​Having a rewarding career depends upon whether or not you know how to follow your own vision of career success. Otherwise, you’re likely to spend your days trying to live up to the expectations of others or mindlessly drifting from one job to the next.
 
Of course, success itself means different things to different people. For some, it’s a matter of earning more money and climbing the corporate ladder. For others, it may mean to learn how to step down the corporate ladder. In the end, it’s more about stretching their skills and contributing to society.
 
Make your work life more satisfying and build accomplishments that you can be proud of. Use this checklist to plan your future and put your plans into action.

Appearing online has proved a highly effective method for many people to advance in their career.
 
Recruiters and employers alike are looking online more than ever before. Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn continue to grow in popularity when it comes to looking for a job or finding suitable candidates to fill a job.
 
Furthermore, building a strategic and professional online presence will expand your network beyond the industry or geographical area where you work. Groups online and multiple social media platforms facilitate your interactions with other professionals regardless of region.
 
With a stronger network in your field, you open yourself up to more job opportunities and visibility in your industry.
 
So why not create an online personal brand to help advance your career? Creating an online presence can help you stand out from others in your field.
 
When applying for a higher position, having an online presence shapes what employers see when they look you up online. Curating an online presence shows creativity and gives future employers opportunities to learn about you beyond a resume.
 
The online persona you present online can be someone’s first impression about you.

Here’s how you can create a captivating online presence:

Think about the company you want to work for and what values are important to you.
 

• What skills can you offer to companies and teams in the future?
  
• Why do you enjoy working in your field?
  
• What motivates you to do what you are doing?

Find creative ways to display your skill set and set high expectations of what you can bring to the table.
 

• For example, if you’re a graphic designer, showcase a portfolio of your graphics on a website or social media.
• If you’re a project manager, write case studies about different projects you’ve taken from inception to completion.
  
• Keep written statistics of the achievements you accomplish at work.

You can use the Internet to network, too! By joining communities related to your field, you open yourself up to potential job opportunities in the future or a colleague you can go to when you’re looking for advice.
 

• Actively participate and network at online seminars in your field.
  
• Find and interact with others in your field on a social media network such as LinkedIn or Twitter.
  
• Find an online community, such as a LinkedIn group or Facebook group, where you can network with others, offer support, or ask questions

​Displaying content or personal projects shows that you are dedicated to improving your skills. It might also show unique skills, such as problem-solving, sales, or customer service.

​Testimonials or reviews give social proof to potential employers of the strengths you can bring to the job. Ask employers and colleagues to send personal testimonials through email or LinkedIn so you can show the assets you will bring to an organization.

The more you invest in your online presence, the more potential employers can imagine how well you would fit within their company culture.
 
Everyone who applies for the next job will be submitting a resumé and cover letter. These things can display your skills and work experience, but developing an online presence can also show your personality and values.
 
By developing an online presence, you have the opportunity to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Future employers can get an insight into your own values, personality, and work ethic - and get to know you on a deeper level than they would just reading your resume.
 
The work you do to build an online presence will undoubtedly leave a positive impression on future employers and help you advance in your career!

1. Your personal brand is one of your biggest assets.

2. Your personal brand can take your business to places you never thought possible.

3. What Is a Personal Brand?

4. A personal brand is all- encompassing. It's about who you are and what you do.

5. Your personal brand is how you present yourself to your ideal audience.

6. Your personal brand includes your:

• Values
• Unique skills
• Experiences
• Stories
• Personality
• Image

7. Thanks to the internet and the power of social media, every person can be their own brand.

• Everyone can constantly put themselves out in front of their audience.
• Everyone can add value to their audience.
• Everyone can communicate their message loud and clear.

8. We all have the tools to build powerful personal brands.

9. The crucial question is whether you are actively taking control of your brand.

10. It’s always better when you’re in control of the process.

11. So, how do you actively build an effective personal brand?

12. Why Do You Need to Build a Personal Brand?

13. Every entrepreneur, coach, consultant, or freelancer should be building their own brand.

14. Personal Branding Allows You to Stand Out from the Competition

15. Your competitors can’t bring what you bring to the table.

16. You have unique:

• Experiences
• Strengths
• Beliefs
• Perspectives
• Skills
• Insights

17. ...that set you apart from everyone else.

