When it comes to personal branding, the strategies for success are shifting with today’s business environment of hybrid workplaces. As you move into the new world of work, there is an aspect of yourself you may need to re-ignite by adding some new strategies to your personal branding arsenal.
Think about it – 18 months into working from home and we’ve let things go. We haven’t needed to show up and, in some ways, have been hiding behind our screens and letting our brand identities fade away. The world and the way we work has changed drastically, so it is only fitting that your personal brand evolve too.
As the Covid-19 crisis takes on a new form and you plan your return to the workplace you have one powerful asset that will prepare you: your personal brand.
Here are our tips on using personal branding to ensure a successful comeback.
Take a step back to move forward
This pause may have created an opportunity to rethink what’s important to you and where you can deliver the greatest value. Returning to where you were may not be what you want or need. After all, you’ve learned a lot about yourself and may have gained new skills and a little bit of perspective.
You should return to work with meaning and purpose, giving you the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and voice. This requires that you spend some time reflecting on the key drivers of your personal brand – your purpose, values, passions, superpowers, and your differentiators.
The first and most important step in personal branding is getting clear on your unique promise of value. Focus on what you can control, and you’ll find yourself better prepared for a post-lockdown world.
Here are some questions to help you with your introspection:
- What’s the difference you want to be known for?
- How do you want to be seen by your colleagues?
- What will define your personal brand?
- What will make you the ‘go to’ brand?
Create a competitive advantage
Think about what differentiates you from others. What’s unique about the way you do what you do?
You can no longer count on talent alone to provide a competitive edge.
If you want to differentiate yourself from your peers, you will have to boost the level of trust others have in you. There’s no better way to build credibility and to stand out than by creating a strong personal brand.
Be bold about what you bring to the table.
“Promote your strengths. Remind the world why you are special and why it is special to do business with you.”
Fill in the gaps
When revitalising your personal brand, it’s key to look at what your brand gaps might be. Identify both the hard skills gaps that you may need re-education on, and the softer skills that might be core strengths but are not widely perceived as part of your brand.
You will need a transition plan, and that’s ok. Once you know what the gaps are, how your strengths support them or mitigate them and how you might be able to reframe or build these skills, you will be on your way to a reenergized brand.
Build a valuable network
When done tactfully and effectively, networking can take your personal brand to the next level, which in turn can boost your career. Step outside your comfort zone, be intentional about meeting others in the same industry and be of value to your connections whenever possible. It could lead to a relationship that might change the direction of your life.
Everywhere you show up, physically or virtually, is an opportunity for you to add to your new or refreshed narrative and build the personal brand that will light you up and support the career you truly want to build.
Here’s to your re-ignition!