Your Brand Is Beyond Your Career
Hello dear readers. It’s been a long while since I had my last post. My apologies, I’ve been busy with the day time job and a lot of consultancy on the sides. Not to mention the time I spend with my new found love… running. Ha ha ha
Alright, we blogged a lot about personal branding both online and on the real world, and this is more on positioning our career in the marketplace. We also discussed about using web 2.0 to our advantage. But there are corporations and clients that are looking beyond what you can bring to the table, more than the skills they are looking at the added value you’ll bring to the organization.
A more holistic organization looks may the whole brand, or the entire package, so to speak. Veering away from a compartmentalized approach of brand management, i.e. professional brand is different from personal.
Allow me to use Michael Phelps, one of the greatest American athlete/swimmer as an illustration. After he was caught doping, his brand was damaged and endorsements were affected.
So let’s run a little test of your BRAND, what added value can you provide to the organization?
On Networking
Inter-personal relationship, in the age of networking and technology, provide added value in Marketing. Who you are connected with professionally and politically matters. Are you active in Social Networking Sites like Facebook, Multiply and Twitter? If so, then who are you connected with. Employees family and connections matter in some product and services.
On (In/Formal) Leadership
Do you yield influence on people? Who follows you on what and why are they following you?
On Hobbies/Interest
Are your hobbies or interest beneficial to an organization? Years back, when I am still connected with a retail firm. Part of the yearly calendar is mini olympics. Therefore, when selecting new employees, we give preference to applicants who is into sports or cheerleading.
On Personal life
Some companies even factor in marital status. A married applicant sometimes are regarded as a bit stable compare with single applicants. And a lot of other personal stuffs that may be deemed discriminatory by progressive groups.
While these are not the case always, it is better to position our brand holistically. Care to share your thoughts?
Your Thoughts