18. Building your personal brand allows you to highlight your uniqueness.

19. Think about Rolex and how they’ve set themselves apart from the competition.

20. The more you work to build your personal brand, the greater the edge you’ll have over your competition.

21. Personal Branding Allows You to Charge a Premium Price

22. The stronger your brand, the more people want your services, and the higher price you can charge.

23. This is exactly why Nike is able to charge so much for their shoes.

24. By working hard to build your personal brand, you too can charge a premium price.

25. Personal Branding Highlights Your Expertise

26. With every piece of content that you share...

• Social media posts
• Blog posts
• Emails
• Videos
• Inspirational graphics
• Meditations
• Podcasts

27. ...you establish yourself as an expert in your field.

28. The more you demonstrate your expertise, the more your audience will trust you and come to you to solve their problems.

29. Personal Branding Allows You to Attract Your Ideal Audience

30. When you’re known as the expert in your industry:

• It attracts your ideal audience - the people who need your help the most.
• You get more referrals from others in your industry and related industries.
• You can charge a premium price - the kind of price that only an expert can charge.

31. Tony Robbins is a prime example of this.

32. He attracts huge audiences of people who want to fulfill their potential.

33. Do you want to experience the Tony Robbins effect?

34. Personal Branding Puts You in Charge of the Narrative

35. Your personal brand will evolve, whether you want it to or not. If you:

• Use social media
• Have an email list
• Have a blog
• Speak to groups
• Record and share videos

36. ...then you’re already building your personal brand.

37. The question is whether you’re intentionally shaping the narrative of your brand.

38. The beauty of intentional personal branding is that it ensures that you’re actively shaping your own narrative.

39. Personal Branding Increases Your Visibility

40. The more you build your personal brand, the more visible you’ll become.

• You’ll attract more fans on social media.
• Those fans will share your content with their tribes.
• The more your content gets shared, the more fans you’ll attract.

41. As your fan base grows, you can expect to be featured in the media.

42. The more you’re featured in media outlets, the more opportunities you’ll have to speak in front of crowds.

43. Building your personal brand and building your platform go hand-in- hand.

44. Personal Branding Shapes What Content You Share

45. Only share content that aligns with and promotes the values of your personal brand.

46. Personal Branding Connects You More with Individuals

47. The more you work to build your personal brand, the more individuals will want to connect with you.

48. Personal Branding Allows You to Become an Influencer

49. There are some significant benefits to being an influencer...

50. Big brands want to work with influencers that have a large audience, which can result in more revenue for you.

51. You often receive free things from companies who are interested in partnering with you.

52. You receive media requests to speak at, or even just attend, events.

53. Are you starting to see the power of your personal brand?

54. There are few things more powerful than your personal brand.

55. Are you ready to start building your personal brand?

56. How to Build a Personal Brand

57. Step #1
Determine Who You Really Are

58. Ask yourself:

1. What unique skills do I have?
2. What are my core values?
3. What am I most passionate about?
4. What unique experiences have shaped who I am?
5. How can I most effectively serve my core audience?
6. What do I have to offer that no one else does?

59. The answers to these questions should shape your personal brand.

60. Step #2
Determine What You Want to Accomplish

61. Answer these questions:

• What would I like to accomplish, both personally and professionally?
• What do I want to be known for?
• If I could be the world’s foremost expert on a topic, what would it be?
• What key message do I want to communicate?
• If I could only give one piece of advice, what would it be?

62. Step #3
Identify Your Target Audience

63. To identify your core audience, ask yourself these questions:

• Who can I most effectively help?
• Who will benefit most from my skill set and knowledge?
• Who am I most passionate about serving?
• Who will resonate most with me and my brand?

64. When determining your core audience, it can be helpful to create a persona which represents your ideal client.

65. Include the following information in the persona:

• Demographics: How old are they? Male? Female? Single? Married? What is their level of education? What career are they in? How much do they make?
• Hopes and dreams: What do they want their future to look like? What are their goals?
• Challenges: What obstacles do they face? Why haven’t they been able to reach their goals?

