Corporate Communication - Business - The Five Deadly Sins Of Packaging Yourself...

How connected are you? Could you find help for a project, find another job or locate the most important resources for your career on deadline?

In today's faced-paced, ever-changing business environment it is important for you to keep your connections active. Remember the old adage "Out of sight out of mind"? Well, it's doubly true today. You are as memorable as your last communication. So, if you are not communicating, now what?

? Set up your own master E-mail list of important resources. This will help to keep informed. It is NOT the list used to distribute jokes, chain letters, solicitations, etc. However, it is the list to deliver succinct messages about what you are currently doing. Include information on promotions, projects, speaking, engagements, awards, trade show attendance, etc.

? Send out regular press releases to your resource list. Remember, serious stuff only. Keep it short and to the point. Watch for more later on how to write a personal press release.

? Be on the lookout for ways to help your associates. Newspaper & magazine articles are great when you notice a colleague's name. Cut it out, send it to them, and include a quick personal note along with your contact details.

? Make one day a week a telephone day or commit to an hour a day to be on the phone and reconnect with the people important to you.

? Become recognized as a resource so that people will want to stay connected to you. Notes of caution, however, state clearly that you are happy to help and hope that the favor can be returned one day.

? Join organizations or associations that include members of your resource base. Attend their meetings. You can't be everywhere so it's important to assess where to best spend your time for maximum benefit.

How informed are you? When you are backed into a corner, can you find help for a project, ascertain the business health of your employer, or find the answer to an important research question?

Given today's information overload, it is imperative to keep on top of new technology and innovations as well as what's happening in the business community. Statistics show that companies expect their employees to stay on the forefront of information technology. They expect that with and without their intervention!

TIP: To check the business health of your employer set up a news service to deliver a press release about the company.

Here a few simple ways to keep on top of information that can impact your future and your career.

? Set yourself up to receive important E-mail updates on your industry's news and technology.

? Read the industry publications regularly. If you can't read the entire magazine, go to the publication?s website and read the headlines.

? Be on the lookout for interesting new technologies or innovations that might impact your company.

? Make one day a week an information day or commit yourself to an hour a day to keep informed. Ask your colleagues if they uncover something of interest to forward you a copy. TIP: Most news sites allow you to E-mail the article to yourself or associates.

? Subscribe to a clipping service where you get "customized" news delivered to you electronically. You can also set up these accounts through Yahoo, AOL, etc. Be cautious about what you ask for.

? Use organizations/associations that facilitate the information generation process.

Talk about sinful! Did you know that employee turnover is in excess of 1% per week? That means that in one year more than 50% of your associates, colleagues, friends or YOU will have to or will choose to change jobs. Are you prepared for that transition if it is you?

There are several things to do in order to prepare should the unthinkable occur.

? Always keep an updated resume - Every 3-4 months review your resume. Make sure it includes your latest accomplishments. TIP - Incorporate the latest industry buzz words/phases to keep it fresh.

? Keep your network open. Are there colleagues you haven't been in touch with in a while? Shoot them a quick E-mail and let them know what you are doing.

? Keep your association memberships current and participate in local events, industry listservs and committees.

? Go on job interviews if possible. This is not only valuable to asses whether your skills are current but also helps you find out what "You" are worth in the current labor market.

? Use every opportunity to introduce yourself to new resources. TIP: Trade shows are great places to network.

? Update your "elevator" speech and use it whenever the opportunity presents itself. This pitch is your one-minute soundbyte telling people who you are and what you can do for them. TIP: Respond to this and ask us for a copy on how to prepare an elevator speech.

Consider the OPPORTUNITIES you have to advance your career both personally and professionally. Capitalize on those opportunities.

Rewind through the previous year to determine how you should move forward. Did you overlook any opportunities that came your way last year? Did you have a chance to speak at and event or meeting that you declined? Did you get an interview opportunity? What stopped you?

These are not legitimate reasons for passing a valuable chance to enhance your visibility and credibility.

What professional development plans have you made for next year? Utilize these assessment tools.

1) What is the time frame for the development to peak? Remember, someone else is always waiting in the wings to take advantage of "your" opportunity.

2) Is it something you really want to do? If it's something too obscure or off the wall you might want to give it some additional consideration.

3) How will it impact you personally and professionally? Don't commit unless there is tangible value to your personal/professional profile.

4) Will anyone else need to be involved in the decision? Your boss, your family, etc.

Plan to "seize the moment." I once had a chance to be interviewed by NBC. Yes, I worried that I would look too fat on camera. Yes, I was nervous about appearing on TV. Then, there was my hair my make-up, etc. Did I refuse this chance for a syndicated TV segment? NO Way.

A long time ago I learned that it was not good deeds and hard work that get you opportunities. It is "visibility." So, what are you doing to improve yours?

Have you honed your elevator speech yet? Consider the places where you might have a chance to tell someone about yourself.

? At meetings with association memberships. There is always a director and there are ways to introduce yourself to the other members.

? Through interview and article opportunities. Ask for a byline and ensure that you tell what you really do. Do not just supply your title.

? Networking events. In most cities there is a formalized network that meets for breakfast or lunch to exchange leads. Check them out to see which one suits your needs.

It's 1/4 through the year and we are still all full of resolutions and plans, so let?s put Marketing Yourself on the agenda. It all boils down to "It?s not who you know, but who knows you." That's what personal marketing is all about and that's WHY the time has come to market you.

Plan your marketing campaign as if YOU were a business. People will not bang down your door if they do not know what you have to offer. Your greatest sales agent is you! After all, you know the product best. If you don't market yourself, who will?

Personal marketing is not just a one-time event. It requires attention, consistency, and continuity. Planning is a big part of the process. Set time aside each week to market yourself. One thing stands out from one of my programs from a few years ago: The consideration for an employee?s promotion was based upon 60% visibility, (being noticed by the powers that be), 20% appearance, and sadly 20% performance and hard work. You do the math. Where is the equity in working hard unless you promote yourself and your performance is recognized?

So don't commit any of these deadly sins and get busy packaging yourself, your career or your business.

Discover the easy way to make yourself stand out from others. How to become an expert in your field; How to write a better resume; How to write a personal press release; How to accomplish things no one else is doing and to get people to think about you in ways they have not thought before and much more.

Learn from an expert that took her career from anonymity to world class leader after being fired 3 times in the process. Visit http://www.packagingcoach.com to subscribe to the "Packaging Yourself" E-zine and get your free special report "10 Things Your Mother Never Told You About Marketing Yourself."

This article courtesy of http://corporatecommunications.com.
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author
name and URL remain intact.