The global economic outlook is “increasingly gloomy,” according to Gita Gopinath, the IMF’s Chief Economist in the most recent Monthly Barometer. The news comes as no surprise—it’s been a long time coming. But that doesn’t mean you just have to accept the slump. There are still plenty of opportunities out there.
How do you improve the quality of your life and career despite the difficult economy?
Build a strong personal brand.
The financial challenges we face have taken personal branding from nice-to-have to must-have.
Here are 5 reasons why:
- Personal branding helps you stand out and be memorable for your prospects. Answer any questions about who you are up front, and the people on whom you want to make an impact will have no problem remembering your name. And when they need what you have to offer, they’ll know who to call.
- Personal branding will help you create a valuable community. When you share your message, it acts as a magnet for like-minded people who will want to be a part of what you’re building. That includes investors, partners, employees—the list goes on. In short, personal branding is attracting the right culture and the right people.
- Brand name recognition—the kind that comes with a solid personal brand—means you can secure more opportunities and raise your prices. It also means people will come to you with requests, from podcast appearances to keynotes.
- Personal branding builds your confidence, even during difficult times. When you know who you are, you know what you’re capable of—regardless of what’s happening outside your window. And we’d venture to guess it’s far more than you’ve ever attempted.
- Personal branding will help you take your kids to the park more often. Leaders across industries often find themselves working double time in a difficult economy, but building a strong profile for yourself creates more free time to do what you love in all seasons, including the most challenging ones.
When it’s done right, personal branding will help you create a better life for yourself and your family. This isn’t the time to hunker down and be passive. It’s the time to make your mark, to share who you are and how you feel, to ask others who they are and what they need, to request feedback, and demonstrate your unique value proposition. And when you’re ready, we’re here.