While satirical Facebook groups like 'Personal Branling' mock overhyped personal branding efforts—compiling the 'best collection of electronic wankers'—done right, it's a powerful tool for job seekers. Think L'Oréal's mantra: 'market yourself.' Jérôme Tixier, the group's General Manager, shares this wisdom with young professionals. Drawing from Job Search: Forget Dad's Methods by Thomas Welsch—a former L'Oréal intern turned Trade Marketing Manager at Lagardère—here are 5 key takeaways from this proven expert.
ONE – Personal branding demands consistent investment. Dedicate daily time to it, treating it like a meditative practice. Why? As Welsch notes, 'the return on investment is proportional' to your effort. He warns against outdated or content-poor online profiles that undermine your brand.
TWO – Focus on top platforms: Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and launch a blog around a specific theme. Welsch stresses: 'The basis of an effective blog is to clearly define its positioning, objective, frequency, and tone.' If it's generic, inconsistent, or echoes others, it offers no value.
THREE – Real-world networking is essential. Attend trade fairs, conferences, alumni gatherings, clubs, associations—multiply opportunities for game-changing connections.
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FOUR – Don't overlook personalized business cards. Customize them with key skills and a signature quote. It's a simple yet effective networking staple that stands out.
FIVE – Become iconic. Just as the Rolling Stones evoke their red tongue logo, craft a graphic charter and personal icon. Use it as your email signature or clickable logo linking to your profiles, blogs, and sites.
