A lot of advice on managing your personal brand is geared towards promoting yourself to the external market: update your resume; stay active on social media; join a professional association. But what if you want to stay where you are and raise your profile within the company – e.g., get promoted, move laterally or simply stay top of mind in your department? Here are five strategies for promoting your personal brand internally:
A strong brand means you’re known, not just to your boss, but to senior management above your boss and outside your department. You may not know who these people are, or your day-to-day work may not give you access to these people. If you have a good relationship with your boss, let him or her know that you’re interested in more visibility with senior management. Ask for introductions. Ask for opportunities to attend meetings or even present. Ask for recommendations on what you can do to advance. Good managers are good coaches and want to help their directs advance (it reflects well on them too!).
Join (or start) an ERG
Employee Resource Groups, also known as affinity groups, are internal company associations around a specific category, theme or race/ ethnicity – military veterans, emerging leaders, working parents, women, black, LGBT, etc. These groups are great opportunities to meet people at different levels and in different areas of the company. Because many companies use ERG’s to promote their diversity goals, ERG’s typically have senior-level sponsorship, and working on an ERG initiative can give you access and visibility to senior leaders. If your company doesn’t already have ERG’s, consider starting one and elevating yourself to a leadership role.
Volunteer for a cross-departmental activity
If your work doesn’t overlap with other groups, you won’t get be known or get to know people in other areas. If your role lends itself to a cross-departmental work project, that’s a great opportunity to share your skills and expertise outside your immediate circle. Even if there isn’t a work-related opportunity, find a social cross-departmental initiative – planning the holiday party, organizing the company blood drive or volunteer day, or playing in a company sports team.
Promote your company’s brand
Promote your brand by promoting your company. Speak at an industry conference. Volunteer for a recruiting event. Publish a guest blog for your trade publication. Depending on how regulated your industry is and your specific company’s policies, you want to check with your Corporate Communications group before speaking or publishing. But more likely than not, your company will appreciate you making the time and extra effort and getting the company some visibility.
Leave your desk
If public speaking or getting published seems like too much, you can do a lot for your personal brand simply by leaving your desk, walking around and getting to know people. Having lunch away from your desk is another helpful habit to develop to ensure you aren’t too wrapped up into just your work. When you take the time to develop relationships, hear what other people are working on, and get to know people socially, you build your brand as a team player, supportive colleague and someone other people like to be around. Likeability matters in career success and is a good trait to associate with your brand.
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