Marketing Yourself - Self Promotion is now expected

For many of us that have typically held positions in rather traditional organizations we are forced to reevaluate the concept of public perception. Conservative organization have often maintained thoughts of limiting exposure or to put it another way, reducing the potential for negative exposure by ensuring its employees are not public about many of their view points or opinions. The mindset has changed in how we share what it is we do and who we really are as individuals. Once upon a time, it was important to maintain professional yet quiet reputations. Shouting out your point of view on politics or a particular approach was frowned upon by many organizations. Now it is essential to your professional survival.

I happen to be in the forty something category that evolved in an awkward time between hippy-ish parents and the evolution of corporate America. Boy, have things changed, although that can be good. Once there was a time that you were told not to rock the boat, all of the sudden now you have free reign to voice your opinions as you see fit. In fact, you are expected to have an online presence in order to succeed.

If you do not have authority rankings who are you? What is your opinion really worth? The answer is a lot, maybe more than you think. In fact, your opinion may just make or break your next job opportunity. No matter what that opinion may be, not having one may cost you. You must apply good marketing techniques to yourself as a brand to get ahead.

Today’s success is all about participation and influence, often times this occurs in places we least likely think it will happen. For those of you that have maintained anonymous profiles to post your opinions it turns out you may have been undermining your potential for success after all. If you were ever afraid of starting a Facebook page or leaving comments on your favorite blog, fear no more, jump in and see what can happen! Please apply common sense on this one, that doesn’t mean making inappropriate comments that will have others outraged or posting pictures of you mooning friends at a weekend party.

Remember not having an opinion may matter more in the long run so make your opinion count and don’t be afraid to share, appropriately of course.