Years ago when I worked at a certain law firm, it was frowned upon for employees to speak at conferences (or even attend them), post original content on LinkedIn, write articles and build our own professional brands. The only thing that was encouraged on LinkedIn was promoting the firm (sigh).

That firm’s mindset was shortsighted because employees can be great brand ambassadors for their employers (or not). Also, when a company supports their employees’ professional development, employees tend to stay longer and feel more loyal toward their employer.

My former employer failed to realize the power of personal branding and employee advocacy.

Think of your employees’ networks as powerful connectors to buyers of your services and referrals.

Each of us has a personal brand – our brand is everything we say and do internally and externally. It is every photo we post, every interaction we have and also what we wear.

You should be actively building your personal brand every day (and find an employer that encourages you to do so) because many opportunities can happen when you do – beyond building a stronger presence and network, or getting a new job. These include:

• Speaking at conferences

• Becoming an adjunct professor or lecturer

• Taking a leadership role in a trade association

• Media interviews and placements

• Invites to write articles

• Joining a board

Building your brand doesn’t need to take a lot of time, and there are many things you can do to cultivate it that play to your strengths.

If you hate public speaking or writing – don’t do it! Likewise, if social media isn’t for you, there are many other ways to build your brand.

Branding yourself helps you stay top of mind with the people who can refer work to you, hire you and recommend you for opportunities. It’s simply not enough to be great at what you do in a saturated field.

Join me, Paula Edgar, Wendy Bernero and Melanie Lippman at the LMA Northeast Region Conference on Friday at 9am to learn how. We will cover:

• How to be more intentional about developing your personal brand and leadership style

• How to market yourself during all stages of your career

• The growing importance of social media

• How to use speaking, writing, volunteer and board roles, and PR to build your brand

• How to position yourself as a leader without seeming boastful

• How to be more productive and find balance

• Align the messages your clothes are sending with your values and goals

• Demonstrate consistency, clarity, and confidence in your professional environment; Define your unique, personal brand to engage and convert your social media following and other leads into paying clients

What has been the most valuable personal branding action that you’ve taken?

PS – I didn’t stay long at that firm – and thankfully I didn’t stop branding myself because no job is forever and being visible at conferences and on social media enabled me to start my own business when I was ready.