You're a Brand

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is famously credited with saying, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” Your résumé, LinkedIn, network, and actions all speak volumes and creates a brand image.

Your brand is how you market yourself to others. As a career marketer, I have spent years creating compelling content to engage and influence others. As a career and transition coach, I help clients understand their skills and accomplishments and develop their story. The first step is preparing your response to “Tell me about yourself.”

It should be the easiest question you answer, but many get tripped up with where to start and what to say. Do you automatically start with your job or what you do? Then you are promoting your employer's brand rather than you! If you respond with job title, try responding by promoting your skills and accomplishments instead. Create a list of skills and accomplishments, quantify your results and say it out loud. Keep practicing until it becomes authentic and an extension of your every day conversation.

Find places to practice and promote your brand statement. Participating in networking events through your alumni association or local Chamber of Commerce are great places to practice. Even casual gatherings with family and friends work. Write it down, keep it visible, and always work to refine it. Your brand changes as you do, every experience gives you something else to talk about. 

Charles Koppelman, CEO of CAK Entertainment says “Your brand is what you want people to think about you when you leave them.” What does yours say about you?