5 Career Tips to Create a Unique Professional Brand

by Debra Wheatman on Oct 25, 2011 in Career Planning

To establish a personal brand that optimizes career growth, you must take a close look at what your distinguishing traits and accomplishments are.  Why do people pay more for Godiva Chocolate? Why not just buy any chocolate bar?  The answer lies in branding. 

Similar to Godiva, you must position yourself as a luxury brand. If you convey your value, you will stand out in comparison to your competition, and you will garner the attention and income that you are worth.

Developing your unique personal brand requires that you determine which traits are your most valuable ones.  The first step to establishing your brand involves brainstorming.  Here are a few questions to get the ball rolling:

• Which professional strengths and personality traits have contributed to your career success?
• Are you a strong multi-tasker?  How are you at persuading others? Do you consider yourself a leader? Define the traits that stand out.
• Are you adept at finance, law, technology, science?  Which key areas are your best when it comes to expertise?
• How do you manage daily challenges and unexpected problems? Are you calm in the face of adversity? Perhaps you are a rapid responder, able to get things straightened out quickly.
• How are your organizational skills?  Are you excellent when it comes to managing complex projects? Are they deliver on time? Within budget?

Make sure you provide strong, compelling answers to these questions. The responses will contribute to the development of your brand. In short, what makes you a hot commodity?

Once you identify your unique differentiators, the question then becomes how can you leverage these strengths to carve out a professional brand that is all your own?

1. All career documents, including your résumé, cover letter, professional biography, LinkedIn profile, and digital résumé should reflect the same level of professionalism you wish to convey to the world.
2. Make sure your message is consistent.  Know your target audience;  share information about your brand that will generate interest and create natural attraction.
3. Be willing to go the extra mile. Volunteer, offer professional advice, and become a trusted resource.  Serve as an advisor to further illustrate your expertise while building important alliances for the future.
4. Develop a workable plan for sharing your message on a regular basis. Participate in both off- and on-line networking activities.
5. Keep your skills up-to-date so that you are at the leading edge within your field. Take advanced training courses as time permits and read relevant business publications to stay abreast of industry trends.

An enticing and polished professional brand will improve your industry exposure and reach. The result will be an increase in respect within the business community that will lead to opening new doors and new opportunities.

Debra Wheatman

CPRW, CPCC and President of Careers Done Write, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career road maps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries. Visit careersdonewrite.com to learn more.

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