6 uncommon ways to build a strong brand

If you work for a good company, where people are recognized, and feel that their contribution has an impact you most likely have a strong culture and are surrounded by smart people.  This reputation doesn’t happen overnight.  It also doesn’t happen because your marketing department publishes that you are a good company, with smart people.  Your company’s reputation is built upon the reputation of its people – every one of them. So, in order to build a strong company reputation, start by building a strong personal brand.

I’ve talked about personal branding in the past.  Most of you understand that you need to be a thought leader, engaged with your online social media channels and actively network in person.  For those of you who are looking for more ways to positively impact your personal brand (and coincidentally reinforce your company brand) here are some magical tricks – magical because you’re not only building a brand, you are making the world a better place.

1. Pay it forward.  Help without expecting anything in return.  Our company philosophy is that if someone asks us for time to discuss their job search – we make it happen.  If someone is referred to us personally, we follow up with them. If someone approaches you on Linked In to ask for an introduction, ask about your company, want information about what you do in your position; please respond to them.  This will speak volumes about you as a professional and also your company.

2. Mentorship.  Everyone needs a mentor.  Opportunities to get involved in the lives of children and adults who want to grow are endless!  I am a mentor for graduate students at CU and have just joined the program to mentor returning veterans who are entering the private sector.  Children in K-12 need mentors too – not everyone has successful professional parents as role models.  Seek out opportunities to make a difference in someone else’s life – I promise you that you’ll get as much from the relationship as your mentee gets from you.

3. Community Involvement.  I am a firm believer that if you are part of a company in Colorado you have a responsibility to be involved in your community.  If your weekly interactions include your family, your personal friends and your co-workers then you are not part of your community at large.  Get out there!  Pick something that you believe in and volunteer.  I’m not talking about a huge commitment; 4 hours per month can make a huge difference.  AND, you’ll get to meet new people who didn’t know you or your company.  That’s brand building.

4. Promote and recommend worthy causes.  You have friends, co-workers and colleagues that are committed to civic, social and professional causes.  Why not help them promote events and spread their word by posting events on Linked In, re-tweeting your support or sharing with your friends on Facebook?

5. Be helpful and likeable.  Everyone gets busy and everyone has a bad day once in a while.  Keep in mind that new people you meet will carry that first introduction with them. What sort of impression do you want to send them away with?  Did that impression help your brand or hurt it?

6. Random acts of kindness.  Around the holidays this gets a lot of press.  The news spends time seeking out those who are demonstrating the holiday spirit.  Isn’t it a shame that they don’t look for it all year long?  Why not buy lunch for the person behind you in line? Why not stop to help an elderly person across the street?

You’ll continue to hear a lot about personal and employer branding this year.  That’s because we’re in a very competitive hiring climate here in Colorado.  That top talent you need to join your company?  They have options – and money is not the only driving factor.  They want to align with someone who has a strong brand and similar values.  Oh, and doin’ good is JUST FUN!

For more information on hiring great talent – and getting hired – visit us here.