Once you’ve done the hard (but fun) work of defining and creating your career brand story, it’s time to put it into action. I’m talking about making your story come alive in your work and how others see you on social media and within your industry.
1. Become Your Brand at Work
The first step is to become your brand at work. This means living out the story you’ve crafted for yourself in everything you do, from how you present yourself to how you behave and communicate with colleagues.
It means being intentional in your career story and using it to shape the way you show up each day. What is your title when you think of your career and where you want to be in five years? What is your salary? What are your key responsibilities?
Once you have this story, make it come alive in the work you do every day. Begin to live out your next level now. If your goal is to be a Vice President five years from now, how does the VP dress? How does she speak in meetings? How does he interact with his team? Live out the story of the VP now, and you’ll get there quicker than you think.
2. Grow Your Brand Story on Social Media
The second step to putting your brand story into action is growing your social media brand. This means sharing stories and content that speak to your brand on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Let your story shine through. What experiences have you had in the past that can help others? Do you have a unique account to tell that could inspire somebody else? Show people what it’s like to live your story and become an inspiration for others striving for similar career goals. Finally, share tips, advice, stories, and resources that help people discover your brand’s story and become part of it.
Think of the top brands you admire. They only post brand-relevant content. I once made the mistake of posting something relative to a political story on social media. I removed it as soon as I realized my mistake—because it didn’t fit my brand’s story or my future self. Never get caught up in reporting things on social media that go against your brand.
You are not a news reporter. You are the storyteller of your brand.
3. Expand Your Brand Within Your Industry
The final step is to expand your brand within your industry. What activities can you do to further your story and make a name for yourself?
- Attend conferences and events where you can network with other key industry players.
- Read articles from thought leaders so that you have something relevant to add to meetings.
- Reach out to people who inspire you and ask them a few questions about their stories.
- Become intentional about your mentors and your tribe (remember your board of directors).
- Start your own blog or podcast and share your story with the world.
Connecting with those who can help you achieve your story is important. They will also become part of your story.
You never know how far your story can go when you share it with the right people. They will help bring your story to life. Expanding your brand within your industry makes you an expert, and you become an influencer within it.
Telling Your Story Every Day
By following these three important steps, you can start crafting the brand story of your career brand and putting it into action, both at work and in the world. Start living out your story now and watch as amazing things happen. Yours could be the inspiration for somebody else’s story.
When you start putting your brand story into action, the right people and opportunities start to come your way. So tell your story every day and be intentional about it. Put it into action and watch how your it grows and expands.
Keep pushing forward, and never give up on your story.
As the saying goes, “Your story is always writing itself.” So make sure you show up each day to create the story you want to tell. And if I can help in any way, don’t hesitate to contact Your Coach!
Your Brand Story Coach & Career Strategist,
Andrea