Building your personal brand in a new environment can be challenging. When you’ve moved to a new city or country, made a career change or simply taken on a new job opportunity, it’s important to establish yourself and build your credibility in the workplace from day one.
I’d say that the first 90 days are particularly important in creating a good impression and ensuring people have positive perceptions of you. While this can seem daunting, see it as an opportunity. It’s a fresh start and a chance to show people the best of yourself.
Think through how you want to be perceived. What are the traits you want to be known for? What will make you really stand out in your new position or space?
Think about the projects, initiatives or actions that you can put in place to help you stand out. Then package your achievements so that your new colleagues and boss can understand the value you deliver. Here are a few things to try:
Take on responsibility
If you want to stand out, you need to put your hand up and take on responsibility. Volunteer for projects that come up or even start an initiative of your own. Be proactive in finding ways to show the value that you can add.
Start building your network early on
Don’t wait to start connecting with people and building relationships. Think about the top people in your new environment that you want to know about your skills, talents and passion, and find ways that you can help them through doing what you are good at. This might be as simple as asking really good questions in meetings, or it might mean linking them up with resources or people who can meet a need they have. It might mean suggesting and spearheading a new project in the office.
Use the power of social media
The beauty of social media is that it’s not location constrained. You can leverage existing connections in your new environment, as well as building new ones. If you haven’t been active on social media previously, your move is a great opportunity to do so. Identify one social media channel that suits your goals and your technological abilities and get stuck in. Learn the ropes and research how to get the most use out of it. Execute daily for three months and then measure the results.
Join a new group
If you’ve just moved to a new location, joining a group that meets regularly is not only a good way to build a network, but also to develop a good support structure. Whether it’s a local chamber of commerce, an industry body, an exercise group or a church, temple or synagogue, getting out and meeting new people is important. Develop relationships and look for ways to help the people you meet. You will be amazed at how living abundantly will open up new opportunities for you, often through the most unlikely people.
This article originally appeared in WeathWise magazine