An invite from a colleague inspired me to register for the Girls Who Print event. I was particularly interested because I didn’t see any familiar speakers and topics associated with direct mail.
The essential question driving the conversation of this webinar was, “What investments have you made in your professional development this week, this month, this year?”
And if you can’t remember, there lies your challenge.
Setting aside time to learn, mentor, listen, get outside your comfort zone, and motivate yourself with intention will help you accomplish your future professional goals — whether a title, position, salary increase or all of the above.
Start by respecting your achievements and making opportunities to talk about yourself. Identify the communities where a seat at the table would be helpful to you — to advance, solve problems, share, and be recognized.
You must be intentional if this plan is to work for you. Here are 3 essential ingredients to developing your personal brand.
- Be curious:
- Know more than just your job skills.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Move out of your comfort zone, beyond your job parameters.
- Be available to serve:
- Seek out opportunities to differentiate yourself as an expert.
- Be a mentor or seek a mentor.
- Connect beyond your immediate network.
- Create opportunities for engagement:
- Sign up, show up, and bring your unique perspective to the room.
- Contribute to the conversation — ask questions, brainstorm, present your ideas, express your confidence
- Write blogs, social, and publications to share your expertise.
- Move the “uncomfortable” to the top of your professional development priority list.
You may be thinking, “I can barely get through the day’s hot list — how will I make time to do any of these additional things for myself?”
Begin by reserving time for your professional development each week. Start with reading the industry articles you’ve set aside for the last 3 months and consider registering for the next Girls Who Print event.
The best advice — keep learning.