Building Your Brand

 

  • Where did this value come from? What is a story/example of what it looks like to you?

  • Do you know if/how the way you perceive yourself differs from the way others perceive you? How could we create greater alignment?

  • How is your position and work viewed in the organization?  How do you know? Where do you get feedback on your brand?

 

Self SWOT

Personal Brand Canvas: click here

Strengths:

  • What experiences, achievements, and expertise differentiate me from others?

  • What qualities, skills, and credentials do I bring to the table?

  • What network of supporters do I have (i.e., sponsors, mentors, advocates)?

Weaknesses:

  • What are the areas of improvement that may hinder my career progression? What feedback have I received in performance reviews?

  • How can I address these weaknesses (i.e., gaps in my qualifications or experiences) and acquire the skills and knowledge to reach my career goals?

Opportunities:

  • What opportunities exist within my organization or industry for career growth (i.e., professional associations, nonprofit volunteering positions, thought leadership)?

  • Are there any emerging trends, technologies (i.e., AI, design thinking, etc.), or knowledge/capabilities that I can leverage to propel my career forward?

  • Are there any mentorship or coaching programs available that can support my career development?

Threats:

  • Are there any potential obstacles or challenges that may impede my career progression?

  • Are there any changes in the company structure (i.e., promotion/hiring freeze, layoffs, flat structure, etc) that could impact my career trajectory?

  • Are there any external factors (i.e., recessions, industry consolidation or automation) that could affect my career prospects?

 

Discuss:

•What was “wrong” with your network (if anything)?

  1.  Birds of a feather: Your contacts are too homogeneous, all like you.

  2. Network lag: Your network is about your past, not your future.

  3. Echo chamber: Your contacts are all internal; they all know each other.

  4. Pigeonholing: Your contacts can’t see you doing something different.

How can you share what you bring?

  • Context: Relevant challenges space you work in (short simple background)

  • Action: What you do in that space—
    I help, I build, I create, I connect, etc.

  • Audience: Who you help

  • Proof Point: Example of where you have done the above (Bonus— show your values)

  • LKF (little know fact): Interesting stat/fact, upcoming trend, something that would surprise people outside your area, but still be useful to them. Just ONE thing.