Dr. Barbara Seifert, CPC, NLP
In order to be recognized and noticed in the business community, it is important to have your own 'brand', or a catchy way for people to recognize and remember you. This could be done either through a motto, a phrase, or a logo, but it should be something that identifies you and your company or service. It also should peak someone's interest so they say, "tell me more." This personal branding also applies in your job hunt. It doesn't mean you have a fancy title or even a catchy phrase, but it does mean that you have a way to describe yourself - in a career perspective - so that a prospective employer will ask, "tell me more." This can be done in your 30, 60, or 90 second elevator speech, that is clear and concise, but lets people know the extent of your skills, talents, or experience.
To find your personal brand, the following steps may be helpful:
1. Write down all the skills, abilities, experiences you have in one or two words; be clear and brief; your brand statement should create immediate interest in you and get the listener asking questions.
2. Identify and include a benefit, such as reduce, enlarge, create, eliminate, which will make people listen; avoid verbiage, such as I sell, or I manage.
3. Don't use jargon that is too technical or slangy to your profession - others will not understand and it will prevent them from asking you more.
4. Avoid negative talk, such as "I helped my company increase sales by 50%, but it was really nothing". Showcase your achievements and accomplishments; after all, you are selling you.
5. Avoid boasting or bragging - this is the opposite of negative self-talk. While you are trying to get others interested in you and hearing more about you, overstating your talents and accomplishments can have a negative effect that can be long-lasting.
6. Make your introductory statement unique so that when people hear it they will remember you.
7. Practice, practice, practice so that you will feel comfortable saying it at any time or in any environment. Say it in front of the mirror and get feedback from friends or family.
Dr. Barbara Seifert, LCSW, CPC, NLP is the President of Committed to Your Success Coaching & Consulting in Orlando, Florida. She helps individuals to take charge of their careers, find the work they love and enhance their professional development to reach their peak performance. She also coaches in organizations to enhance employee engagement and leadership development. Dr. Seifert is an adjunct professor, a certified coach and certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. She is a writer for The Work at Home Woman and Forbes. You can learn more by visiting http://www.cyscoaching.com/ and Your Career Success Blog at http://www.allaboutcareerssite.wordpress.com/