Man, I feel like a woman.

Let's go, girls!

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional achievement, the concept of personal branding has emerged as a powerful tool for individuals looking to harness their unique strengths and capabilities. Research conducted by experts such as Sylvia Ann Hewlett underscores the pivotal role personal branding plays in attracting sponsors, with sponsored professionals being 23% more likely to advance in their careers than their peers. Your personal brand serves as a safeguard in times of organizational change, offering you a lifeline when navigating layoffs or cutbacks.

The path to personal branding is full of challenges for women, primarily due to the "likability conundrum." Conventional gender norms often expect women and those who I identify as a woman, to embody traits such as agreeability, warmth, and nurturing, making it difficult for them to deviate from these expectations. Women who assert themselves, make bold decisions, or promote their accomplishments may find themselves unfairly criticized, labeled as "too aggressive," or subjected to derogatory stereotypes.

So, how can women effectively navigate these challenges and develop a strong personal brand that does justice to their talents and contributions? This article delves into three pivotal strategies that empower women to ensure their capabilities are acknowledged and celebrated.

Broaden Your Network

One of the first steps in the journey toward building a personal brand involves expanding your network. While many professionals tend to gravitate toward familiar circles, investing in connections that bridge diverse backgrounds and industries is equally important. Building a broad network ensures that, should circumstances change or assistance be required, there are options to explore. A diverse network not only offers support but also amplifies your reach and influence within your professional sphere.

Take Control of Your Narrative

Often, we assume that our hard work and career transitions will naturally register with others, but in today's fast-paced world, this is rarely the case. Unfortunately no one is scouring the internet looking for you, you have to hold up the spotlight so they find you.

Colleagues and bosses don't track your professional journey, leading to misconceptions and missed opportunities to the level you do. To counter this, craft a clear and concise narrative that bridges your past experiences with your current role. By explicitly connecting the dots between your previous positions and your present responsibilities, you provide a compelling framework that helps others understand your unique value proposition. This narrative not only serves you well during job hunts but also in everyday interactions, such as introductions and performance reviews, allowing you to consistently reinforce your personal brand.

Share Your Ideas Publicly

While some women may hesitate to overtly promote themselves, there are alternative avenues to showcase expertise and build your brand. Content creation to showcase your ideas and establish credibility at scale is critical. Whether it's hosting knowledge-sharing sessions, contributing to corporate newsletters, or participating in LinkedIn discussions, seizing these opportunities builds your voice. Even if your peers may not fully engage with these platforms, senior leaders typically recognize their importance of these channels for knowledge transfer and best practices.

Content creation and thought leadership may open unexpected doors, potentially leading to new career prospects or recognition from higher-ups. This approach to personal branding allows you to establish your expertise without the perception of self-promotion.

Personal brand is a critical aspect of professional advancement, but it comes with its unique set of challenges for women. By strategically broadening their networks, taking control of their narratives, and sharing their ideas through various channels, women can navigate the intricate terrain of personal branding, ensuring that their remarkable talents and contributions receive the recognition and appreciation they genuinely deserve.

Need a boost? Schedule a free 30-min personal brand advisory session! Email: torrie@theresumerealist.com to get on our books.

#professionalbrand #womenatwork #womenprofessionalbrand #leadership #careercoach #executivecoach #executivecoaching