Imagine if a business invested years into the research, design, and creation of a new product, and then failed to tell anybody about it.  What if the company assumed (even expected) that consumers should discover their new product, just because it was "great"?   Flawed logic, right?   Yet, that's how many people treat their careers!   They spend years learning a trade, gaining education, and writing resumes - but do nothing to promote themselves.  In fact, they assume others should recognize them just because they show up and do a good job.  What they don't assume is accountability for their own career.  

No matter what business you're in, YOU are the product!   Here's how you can apply the principles of marketing to you and your career:     

Be Accountable.   You, and only you, are responsible for your career.   It's not enough to do what is required, or even go above and beyond.  You must take the next step and let people know about your strengths and accomplishments!   You might think it's your boss' job to notice all that you do.  It would be nice to have that individual attention.   But, the reality is that bosses have too much to do - so why make your future someone else's responsibility? If key decision-makers don't know your name, introduce yourself.              

Marketing, not Bragging.   The thought of marketing yourself can feel uncomfortable if you associate it with bragging.   Actually, the two couldn't be more different.   Braggers put all the attention on themselves, boasting about how wonderful they are.   Marketers focus on the needs of others and then share how they might be able to assist.   When done properly, marketing is seen as being useful and helpful while bragging comes off as distasteful and self-focused.   It's the difference between a telemarketer using high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy versus really needing something and appreciating the assistance of a helpful sales person.    

Benefits, Benefits, Benefits.   The most important distinction for marketing yourself is understanding the difference between features and benefits.   Features are descriptive characteristics and skills like strong presentation skills or special computer training.  Benefits are what those features can do for someone else such as, strong presentation skills means you could help earn the company more money through outside presentations.   Features mean nothing unless you can show how they benefit others.   Do you buy a product based on its features - or what those features can do for you?   Traditional resumes are full of features.  Turn yours into benefits.         

Five minutes a day.   Marketing is a long-term investment.   The biggest payoff comes by investing a little bit everyday, even when you don't think it's necessary.  In fact, the most important time to market is when things are going well.  Your confidence and passion are high, and that's contagious.  Waiting until you need good press puts you in an underdog, desperate position.   So, commit at least five minutes a day to the marketing of your career.   Think of it as self-preservation!

For more ideas on what to do with your "Five-A-Day" see my Coaching Tip:  Stealth Self-Promotion. 

Interested in learning more about the marketing of your career? Contact Susan for a personal coaching session.