In today’s topsy-turvy marketplace, job security may seem like a pipe dream. In the midst of downsizing, stock market turmoil, and layoffs, how can you make sure you keep your name off any pink list? One key way you can create employment insurance is by learning how to effectively define and communicate your unique personal brand at work.
Here are some personal branding tips to make sure you’ll have a job even if times get tough:
one. Understand the needs of your audience. We tend to think that personal branding is about ego, that it’s about “you.” But just as successful corporate marketers ensure that their products meet the needs of consumers, personal branders must ensure that their brands also meet the needs of their audience. If you’re not sure exactly what your boss needs from you, ask for! Then do all you can to meet those needs. Become indispensable. It’s a surefire way to ensure that you continue to be valuable in the eyes of your employer.
2. Know your strengths and take advantage of them all. What talents and skills do you bring to your company? Are there any strengths that you are not fully utilizing at work? Can you offer more skills than you offer now? Give all the talent you have to your company, and you will be someone your company cannot afford to lose.
3. Go beyond your job description. As you build on your strengths, think about doing more than what your job description specifies. Anyone who does only what is required of them will be among the first to fall into a layoff situation. That’s why strong personal brand builders look for ways to go beyond their job descriptions. Be prepared to show flexibility and versatility. Find ways to be proactive, doing tasks before you are asked to do them. Think about making it easier for your supervisors. Not only will you become a great asset to your employer, but you’ll also find yourself taking more pride in what you do.
Four. Strengthen your credibility. Do you want to be known as one of the best in your company at what you do? Use experience, education, and endorsements to elevate you into a high-performing image. What experience do you have that shows you can perform certain tasks on the job? Are you using all of your appropriate past experience that you can? Can you take a seminar or course to build your credibility at work? Are you asking clients and supervisors for endorsements or testimonials that you can use to show your value?
5. Keep in mind the character of your personal brand. Think of your brand’s character as your prevailing attitude, temperament, and personality. It’s like the difference between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Their ingredients are more or less the same, but each brand has its own “character” created by marketing experts. The same applies to smart personal brands. Remember that employers want to work with people they like. Is the character you display in the work the type of character that will appeal to your audience? This is a critical part of a successful personal brand.
6. Be consistent. Everything you do should communicate your personal brand. By staying consistent with your brand, your employer will know they can count on you to deliver every day. This means you should also look and sound like part of your personal brand. Dress professionally and be sure to speak articulately. Study body language, to learn how to present yourself as open and friendly. All of these efforts will not only help you keep a job, but may even get you promoted.
7. Learn to manage your reactions. We’ve all been victims of knee-jerk reactions, but they almost never pay off. Nine times out of ten, you’ll remember an angry response and wish you could turn back the clock. So, at a time when you think you might be the victim of a knee-jerk reaction, learn to breathe and hold on to your emotions. Take the time you need to rationally express your opinions. It will do your personal brand good… and you won’t regret it later.
8. Keep a positive attitude. Don’t get sucked into the abyss of “misery” that seems to widen every time the stock market plummets. No matter what is going on around you, thinking negatively will not help anything. In fact, he might take you down with the ship. After all, science is beginning to discover that your thoughts may have more power than we… well, thought. So, work to keep your thoughts positive and hope for the best. Not only will it make your life easier during difficult times, but it can also help you create a better future…sooner rather than later.
Whether or not you’re worried your job might be in jeopardy, mastering your personal brand is one of the best ways to not only ensure job security, but also earn a higher salary and career advancement. Being known for your powerful personal brand lets everyone know that you are someone to watch. What better job insurance is there than that?