Marketing yourself as an individual, often referred to as personal branding, is essential in today’s competitive environment.
If you want to get into Marketing as a career, or into other disciplines, you need to behave like a brand and apply key Marketing principles to yourself.
3 – Stay relevant in the marketplace
1 – Build brand ‘YOU’
To market yourself effectively, you need to know who your target audience is, what needs you aim to satisfy and how you can deliver those.
Building a personal brand is like building a branded product, except the product here is YOU.
You can apply several Marketing and brand building principles to yourself – and you will be amazed to see how many can directly apply to us, people.
Start by establishing the following:
a) What is your Story?
b) What is your Purpose?
c) What are your Values?
d) What is your Unique Value Proposition (what sets you apart from others)?
e) What is your Marketing Mix (your 4 P’s)?
f) What is your Brand Visual Identity & Tone of Voice?
With the above in mind, craft a clear and concise personal brand statement that communicates your overall brand proposition to potential employers or clients.
Once you are clear on your overall brand proposition to offer in the marketplace, you need to make sure that you are VISIBLE.
Like a brand, you need to reach your target audience, at scale, and build awareness of your offering.
Start with establishing your online presence, using several channels.
• Professional Website: Create a personal website or blog where you can showcase your work, share your expertise, and provide value to your audience.
• Social Media: Choose platforms that align with your goals and target audience. Maintain consistency in your profile pictures, bio, and content. Engage regularly by sharing updates, insights, and networking with others in your industry.
• Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Ensure it is complete, professional, and reflects your personal brand. Regularly update your profile with relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. Engage with your network by sharing insights, commenting on posts, and participating in discussions.
Alongside your digital visibility, build your physical visibility by connecting with people face to face.
• Network actively: Attend industry conferences, seminars and networking events. Connect with professionals in your target field, ask for advice and seek mentorship opportunities.
• Seek speaking opportunities: Offer to speak at conferences, webinars or workshops related to your field. Speaking engagements can enhance your visibility, credibility, and position you as an expert in your domain.
Building personal brand visibility is a continuous job so make sure you keep this in mind as you market yourself with potential employers or clients.
2 – Create value for others
As you build your personal brand in the marketplace, focus on providing value to your target audience rather than self-promotion alone.
• Be genuine and transparent in your interactions and communications: People are more likely to connect with and trust individuals who are authentic. Cultivate a positive online reputation by engaging respectfully and professionally across all platforms.
• Find your voice: Even if you are new to Marketing, be confident in expressing your point of view, observations, questions in your mind with a broad audience. Share articles you find interesting and encourage healthy debates within the Marketing and business community.
• Create high quality content: Share your knowledge and expertise through articles, videos, podcasts, or infographics. Consistently producing valuable content can position you as an authority in your field and attract a dedicated audience.
3 – Stay relevant in the marketplace
With on going competition in a fast-moving environment, make sure that your offering and personal branding stay relevant in the marketplace.
• Continuously learn and grow: Invest in your personal and professional development by acquiring new skills, qualifications and experience. Showcase your commitment to growth and learning, positioning yourself as a dedicated and forward-thinking individual.
• Anticipate future needs in the marketplace: Understand the broader business context and put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. Think how employers’ needs might evolve over time when it comes to new Marketing recruits. By being one step ahead, you can tailor your learning plan and personal branding, making you an attractive candidate and a strong bet in the marketplace.
• Seek testimonials and recommendations: Encourage colleagues, line managers, agencies, clients, mentors to provide feedback highlighting your skills, strengths and key contributions. Display these testimonials on your website, social channels and LinkedIn profile to build your credibility and relevance in the marketplace of today and tomorrow.
• Keep an eye on your online reputation: Regularly monitor your online presence and address any negative feedback or misinformation promptly.
So, as you learn to market yourself to start and progress your career, remember that personal branding is an ongoing process.
Building brand ‘YOU’ matters when joining the employment market, when working for an organisation and looking for your next career move.
Continuously evaluate and refine your strategy, work on the 4 C’s of personal branding, adapt to a changing marketplace and remain authentic in your interactions.
By effectively marketing yourself and staying true to your personal brand, you can create opportunities, build valuable connections and achieve your professional goals.