A few years ago personal branding was more of a curiosity for individuals. Now we cant read a magazine without hearing about personal branding. I think in some ways branding yourself was considered vain. The "corporate man culture" had not died out. I think those days are gone. Just as women rely on having a black dress in the closet - professionals need to have some sort of personal branding going on - or they will seem out of it. Well I have to admit that many unemployed people I meet dont have any idea what Im talking about. Where once a well articulated resume was enough to land a job - now you must differentiate yourself and constantly deliver value. Right now if you are looking for a job and you dont have your "black dress" - no one is going to invite you to the ball.
Personal branding is now something everyone must have in their career "wardrobe" - it has become the staple for professional success. I for one am relieved that the expectations are so high. We can no longer just be cogs in the machinery where somebody else takes care of us. It was nice - now I feel like an adult and in full control of my life - and its not vanity but invention - its re-establishing my identity in an all too over-populated world where I am responsible for my own promotion. But I also feel comfortable and confident - knowing I can always pull out my black dress (slacks) to wear to the party.
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