66. Step #4
Determine Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

67. I help (target person) to (achieve X) so that they can (outcome).

68. Your USP should portray the heart of who you are and how you help your audience.

69. It may help to give your USP a unique name that will stick in people’s minds.

70. Creating your USP gives you a high degree of clarity about what your brand is all about.

71. Step #5
Start Treating Yourself as a Brand

72. In every communication with your audience, you stay true to your brand message.

73. It also means creating a strong, compelling website.

74. It means creating a media page or media kit on your site for media inquiries.

75. It could mean having an assistant answer your emails.

76. You have to treat yourself like you truly are: a powerful brand that has a powerful message.

77. Step #6
Optimize Your Website

78. Your website is one of the primary places people get to know who you are and what you do.

79. Your website also functions as one of the primary ways you turn visitors into paying clients.

80. First impressions are really important when it comes to your website.

81. Have a professional logo designed.

82. Show off your Unique Selling Proposition.

83. Use professional photographs.

84. Use testimonials.

85. Present a clear call-to-action.

86. Create a compelling “About” page.

87. Create a Services page.

88. Give away free resources.

89. Create a Contact page.

90. Step #7
Develop Your Content Strategy

91. One effective content strategy is the “Pillar Method.” It works like this…

92. At set intervals create a longer piece of “pillar” content.

93. Publish your pillar content on your primary platform.

94. Take your pillar content and cut it up into smaller, shareable pieces of content.

95. Share the smaller pieces of content across all your channels.

96. Repeat the process again and again.

97. By using the “Pillar Method” for your content strategy, you ensure that every piece of content you post is always on brand.

98. In addition to using the “Pillar Method,” you can also simply repurpose content into different formats.

99. Step #8
Constantly Add Value to Your Audience

100. The main thing people should take away when interacting with your brand is how much value you provide.

101. Step #9
Build a Community

102. Start a private Facebook group.

103. Host live events.

104. Create a membership site.

105. Now Is the Time to Build Your Brand

106. “We all have a personal brand whether we think about it that way or not. So, let’s be intentional about it.” Kathy Klotz-Guest

107. Here’s a quick summary of how to build your brand:

• Identify what matters to you.
• Define your core audience.
• Determine your Unique Selling Proposition.
• Treat yourself like a brand.
• Create a compelling website.
• Plan your content strategy.
• Constantly bring your best self to your audience.
• Build your community.

108. The more you do those things, the more you’ll attract an audience of raving fans. Need help? Reach out to https://www.market-connections.net.

​Your personal brand is no longer something to be taken lightly, if you want to be taken seriously in business. This is to outline the value of personal branding, identifying your own brand, and promoting your brand for career growth.

Increase your visibility. Post fresh content on your website or blog regularly. Stay active in social media. Look for opportunities to teach classes, give presentations, or write articles in your field.  

1. Build buzz. Collect samples of positive feedback you get in the workplace. Assemble testimonials from happy clients and encourage them to make referrals. Word of mouth is often more effective and certainly cheaper than paid advertising.

1. Tell your success stories. Craft brief anecdotes about your accomplishments that showcase your skills and make you proud. Rehearse telling them so you sound natural.

• Monetize your contribution. Numbers sound convincing. Try to quantify the value you can deliver. For example, if you’re pitching your IT services to a small business owner, discuss how much money they can save by signing up with you for monthly maintenance visits that reduce the risk of expensive repairs and downtime.  

1. Put together a dream team. It’s difficult to go it alone. Cultivate your network. Help others to market their brand and they’re more likely to do the same for you. Team up with complementary partners. Exchange services like cooking meals for a friend who cuts your hair.

Branding used to be for cattle and big corporations, but now everyone is in on the act. Take charge of your personal brand to achieve more career success and guide your life in a direction that is meaningful for you.

The “Summary” section of your LinkedIn profile is a vital part of your LinkedIn presence. Knowing how to write a good LinkedIn Summary will have a direct impact on whether or not a visitor will continue reading the rest of your profile. You have 2,000 characters to give readers a brief snapshot of who you are.
 
