Being a Character, or Being You?
When you hear the phrase "personal branding", what comes to mind? Aggressive self-promotion? Self aggrandizement? Superficial networking, fake smiles, slapping backs and rubbing elbows? It certainly can manifest that way. But at BCS Kansas, we believe personal branding can be done in a way that is genuine to you (yes, the real you). We also believe it's one of the keys to achieving your career goals.
Healthy personal branding isn't about bragging, it’s about focus. It means being crystal clear about who you are, what you stand for, and what you bring to the table. Most people are far more memorable than they realize. But one problem many of them have is finding focus, resisting the urge to say too many things at once. The strongest brands are simple, built through repetition and consistency over time.
"Dress" Your Product
When you think of product brands, the first ones to come to mind probably have something in common: consistency, and a distinct message and/or appearance. In terms of you and your career — your skills, experience, and personality are the product. Since you're not a tin can and probably don't want to wrap yourself in a printed label, you must find another way to present a focused "look" for your product. This could be the header on your LinkedIn profile, the color palette of your business card, a personal logo, a catch phrase, a tagline, so on and so forth. But what's even more important is keeping that look consistent. When you show up as the same version of yourself every single time, you create instant recognition before you even say a word. If you're constantly shifting your aesthetic, you inadvertently force hiring managers and new connections to relearn who you are.
Know Thyself, So Others Can Know You Too
If someone has difficulty briefly describing who you are, what you do, and what's special about those two things, it'll be difficult for them to succinctly recommend you. Opportunities open and close at the last minute. So if you make it easy for others to describe you in a single sentence, you make it easier for them to "boost" you to third parties you might not yet have met.
Ready to stand out? Defining your unique professional footprint takes time, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Connect with the team at BCS Kansas today to align your personal brand with your career trajectory.