Throughout my 20 years in the careers industry, I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing and inspiring C-level executives.
The ones I love working with most are those who really get the concept of personal branding and are fired up by how it can help position them for job search success and career advancement.
I’m talking about savvy business leaders who know they need to generate some chemistry in their career marketing communications, and are willing to lay open their personality and claim what makes them unique.
They understand that personal branding will set them apart from their competition and indicate to decision makers vetting them whether they are a good fit.
Curiously, many of my recent clients have identified a sense of humor as one of their top personal brand attributes, and each of them insisted that this trait be incorporated into their personal brand statements.
Each one relied on an engaging sense of humor to unify teams, make things happen, and calm fiery situations. They knew this trait was a critical part of their promise of value in the marketplace.
One of these recent clients is a CEO Entrepreneur who needed an on-brand resume for MBA program applications. A little background on “Kyle”:
About 20 years ago, he took over the reins at his family-owned, debt-ridden home decor manufacturing and distribution operation. He achieved a stunning transformation within 6 years, accelerating sales revenue from $240K to $9 million.
He attributed his great success in large part to his relationship-building expertise, fortified by his sense of humor. Kyle could bring all kinds of people together, engage them happily in the hard work that had to be done, and instill a deep sense of pride.
Here’s his personal brand statement:
A focused and determined business leader, I offer the entrepreneurial stamina and wisdom to drive bottom line growth and lucrative business, inspire employees to peak performance, and cultivate profitable business relationships built on respect, loyalty, and trust. My easy-going sense of humor has been a defining management strategy to bring out the best in everyone, instill pride, and mobilize them to make their company the best in the industry.
Bottom line:
Have the courage to broadcast your unique combination of strengths, passions, and brand attributes. What differentiates you is exactly the message that will hit home with the decision makers you’re trying to attract.
Related posts:
Embrace Your Personal Brand and Put It To Work in Your Executive Job Search
Why Personal Branding in Your Executive Resume Makes You Easier to Hire
My Executive Resume Doesn’t Sound Like Me or Say Who I Really Am
