Your Personal Brand: What Have You Done for It Lately?

It's often said that once you've built a strong brand, you can sell any product, service or message that is consistent with that brand's values. That's why it's important to build a personal brand that communicates the values on which you've built your professional growth, and that tells the story of you and your achievements in a way that is easily recognised by everyone in your industry.

It's never too early to start building your personal brand. And it doesn't depend on anyone else. You are the CEO of your own life and the only person in a position to decide on your image.

Start by assessing your personal brand as it stands right now. Think carefully and answer a few simple questions, such as:

• What are the 3 most important things I am known for?
• What are the 2-3 things I want to be known for a year from now?
• What are the 3 biggest challenges I currently face in my career?
• What are the 2 most important things I have learned in the last 3 months?
• What are the 3 most important contacts I have added to my network in the last 3 months?
• How do I plan to improve my CV over the next 3 months?
• How does my current CV differ from the one I had a year ago?

Write your answers down in a spreadsheet and set a reminder to update it in 3 months.
Then look over your answers, decide whether you like what you see and whether you're satisfied, and make a list of the activities you'll carry out over the next 3 months.
And don't cheat: set tasks that happen daily or, at most, weekly. Don't let 3 months go by until your next review, because they will have gone by for nothing.

A brand isn't built quickly, it isn't built easily, and it isn't built by just anyone. Like any construction, it takes dedication, consistency and hard work.
The rewards will be well worth it.

You can also work with a career coach who takes on the role of project manager in building your brand, guiding you through the planning phase and then periodically as you review your progress.