Developing & Branding Your Personal Competitive Advantage

The Future of Your Individual Brand

A Personal brand is nothing new.  Executives, Hollywood stars, musicians, athletes and industry gurus of any kind have been aware of and work on their brand as part of their personal marketing strategy.  For many, understanding that a personal brand is not something you “do” when looking for a job.  More people are starting to understand that a personal brand is an image and promise of value; not just a catchy nickname and business card.  It includes how you look and feel, confidence regarding personal finance, career, business, family and community. How you are perceived in each and what you do to maintain a solid position.

Why is the future of personal branding becoming critical?  In a word – Competition. 

1) People who progress nicely in their career show job positions that look more like projects.  Jobs in a career – careers change more often.  Companies and individuals know they need to be ahead of the curve to attract and retain talent.  Both are learning how to communicate with each other.

2)  Generation Y attention span is limited in general and they have many interest; they are smart and resourceful and willing to hop around.  Many Boomers desire to contribute and redefine retirement with project and part-time work.  Combined, we have talent for projects that compete with each other as well as “typical” positions within company X.     

2) Many are realizing they compete on a global base for jobs, contracts and clients.  This equals a larger pool of talent.

3) Web 2.0.  Now knowledge and networking opportunities are easier to acquire.  Forums, blogs, networking online and our overall connectivity and access to information is in fact leveling the playing field.  People are learning what it means to be found online and to have an online brand that works.  Attractive opportunities appear for the passive job seeker.  The independent lifestyle becomes more real if learning and marketing one’s skills becomes a core competency.          

4) Return of core values.  Many are realizing that time with family and contributing to community is not just talk…but planning to balance is valued.  Passion and working hard towards all things important is winning.  With all the activity, taking care of body and mind is a core value and recognized as being required to compete with all of life’s demands on body, mind and time.