The first 2-3 sentences need to instantly get your prospects interested in your profile — or, even better, get them excited about reading the rest of your profile. How do you add more value to the company, or solve problems better than other job candidates? Your LinkedIn Summary can set you apart from other jobseekers on LinkedIn by demonstrating that you understand what employers want — and what you have to offer that meets that need.

Use these ideas as examples of what to write in LinkedIn Summary:

• How will your next employer benefit by hiring you? Quantify the value in terms of numbers, money, and/or percentages. Use specific numbers and facts to build credibility.
• What experience can you offer that will provide value to your next employer?
• What additional skills do you have that set you apart from other candidates with a similar background?

 
Write naturally and conversationally. In contrast to your résumé, you should use pronouns in your Summary. Speak in the first person, not third person. (“I did such-and-such.”) Write as if you’re speaking to an individual reader. Make it personal. Be sure to emphasize outcomes — as well as what makes you uniquely qualified to do the job you do.

Never loose sight of the fact that your resume and your Linked profile are not the same thing.

There are many diferences when it comes to the use of a resume vs. LinkedIn profile. Unlike the rules of resume writing, please be conversational and informal in your tone when it comes to writing a LinkedIn Summary. Use contractions (“you’re” instead of “you are”). Every word counts! And pay attention to grammar and spelling. Make sure there are no mistakes in your profile. Re-read and edit it. Have a colleague, friend, or spouse read it. Copy-and-paste it into a word processing program and run a spell-check on it.
 
You can also use asterisks, dashes, hyphens, and other keyboard characters to format the Summary and make it easier to read.
 Try to find a common THREAD through your work. Then, once you have a theme, use storytelling principles to write your Summary as a narrative. Have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

There is a limit of 2,000 characters (not words) to write in the Summary (About) section of your LinkedIn profile.

Your Summary can be anywhere from a few sentences up to a few paragraphs. But don’t waste any words — make the most dramatic, powerful, attention-getting statement you can. Don’t use any more words than is necessary, and don’t be overly flowery in your language. The point of the first sentence is to get the prospect to read the second sentence. And the next sentence. And the next.

On LinkedIn, a 'character' can be a letter, number, space, and punctuation. The current LinkedIn set up and design of a profile only shows the first two lines of your Summary or About section to the reader. The reader will then have to click on SEE MORE to see the rest. So, the two-liner opening is only about 200-250 characters (or about 25-42 words). Make sure you use these words to write a compelling opening .

​Learn how to write an elevator pitch as a short summary to talk about yourself in a compelling and concise way. Knowing how to do this right is imperative. Your elevator pitch tells the employers about what your expertise is, how you can contribute and what is the impact of your contribution. Try out these suggestions for preparing and presenting your introduction.

• ​Invent multiple versions. Adapt your elevator pitch to a variety of circumstances. That way you can respond if you have extra time. You’ll also be able to talk to industry insiders and other professionals who are less familiar with your background.
• Rehearse carefully. Practice while looking in a mirror or record yourself. Talking out loud will help you determine if your speech sounds natural.
• Invite feedback. Ask friends to let you practice on them. Use their suggestions and questions to make adjustments. You may need to speak more slowly or translate industry jargon into language that’s easier to understand.
• Stay up to date. Review your pitch on a regular basis. There may be buzzwords that grow stale over time and need to be replaced. Also, you may have earned new credentials that you want to include.
• Spend time listening. Watch for the other person’s reactions and listen to their comments. Ideally, you’ll open up a two-way conversation. Pick someone you admire and pay attention to the way they introduce themselves. It could give you some worthwhile ideas.
• Exude confidence. Start out with a firm handshake as long as it’s appropriate for the setting and situation. Radiate enthusiasm. Hold your head up high and smile. Make eye contact for a few seconds.
• Be prepared. You can use your speech for more than just job interviews. Keep it in mind when you’re at cocktail parties, soccer games, or shopping malls. It’s possible you’ll bump into someone who may have a lead on the kind of position you are seeking.
• Remember to follow up. Think of your pitch as the first step in a longer process. Hand out and collect business cards. Suggest getting together for coffee to continue a discussion.

An effective elevator pitch entices people’s curiosity and makes them want to hear more. Formulate an elevator pitch to tell the employers why hiring you is the right decision.

