As women leaders, we've all experienced moments of feeling stuck, unheard, or undervalued in our careers. The feeling of rejection when building a business or the lack of recognition at work can erode our confidence and spark a downward spiral. I faced the glass ceiling and glass cliff over and over in my career - it made me question my self-worth and abilities. But through the rollercoaster ride of disappointments, I discovered a secret that helped me reclaim my power and transform my professional journey.
The secret is your personal brand.
At The CLUB, we believe in the power of women supporting women. As a former board member, I've witnessed firsthand how The CLUB community empowers each other to reach new heights. Today, I want to share a strategy that has been transformative for so many: leveraging your personal brand.
Personal branding is more than just a marketing buzzword—it's a powerful tool for personal development and career advancement. It's about intentionally defining and expressing your unique value, taking control of your narrative, and showcasing what makes you extraordinary.
Why does this matter? Consider these statistics from a 2021 Brand Study:
● 74% of Americans are more likely to trust someone with an established personal brand.
● 47% say a personal brand is more influential in their decisions than a corporate brand.
● 70% of Older Millennials think companies should teach all employees how to build their personal brand.
These numbers underscore a crucial point: your personal brand significantly influences how others perceive you, trust you, and value your contributions.
How can you harness this power?
1. Tell Your Story Authentically
Your personal brand story should be accurate, coherent, compelling, and differentiated. It's not about creating a false image but authentically communicating your unique value, expertise, and vision.
2. Determine Your Content Strategy
Consistently showcase your skills and expertise through thought leadership content. This could be articles, videos, podcasts, or speaking engagements that demonstrate your knowledge and perspective.
3. Engage and Network
Actively engage with your target audience on platforms like LinkedIn. Build authentic relationships and demonstrate your value to attract opportunities that align with your long-term objectives.
(Check out the free guide to optimizing LinkedIn at the end of this article.)
4. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key in personal branding. Regularly update your online presence, engage with your network, and continue to share valuable insights.
5. Evolve and Adapt
As you grow and your career evolves, so should your personal brand. Regularly reassess and refine your brand to ensure it accurately reflects your current goals and expertise.
Remember, personal branding puts you in the driver's seat. It empowers you to take control of your narrative and your career. When you invest in your personal brand, you're betting on yourself—and that's always a winning strategy.
As a CLUB member, you have a unique opportunity to support each other in this journey. Share your personal branding successes and challenges with the community. Offer feedback to yourfellow members. Elevate each other and create a powerful network of influential women leaders.
So, the next time you feel stuck or undervalued, remember that your personal brand is your superpower. Use it to showcase your unique value, build trust, and open doors to new opportunities. You deserve a personal brand that makes your voice heard and honors your value.
Your story matters. You matter. It's time to let the world know it.
Ready to start building your personal brand today? A strong LinkedIn profile is a table-stakes starting point for any leader looking to establish their professional presence.
Get your Free Quick Guide for Leaders to Optimize their LinkedIn Profile and take the first step towards showcasing your unique value and expertise.
Your LinkedIn profile is more than an online resume—it's your digital handshake, your personal brand, and a gateway to opportunities. Your LinkedIn profile helps you connect with the right people and showcase your expertise in a way that truly resonates. This quick guide provides key elements and an easy checklist so you can get started today! Download now.
Ready to level up with the power of your personal brand ?
Connect with Jeanel on LinkedIn for more tips and tricks, subscribe to our YouTube, or contact us here.
About Jeanel Carlson
As co-founder of OakBloom Marketing, Jeanel levels up leaders and entrepreneurs with their personal brand to build trust and exceed career, business, and life goals.
Join The Level-Up Club (TLC) community at OakBloomIQ.com.