#Personal branding keynote template free download professional#
They’re simply not paying close enough attention to us or our professional trajectory to formulate a coherent narrative of us. Because people are so overstretched these days, that’s unfortunately almost never true.
For instance, you could make a point of building professional connections with people you meet through hobbies, relationships of proximity (for instance, neighbors or parents at your kids’ school), or friends of friends.Ĭontrol your narrative. We often assume that if we work hard, people will notice it over time, or that if we’ve made a transition, it will make intuitive sense to others. Instead, consciously cultivate a broad network, so if your situation changes or you need backup, you have options. And if your department is reorganized or your company has layoffs, the people who understand your talents won’t be in a position to help.
You have fewer people who can speak to your contributions or provide support, whether that’s help in securing additional resources for an important project or moving up to a new role. When only a select group knows about your talents and abilities, you put yourself in jeopardy. Too many professionals over-index on “ bonding capital,” to use a term popularized by Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam, and underinvest in “bridging capital.” In other words, they have too many connections who are like them (working in the same company or the same industry) and not nearly enough who are dissimilar. Network both inside and outside your organization. So how can you, as a woman, navigate this conundrum and develop a robust personal brand? Here are three strategies that can help ensure your talents are recognized. We can all think of examples of women who have been publicly criticized for being “too aggressive” or labeled an “ice queen” or the “b-word.” Research has repeatedly shown that women are subject to a phenomenon known as the “ likability conundrum.” Gender norms presume that women should be agreeable, warm, and nurturing, and when they violate these norms - such as when they step up to make a tough decision, share a strong opinion, or promote themselves - they’re often penalized for that behavior in a way that men wouldn’t be. If there are layoffs or cutbacks at your company, being recognized in your field makes it far more likely that you’ll be snapped up quickly by another firm.īut personal branding has some unique challenges for female professionals. Your brand is also a powerful hedge against professional misfortune. Research by Sylvia Ann Hewlett at the Center for Talent Innovation shows that cultivating your personal brand is one of the best ways to attract a sponsor - and professionals with sponsors are 23% more likely than their peers to be promoted. When your true talents are understood, it’s far more likely you’ll be tapped for relevant and interesting assignments - and it helps you stand out in a field of competitors. We all know developing a personal brand is valuable, since a strong reputation can put you on the radar for exciting career opportunities.