Getting Started 

While there are many paths to developing a creative career, the first steps are often similar.  A strong foundation will help you navigate your way to success.
 
Use these strategies: 

1. Identify your goals. Figure out what kind of art you’re passionate about. You may be drawn to painting or writing fiction.
   
   
2. Do your research. There are some creative careers that pay well if you want to become an architect or marketing director. On the other hand, your prospects will probably be more limited if you want to carve penguins out of gourds. Think about your target audience and what skills you’ll need to develop.
   
   
3. Create a portfolio. Organize and promote your work. Put together samples that you can post on social media and show to potential clients.
   
   
4. Get a second job. You may need supplemental income at least temporarily. Look for a position related to your artistic interests or consider work that will leave you with enough time and energy to pursue your main objectives. Consider remote jobs as well. 
   
   
5. Plan an exit strategy. Some artists are content with a very small audience while others begin looking for another line of work. You may want to give yourself ten years to succeed on your own terms before considering alternative options.

More than 40% of creative workers are self-employed, according to the Arts Council. Consider freelancing or starting your own business.
 
Follow these tips: 

1. Budget carefully. How will you deal with startup costs and fluctuating income? Monitor your cash flow and build up your savings.
   
   
2. Track your time. Without a boss expecting to see you from 9 to 5, you’ll need to take charge of your own schedule. Block out time for your most important priorities and give yourself enough days off to avoid burnout.
   
   
3. Acquire business skills. Even if you hire an accountant and other professionals, it helps to understand the basics of financial management and customer service. Take courses at a local community college or study online.
   
   
4. Share moral support. Network with other artists. Enjoy opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other. Make introductions and provide referrals.

Smart companies value creative employees because they overcome challenges and spot promising opportunities. Regardless of your job title, you’ll be an asset if you approach your work like an artist.
 
 Consider these ideas: 

1. Focus on innovation. Develop new ideas for increasing quality and saving time. Ask your coworkers for feedback and bring your proposals to your boss.
   
   
2. Produce content. Your company probably has a website and Facebook page that they’d like to update more often. Volunteer to write articles, conduct interviews, or take photos.
   
   
3. Launch your brand. Pay attention to your own personal brand too. Borrow ideas from colleagues and products you admire while cultivating your own authenticity.
   
   
4. Redecorate your space. Use your work environment to make a creative statement. Join the ambience committee at your company or beautify your own cubicle. Choose colors that make you feel happy and productive.

   
Find work that engages your talents and imagination. Use your art to earn a living or take a creative approach to whatever career you choose.

Did you know that giving a speech tops the list of most common fears. Standing in front of a group of people, hoping you don’t mess up, and praying that the words come out right is frightening. Try these tips to help you stay calm and give that all-star speech that you’re capable of giving...

• What to say in an elevator pitch?
• ​What is a good elevator pitch?
• Why is an elevator pitch important?
• How important is the length of your elevator speech?
• Who must have a career pitch ready at all times?
• How to nail your elevator pitch?
• Is there an elevator pitch formula?
• ​Sign up for an  interview coaching session  for answers to the above questions and more about a customized elevator pitch for you.

​The terms “branding yourself” has already become a part of many people’s vocabulary, while others are still wondering about its definition. While “branding” (which is defined as “to make an indelible mark or impression on somebody or something”) is a valuable strategy, you may be more comfortable with the idea of simply positioning yourself to be successful in your job search and career.
 
Many jobseekers don’t realize they have already positioned themselves — they just haven’t articulated it yet. Maybe you’re known as “the sales manager that makes quota, no matter what’s going on in the economy,” or “the engineer that can speak in language the customer understands.” That’s your positioning.
 
To cultivate the job positioning that will help you reach your career goals, you must understand and be able to communicate what makes you exceptional and compelling.
 
You must find a way to stand out in a crowded job search. If you’re not known for something, you won’t be known for anything. One size does not fit all.

​Knowing your skills and professional qualifications — and being able to articulate them — will also help you navigate applicant tracking systems (ATS).
 
Position yourself effectively to attract connections, opportunities, and job offers.

