Now more than ever, you need a personal brand.
More and more, our world is becoming automatic, transactional, and impersonal. In business, a human founder’s name on the door now yields to Acme, Initech, and Globex. Too many company brands look and sound like carbon copies of one another. It’s as if AI wrote their boilerplate vision, mission and values statements. What does that mean for those of you looking to advance your careers? 
Of course, job titles are necessary. But here’s my real point: are you stuck in a job because your supervisor still thinks you are the same person he/she hired four years ago? Do you long to be an Instagram influencer, but can’t seem to break out from the pack? It’s time to play offense. A branding expert can help you forge a unique Personal Brand–an aspirational self that stays true to who you are, yet dials up what makes you special.
What is personal branding?
Personal branding is taking values esteemed by those you wish to influence, and highlighting them in your personal brand so they see a flattering self-reflection. In short, it’s designed to positively change the way people see you.
A well-crafted Personal Brand can help accelerate your career.
Case in point: The corporate climber–Shin J, MBA.
Situation
Shin works as an Operational Manager (OM) for a financial services company, PBK. Shin’s boss, Michelle, always praises his ability to optimize data utilization, process improvement, and functional efficiencies. But she hasn’t promoted him after three years on the job.
Solution
PBK branded Shin with a generic title that six of his co-workers also have. So, we redefined his brand by showcasing how his functional duties enhance PBK’s talent improvement and financial growth–key performance indicators in Michelle’s annual review. She now sees his true value, optimizing talent, process, and operational efficiencies. Shin enhances both his and Michelle’s value to PBK. With a new personal brand, Shin got his promotion to Operational Director.
You can do better!
Instead of living with an image and reputation that’s good enough to get in the game, why not be a superstar? When people meet you, or work with you, or tune into your social media, let them know that you’re not just another senior executive with a gray suit; you’re a corporate treasure. Break out of being one of 100 graphic designers. Be a big-idea machine. And stop settling for generic brand status. Be an indispensable asset, a wise leader, a tough problem-solver or the chief satisfaction officer. Brand yourself before others do it for you, and take charge of your future.