Understanding Successful

Abstract

A personal brand is defined as how we market ourselves to others and the goal any successful personal brand is to highlight individual strengths and disseminate in such a way that it appeals to perspective employers. Individual brands need to highlight personal strengths unique skill sets gathered from past accomplishments. This showcases your reputation and will set your brand apart from others. Comprehend what your brand stands for and be sure to promote your brand in a positive light. Use different mediums of social media to put your skills on display, but know not to cross certain boundaries that may destroy everything that you built. A brand that is desired is one that is unique and combines tangible with intangible characteristics. Simply put, "Branding is developing an image -- with results to match." (Hansen)

There never has been a more vital time to identify a personal brand than now. Branding is what big business and successful entrepreneurs have mastered. The practice of great marketing is no longer limited to products, but now is used to excel an individual's career. Just how companies such as Microsoft vs. Apple or McDonalds vs. Burger King, use their brand in order for the public to choose what products they want, your personal brand will help the hiring work force choose their desired employees. The goal any successful personal brand is to highlight individual strengths and disseminate it to the masses.

In the past, making sure you have a strong and extraordinary résumé, possibly having a portfolio showcasing your work, would assure you the job of your choice. This does not necessarily hold true in today's ever changing economic climate. These are simply not enough for perspective employees to stand out above the rest. Even those who are trying to advance themselves in their current company or corporation may need a leg up among the competition by creating a "brand within a brand". Finding middle ground between standing out and fitting in is the key.

A personal brand is defined as how we market ourselves to other people. As described by Dan Schawbel, author of Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success, "The personal brand is, first and foremost, about the person. The clearer you are about your destination, the easier it will be to communicate why others should pay attention." (Levit, 2009) Any brand that is built needs to highlight personal strengths and establish unique skill sets while not being too self-promotional.

Building your brand starts with gathering your past accomplishments, this will lay the groundwork for success. Take the time to understand what the brand should stand for and develop a plan for gaining the needed experience in areas that may be weak. In addition to doing just your job, seek out new and challenging assignments that will help build your brand.