You’ve worked hard to build your brand in order to land a job. Now you have a job (yay!), so what happens to your brand? Does it get consumed by your employer, or should you continue to develop it?
1. Devote XX amount of time each week to your brand.
Just like before you landed your job, decide what amount of time is necessary to either maintain or continue to enhance your personal brand now that you have a full-time job. This time will likely be less than in the past, but it’s important not to stop devoting attention to your personal brand altogether. After all, what if you were to lose your job tomorrow? Scary thought, I know, but in this economy you have to be ready for the worst!
2. Commit to brand-promoting activities both within and outside of the workplace.
Your time isn’t as free as it once was, but determine what avenues of promoting your brand have the most impact. For some people, that might be blogging – for others, Twitter. Just be sure not to over-commit your time.
Also, find ways while you’re at work to promote your personal brand, even if just among your colleagues. Because you cannot possibly know what the future holds, consider everyone a potential audience. Does your personal brand involve being a “social media guru”? Offer to host a brown bag lunch to teach your co-workers how to use Twitter.
3. Be conscious of your appearance.
The Internet is a wonderful thing, and when it comes to personal branding, it allows us to shape the image of ourselves we want to portray to the world. However, once you enter the in-person workplace, you need to be sure to not let your appearance slide. Been hiding that nose ring? Save it for around the house and with your friends. Even seemingly minor “indiscretions” can tarnish a brand. Take the opportunity to dress at least one level above where you currently reside in the organization.
4. Involve yourself in workplace activities related to your personal brand.
Is there an opportunity to represent your organization at a networking event or trade show in which you brand would benefit your employer? Just because you now have a “9-to-5” doesn’t mean your brand goes away. In fact, this could be a great opportunity to receive additional professional development and grow your brand faster than ever before!
5. Don’t compromise your brand for your new employer.
You own your personal brand, not your employer. So, let’s say your brands aligned when you started and now they no longer do. It’s up to you whether you move on or stay put, but outside of work, your brand direction should be controlled by you, not your employer. If you’re blogging, for example, be sure to include a disclaimer that the opinions on the blog are yours alone and do not necessarily align with those of your employer.
