Is it time for you to conduct a personal brand audit on yourself?
Far too many of us wait until it is too late to make sure our personal value is positioned in a healthy way among our key stakeholders.
If you are part of the community of people who say “I don’t care what people think about me”, what you are really saying is “I don’t are what non-stakeholders think” - people whom you pass on the street or random people disconnected from your purpose.
But what about aligned stakeholders such as investment partners, teammates (bosses/employees/mentees and so on) and all allies who have influence on your professional journey?
Brand audits are conducted by organisations for strategic health reasons. It is vital to understand how those you hope to reach and those you are reaching see your brand value.
With personal branding becoming a key human-resource measurement in much of the workplace, it has become crucial for employers to understand what questions to ask and how to administer an audit.
The people you want to be a part of the audit are:
Phase 1 - Ask yourself?
Phase 2 - Superiors (bosses, executives and so on)
Phase 3 - Colleagues (people on the same level and those who work a few levels below you). Identify between three and five people at each.
Begin your audit by asking yourself a simple question - what is working with your career and what is not? Then answer the following questions yourself and send them to the people you have identified at each level.
Structure your approach as follows: Send a simple email saying you are conducting a brand audit and would appreciate their honest responses by a certain date.
Allow for at least five to 10 working days for a reply. Also, because they are doing you a favour, make a note in the email that you respect their time.
Here are the questions:
* What are the core values?
* How would you describe your brand?
* Name one thing your brand is remembered for when you are not around.
* What problem does your brand solve?
* Describe your brand’s mission and positioning.
* How do you rank among your peers? In the top 50 percent or bottom 50 percent?
* Does your reputation help you or hurt you?
* Do people enjoy working in teams with you?
* Does your image help or hurt you - and are there immediate concerns with image?
* Does your brand deliver on your mission and promises?
* Where do you see your brand growing in the next three to five years?
* Social media - if you have observed me on social media, do my social media pages promote me in a professional and positive manner?
Once you receive the answers, set goals by finding mentors, support from HR and other team members to build and bridge gaps.
The benefits of a personal brand audit are having a more focused approach to your career and the ability to be proactive on your journey towards your goals and dreams.
* Email Timothy Webster at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter: @timothymaurice
THE STAR