How to Make a Name For Yourself

With the launches last week of the highly anticipated iPad mini and Microsoft Surface tablet, one thing was for certain.  It is all about presentation and showmanship!  To stand out in a competitive job market, you have to employ the same strategy (I would encourage everyone to go to youtube and take a look at any Apple launch events. They have written the book on showmanship).

Your goal is to be the “product” that people want.  The product that flys off the shelves and is always sold out.  You don’t want to be a lifeless uninteresting “product”. In many ways, you are similar to a product in a grocery or department store.  Without a jaw dropping or compelling exterior, you are just another commodity that someone can get anywhere else.

Flip that, and imagine being a powerful and recognizable brand.  The highly sought after product that everyone wants.  You can command more for your services or your skills.  More often than not, you are the person that will be chosen over the competition.

Like many of the successful brands of today that make it look easy, it doesn’t happen overnight and it takes a lot of hard work.  The ability to get multiple high paying job offers is a deliberate practice.  Fortunately for you, you don’t need a high powered PR firm to do the work for you.  You have everything you need to be the “product” that people can’t live without.

Here are a few tips to help you make a name for yourself and propel your career.

Be Known for Something

“You” as a brand is all you have.  What are you known for?  If I were to ask ten of your friends to share something about you, would I get a clear and accurate depiction of who you are or would I get ten different stories?

Here is a little known advertising trick and one that politicians employ, marketing boils down to repeating the same thing, over and over and over and over and over again. Each time you just say it in slightly different way so as to not turn off your audience. Think about Coors beer.  Their marketing strategy is to be known as being the “coldest” most refreshing beer.  Again, I challenge you to Google their marketing and you will see they are saying the same thing just in different ways.

Use the Web to Your Advantage

The internet has literally changed the way we do business and they way we really do most things.  You can launch a business with a few dollars and an internet connection.

Talent agencies and record companies watch hours of youtube videos to find the next Justin Beiber.  So how should you get started?   Before you start booking speaking engagements and appearing on your favorite daytime talk show, your first step is to own the web.

What I mean by that is you need to be an authority on something.  Whether it’s sports, accounting, cooking, etc.  You have to be the go to person for that information in your chosen niche.  

The easiest way to do that is by starting a blog.  You can also leverage Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.  Just make sure you update these channels daily.  If you don’t, it’s like throwing a party with no music.  Nobody will stick around or come back to visit your site.

Write a Book

Thanks to a host of self publishing websites, becoming an author has never been easier.  If you have ever wanted to write a book, do it!  We all have interesting stories to tell and your story could very well be an inspiration to someone.  Writing could also provide some therapeutic benefits as it gives you an outlet to express things that you may have bottled up.

Guest Post for a Newspaper or Blog

Contrary to what most people believe, you don’t have to be an accomplished author to guest post for a local paper or blog.  Now, that doesn’t mean that these organizations don’t have standards that have to be met, but for the most part you just have to have something interesting and intelligent to say.  Newspapers, blogs and us here at Jobtrakr are always on the lookout for fresh content and ideas.

Imagine the benefits of a published article in the paper or on a blog.  You get instant credibility with a built in audience.  This also gives you the leverage to go after more writing opportunities.  Depending on how well you do, you will become highly coveted and will be able to charge a premium for your articles.

Speak Those Things

Getting speaking gigs is a great way to reach a captive audience.  If you are not comfortable speaking in public, don’t do it.  This takes many hours of practice.

I personally enjoy speaking in front of others because I find that we have lost the simple ability to interact face-to-face. It’s also a great way to meet and network with others.

Similar to writing an article. One speaking event can lead to many others.  Start small, and don’t charge.  You can practice your style and make mistakes that won’t cost you. Continue to gradually grow your audience over time.

Spread The Message

Now that you have all of these things under your belt, it’s now time to market your expertise.  Marketing your skills isn’t just about what you know, it’s about how you prove that you know it.

Simultaneously becoming a blogger, author, columnist, and professional speaker on any topic quickly graduates you to the rank of “resident expert” without requiring you to become a national celebrity.  When building your brand, it’s not just about what you have to say, it’s about how you get people to listen. Remember: The packaging sells the product before the product ever gets tested.