I hate branding.
I am not a cow, I do not want a label or a universal price code emblazoned on my body. No one is going to remember me for my logo. I am not Nike.
When I work with people, it’s personal, it’s intimate and it’s down to earth.
And you know what? That’s kind of my brand.
Damn!
You have a brand too. And there are times when knowing how to communicate that brand makes a huge difference. Like when you’re looking for a job. You need words that get through to the gatekeepers of LinkedIn, resume screens, recruiters and hiring managers. Words that are for real to you, too. Words that convey your unique mix of skills, interests, experience and impact.
What makes it branding is the words are your identity. They help position you. They speak to a market. And we both know that you are not chattel. And your identity can’t be distilled down to a LinkedIn profile or 140 characters.
Here are some tips for your brand:
Know your strengths.
Talk about where you shine.
Brag, boast, show where you’ve had an impact.
Get to the point QUICKLY.
Use fragments. Let’s call them headlines or sound bites. (Yes, this is the un-literate world we live in.)
Write like you’re speaking.
Write to touch people.
Create snapshots in words.
What to avoid:
Vague words.
Technical jargon.
Burying the lead (like awards you’ve won or being published in the New York Times).
Being boring.
Fitting into a formula.
Listing your skills.
Repeating your resume.
I hate branding. But I love it when someone knows the value they offer and communicates it well. I love it when people get hired.
So brand yourself shamelessly. And spread the word about your brand.
And if you need practice bragging, boasting or figuring out how you stand out, come to the Interview Club (https://lauraparadisecoaching.com/theinterviewclub/or contact lparadise.coach@gmail.com for a consult.