for a small business consulting firm before joining Optimum Consulting in 2010 as a Consultant. She has since gained over 10 years’ experience in the industry and over this time has held a number of leadership roles (both onshore and offshore) and is currently an Executive Consultant – Group Solutions.
