Think about it.... the .com boom era, the rise and crash of the real estate market, banks too big to fail, automotive industry bail outs and interest rate increases. It’s a vicious economic cycle for which most do not plan for when managing their careers.
The current market is as hot as ever. Consumer confidence is up and your career is probably on track. When times are bountiful, we tend to get comfortable and forget about managing our personal brand.
Then it hits ... an unexpected change in direction, budget cuts, corporate restructuring, consolidation, mergers & acquisitions. Boom! The market crashes.
Can you feel it coming and are you ready?
Those impacted are often caught by surprise. It doesn’t matter if you are an executive or a team member, the impact is the same. There is a panic and sudden need to review your personal brand.
Who am I? What have I done? What are my major accomplishments? What makes me unique? How should I market myself? How do I compete in a competitive market place? What is my personal brand?!
Managing your brand in the 21st century is very different than the antiquated one or two page resume of the 80’s and 90’s. Incorporating a well thought out digital footprint, properly designed executive summary, having a structured resume that is versatile but specific and having multiple versions of yourself is key in presenting your brand to the market.
When you ignore your brand during the good times, it becomes very difficult to reflect on successes and achievements during transitional times.
Take the time now, while conditions are good, to reflect on and document your personal brand. Once achieved, it becomes a manageable task of refinement and adjustments. The benefits of your efforts become applicable even if gainfully employed.
Use your personal brand plan to validate your performance reviews, promotion opportunities and employee fulfillment.
Change can happen fast. Do not let the comforts of strong market conditions have you resting on your laurels. Employed or unemployed, take the time to invest now in building your personal brand and footprint.
The person who is prepared will always win!