Now more than ever you need to stand out from the crowd – but in a good way. Here are our tips to help you outshine the others and build your career.

Engagement and Accountability: It may seem obvious, but your ability to remain engaged and accountable will certainly demonstrate commitment, which will translate (in the mind of your boss) to your reliability. Keep meeting notes; ask questions during meetings; follow up actions in writing; and maintain consistent contact. Your diligence will speak volumes about you.

Project Notes: Keep a file of the projects you have completed with the results of your efforts. You will be surprised at the things that you will read about and think “Oh, yeah – I forgot about that!”. When it comes time to update your performance review form (or résumé!) you will be armed with information and results that you can use to sell yourself as you apply for new opportunities. These notes will also allow you to recall the nature of the work, your involvement, and the outcome for your department or organisation.

Presentation and Appearance: We are an appearance-driven society. Don’t get cross at me for saying so, but image is important. You need to project a tidy and pleasing appearance. Not only will you appear ready for business, but you will also feel better about yourself. Your own self-perception is important too. The better you feel the stronger chance that you will make the impact you want and convey that you are competent and ready to handle new challenges.

Work your Network: Just because you have 63 million connections on LinkedIn does not make them your network. You need to cultivate those relationships so they in turn work for you. It is work – hard work to nurture the relationships you have – especially those that are peripheral or extensions from the networks of other people. Naturally you will not be able to work all of them. Establish a plan to reach out to those people where there is mutual interest. I strongly suggest approaching this in a way that will allow you to first help someone else before you can get something in return.

Creating a Personal Brand: Like millions of others you may have a presence on various social and business sites. Perhaps you use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Plaxo, and other similar sites to connect and maintain contact with people you know. Beware the posting that can come back to haunt you. There is nothing sacred or secret online. Once you hit send you are committed. The pictures you post and information you share is available for the world to see and read. Remember this – a successful career can depend on it. Keep it above board and professional at all times. It is fine if you are using these sites to connect with friends. Just make sure your content – all of it is above reproach. This too is an extension of your personal brand. In our modern society you are being judged.

Your bank of knowledge, skills and abilities are a part of the larger picture within your job role. The perception of your value extends to other things, all of which are under your control. Think about how you want others to think about you. How you communicate online, on the phone and your personal presentation are critical elements to ensure your personal brand remains clean as a whistle – the effect will help sky rocket your career!

If you want further help to build your brand or those of your managers contact us.