Building Your Brand

What does it mean to brand yourself? When you think of the golden arches, what comes to mind? Mcdonalds of course. That’s because the golden arches is part of their brand. What do you want people to think about when your name comes up in a discussion.

You need to network with everyone you know, and even those you don’t, when you are in the job market. I once said hello to a girl in front of me at Starbucks. I asked how she was and she said I’m unemployed, how are you. From there we had a brief discussion in line and then sat together for a bit so I could get to know more about her. She had no idea I was a professional recruiter but she wanted me to know she was unemployed. Everyone you meet is a potential connection to someone you don’t currently know.

Make sure you have that two minute elevator speech. If you only had two minutes to tell someone who you are, what you can offer and what you’re looking for, could you do it? Perfect that speech. Make sure you are using social media as you job search and brand yourself. Did you know that more than 70% of the professional jobs that are open today will never hit a job board. They are filled via networking -someone knowing someone who they think is a good fit for the job.

Evaluate yourself. Identify what you have to offer. Identify exactly what kind of position you are looking for –otherwise, you may sell yourself short. Network. Have a powerful two minute elevator speech and your opportunities are endless.

What is your brand? Know it. Sell it.