Personal Branding for Women
A Woman’s Guide to Success in the Workplace
I was raised in the Midwest with solid values and a strong work ethic. My parents taught me that all I had to do to get ahead in life was to work hard and do a good job. As exemplified by my parents, the harder they worked, the more successful they became.
Therefore, I have always lived by this work ethic.
However, my parents failed to communicate with me the fact that I was a woman and the rules are different for women.
Unfortunately, we are well into the twenty first century and women continue feel that they are not given an equal opportunity in the workplace. The statistics bear out these feelings and personal experiences of many women today.
15% of senior leaders and only 3% of CEOs are women. Even our elected officials are overwhelmingly male.
As stated quite eloquently by Anne Libby in her online article “Stand Out for Success: The Secrets of Self-Promotion,” “It’s time to realize that our careers operate under different rules.” In today’s world, doing a good job is not enough to get your ahead or promoted. To get promoted, first you have to promote yourself.
I found Anne Libby’s article very informative and insightful with some real world suggestions for all women that want to get ahead. She reminded me of the value of careful self-promotion in making certain that those in authority are aware of your role in completing a big project successfully.
Publicity is not a bad word! Making your accomplishments known via the company newsletter or annual report, will help others become aware of them. Submit articles to the newsletter editor, share info about a successful project at meetings, etc.
Seek to become an industry expert outside your firm. Networking is vital for all successful men (and women). Be acutely and vigilantly aware of how you are perceived on LinkedIn or anywhere you are connected with other professionals. Does your LinkedIn profile photo show you as a professional woman or does it scream “mommy” because it is a photo of you holding your child?
Use social networking to communicate that for which you want to be known.
Promote yourself as an expert by writing or speaking about your area of expertise. Many websites and industry publications are seeking contributors.
Men learned about networking long ago and therefore continue to have their “boys’ clubs.” There are many, many female only networking groups and clubs throughout the US. You can easily find an existing group via MeetUp (www.meetup.com ) or LinkedIn. Carefully evaluate the members and their goals to determine if your membership will be of value to you.
It may be best to start your own networking group. Hand selecting a small group of like-minded women and developing your own network can create long-term value for you and the fellow participants.
About the Author:
Cynthia McIntyre (AKA the Headshotologist) is the owner of Cynthia McIntyre Photography LLC. Cynthia McIntyre Photography has 17 portrait studios throughout CT and Westchester NY specializing in creating headshots and business portraits for use on websites, LinkedIn, etc that enhance your personal brand. For more info visit www.cynthiamcintyre.com or CALL 203-364-1592.
She is available for speaking engagements throughout CT and Westchester NY.