To identify how to position yourself, it helps to examine a couple of key issues:

• What is the Company’s Need? What specific problem are they trying to solve with this job? Are they trying to make money? Save money? Save time? Keep existing customers? Acquire new customers?
• What are your Core Abilities? What special abilities do you possess that separate you from other candidates for this position?
• What are your Values? What is your belief system (behavior and ethics) that is inherent to you? Does this set you apart?
• What is your Connection to the Company’s Need? Do you possess something special that solves your target employer’s problem?

 
Be aware of the kind of work you are willing to do, and the kind of work you don’t want to do. Make a list of the things you like to do, and what you don’t like to do.
 
Look to your work history for clues to your job positioning. What in your work history did you do to make things better? Look for instances where you showed leadership and accomplishments.
 
Check out your existing online profile. What comes up when you Google yourself? What is your social media presence? What are you known for online?
 
Begin with the end in mind: What job do you want? Then figure out what qualities and attributes set you apart from your competition.
 
Additional resources to help you identify what makes you stand out:

• Performance evaluations
• Customer appreciation letters
• Look through your emails to see what great things people have said about you and your work
• LinkedIn Recommendations
• Letters of commendation from colleagues and supervisors
• Ask people you know (and people you work with) for feedback. How do others see you?

​Researching your desired job can also help you identify your unique job positioning. Looking at job postings can help, but you should also consider going further in-depth. These sites can help:

O*NET Online (https://www.onetonline.org/)
This website was created for the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration by the National Center for O*NET Development. The O*NET program is “the nation’s primary source of occupational information,” according to the site. It contains information on hundreds of occupations and is available to jobseekers at no cost.
 
Every occupation requires unique knowledge, skills, and abilities. These occupational characteristics are outlined on the site. The occupational descriptions, which include descriptions of day-to-day work, along with qualifications and interests of the typical worker, allow jobseekers to identify unique job positioning opportunities for themselves in their job search.

You can also access the O*NET Resource Center, a free tool (available for immediate download) to assess your occupational interests.  The tool offers personalized career suggestions based on your interests and level of work experience.
 
Access the tool here: https://www.onetcenter.org/IP.html

​When you identify a profession, you can assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in the role. These can often provide guidance for job positioning. The “Personality” and “Technology” sections also give insight into your personal positioning.
 
The “On the Job, You Would” information includes common job functions. Look to see if these are areas where you excel — this can be a point of differentiation.
 
Also check out the “Also Called” information under the occupation for related job titles you can use in your job positioning tagline.

America’s Career InfoNet (​https://www.careerinfonet.org/)
This website is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop program. The website includes occupation and industry information, salary data, career videos, education resources, self-assessment tools, and career exploration assistance.

Occupational Outlook Handbook​ (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/)
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) provides information on what workers do, working conditions, what qualifications are required for success in the position, pay, job outlook, similar occupations, and sources of additional information for research for more than 300 occupational profiles.
 
To find an occupation, browse the occupational group of interest on the left-hand side of the website, or use the “A-Z Index” (if you know the specific occupation). You can also enter a job title into the “Search Handbook” box at the top of the site. You can also search for occupations by pay range, education level, training, projected number of new jobs, and projected job growth rate — using the “Occupation Finder” or occupation selector drop-down menus on the home page. If you can’t find an occupation you are interested in, look in the alphabetical index, using similar occupational titles to search for an occupation.

Glassdoor (https://www.glassdoor.com/)
You can also research your prospective employer to identify how to effectively position yourself to work at that specific company. Glassdoor is an excellent way to assess what is important to the employer and how you might fit in.

Here are things you should do:

• Do make sure your positioning reflects your personality.
• Do incorporate in keywords (nouns, industry-specific terminology, and skills) into your personal positioning.
• Do be authentic. Make sure your personal positioning reflects your personal values, qualifications, and attributes.

 
Here are some things you should not do:

• Don’t go on and on. Don’t tell your whole life story. Get to the point quickly.
• Don’t be too general. One of the biggest mistakes with your personal position is not being specific enough. The more specific you are, the more effective your personal positioning will be.
• Don’t be boring. You need to get the reader’s attention! Be interesting.