How to Enhance Your Personal Branding

Companies have brands, so why shouldn't individuals? You are a brand in your own right because you're unique. Every one of us has something special to offer which nobody else does, but few of us capitalise on that enough. If you want to climb the career ladder and be successful, you need to treat yourself as a brand and get your message out there.

To start, take a good look at yourself – what are your strengths? What are your passions? What is it that makes you completely one of a kind? Identify those things and you'll know what it is you're marketing. You have to define yourself according to your professional goals, but first you need to define those goals. Clarify in your own mind what success looks like to you. It could be earning a certain salary or simply making the world a better place, but whatever success means, stick to your priorities.

Next, create a summary of who you are and what you want from your career. It needs to be short and simple, so condense yourself and your world view into one impactful sentence. The idea behind this exercise is to get home to people exactly what you stand for, and the punchier you make your summary, the more memorable it is.

Finally, share that message but pick the right time. You don't want to approach a potential client with a fantastic business opportunity if they've just been bereaved. Wait for the recruitment or partnership opportunities and then sell, sell, sell your brand. Branding and marketing your talents is the best way to achieve career success.