How to succeed in your career


Ten Ways to Build Your Personal Brand

Everything you do in life—from the wayspeak ill of him or her—to anyone. We
you dress to the car you buy, from theshould make our bosses look good, and help
friends you see to the club you belong, fromthem  build  their  own  brands.
the notes you write to the way you
speak—either builds or diminishes yourSeven: Dress for the job you want, not the
personal brand. Below are ten suggestionsjob you have. Balance your individual style
for  building  a  stronger  personal  brand.with clothing that will appeal to those you
are  trying  to  impress.
One: Become an expert source. Deliver a
speech, write a bylined article, and becomeEight: Become a class act. Learn good
an expert source for reporters. Make surebusiness and social etiquette. Buy elegant
you have a current photo, bio, resume, andpersonal stationery and send hand-written
speaker  introduction.notes. Know how to order a good bottle of
wine in a fine restaurant and drink it
Two: Become a great communicator. Researchsparingly during dinner. (Remember, alcohol
shows communications skill is the topand  branding  seldom  mix.)
determinant for upward social and
professional mobility. Join Toastmasters orNine: Select "significant" significant
hire a communications coach to ensure thatothers. Who you date or who you marry
your written and verbal skills are at theiraffects your brand. John Hancock CEO David
best.F. D'Alessandro in his book Career Warfare:
10 Rules for Building a Successful Personal
Three: Draft a marketing plan for yourselfBrand and Fighting to Keep It, suggests that
annually, and review it quarterly. Includesingle people not take their dates to company
specific goals, strategies, action steps, andevents. If they do, they will be judged by
a  timetable.the  outcome  of  every  romance.
Four: Develop an 'elevator speech." WithinTen: Give something back. Giving your time,
the time that it takes an elevator to traveltalent, and money to charitable causes is a
one floor—about 60-seconds—bebrand-builder especially when it complements
able to deliver a succinct description ofyour brand strategy. Find a cause you are
what you do, how you do it differently, andpassionate about. When I was in public
the  benefit  it  provides.relations, I wanted to be known for my
creativity. By limiting my community
Five: Build your Rolodex. Make new businessinvolvement to arts organizations I was able
contacts and stay in touch with them. Mostto reinforce my personal brand. Not only
people with powerful brands have powerfuldid my involvement in the arts benefit my
friends.career,  I  enjoyed  the  work. I  still do.
Six: Realize that your boss can be your mostYour personal brand is one of your greatest
powerful ally—or enemy—inbusiness assets. Nurture your brand and you
building your brand. Be loyal and neverwill nurture your career.



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