Marketing Yourself Effectively
The hiring process is changing rapidly. Long gone are the days where a solid resume and stellar references are good enough to nail the job you want. It has become important now, more than ever, that we as employees --the workforce, understand that our skills and our talents, and even us as individuals, are a marketable asset that we can leverage.
You Are Your Best Marketable Asset
Everyone has something interesting and exciting about themselves. Wether its a sport you play, a talent you have, or languages that you speak. Your talents, your passions, and your interests are all marketable in your search for that perfect job. Consider how you already combine these elements and analyze how you might utilize them when it comes to problem solving and innovating. Understand what hard and soft skills you're good at and concentrate on your unique qualities.
Knowledge is Power
Highlight what you know and learn more about it. Share your thoughts with others and the experts in your field. Grow your reputation and your influence by actively engaging in these topics with informed and thoughtful opinions. One of the best things you can do for your brand is to position yourself as a person of expertise to media representatives in your field. Additionally, its important to contribute constantly to the discourse in your field wether through written articles, opinions on social media, or even blog posts just as I am now. My experience in flexible workspaces and the lovely people at Village Workspaces, afford me the chance to write on topics that I know. Hopefully, many of you find informative and insightful.
Real Connections
Experts tend to attract other experts. Build connections within your community of other like-minded individuals. You never know when it might lead you down the path of greatness. Social connections are very powerful and having a strong network of those who support you as well as challenge you are invaluable to building a strong brand for yourself. Within those connections, look for ways to position yourself as an advisor or mentor to your community. Nonprofits and charities are great ways to use your talents for good.
Utilize Technology
Given that people are generally social beings, put those social media accounts to work. Being active on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are priceless. One viral post is all it could take for your career to take off or get noticed by that one company you've always dreamed of working for.
The World is Watching
Its important to note that as you grow your influence so too grow the numbers of eyes on you. Every word, every tweet, says who you are to the world. Never lose sight of who you are and be aware that slip ups have consequences. Companies spend a lot of money to keep up appearances and how they are perceived by everyone. While you aren't a company, you need to do the same to your reputation. Always been intensional with the things you say and the things you do.
No matter what stage you are in your career, marketing yourself is essential to maintaining and furthering your professional goals. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned veteran, there are always ways to improve how you present yourself to potential employers, clients, and colleagues.