It’s no secret that given the economy, it is imperative to market your best self when seeking clients, employment opportunities, and growing a business. In an unsettled economy, everyone must develop a new attitude to stand out from the competition, and the time to start is today as we welcome a new season of renewal.
I have put together a PR Re-Invention Plan to help business owners and individuals secure the opportunity they desire using PR as an empowerment tool. (Just so we’re all on the same page, I define re-invention as a transformation into the life you’ve always craved.) Keep in mind these tips have worked for my past clients, including Citibank, Sony Music, recording artists D’Angelo and Jill Scott, and the NBA’s Ray Allen and Chris Webber.
Re-invention will not be easy; however, if you come up with a plan, stick with it, and, you can have truly substantial returns.
Here are some sure-fire ways to spring forward your brand, market your business, and stand out–all on a budget.
Think linearly. Act with a plan. Identify where you want to work, what salary you want to make, and how you can be of value to a corporation on your terms. Create a strategy to achieve those goals.
Use social media. The Internet is a force and you must participate. For companies and clients to find you, participate in social networking. Blog, create a podcast, send e-newsletters, and star in your own viral video. It is imperative to have a Web presence with a functional, smart, attractive Website.
Be prepared for opportunity. Let people know what you have to offer. Be your own publicist and bring the hype. Create an electronic media kit listing your skills, accomplishments, and awards. Make certain your presentation is creative and appropriate for your industry.
Polish your image. Make sure that you’re you projecting the message you want people to see? Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues of their impressions of you.
Self-promotion isn’t a bad thing. You are an authority in your field so begin to visualize and execute your plan as if you were a rock star. Write an Op-Ed for your favorite newspaper, contribute to a blog, or secure a byline (this means that you get credit for writing the story). Service the byline to the companies you want to work for and stay on their radar.
Be confident. If you say you are the best–then bring it. Show letters of recommendations, praises from your former boss/project managers, and colleagues. Remember, you are entitled to success.
Tap into your network to increase your net worth. It is imperative that you keep in touch with past co-workers. Your contacts can lead you to a contract, job opportunities, meetings, and leads which can eventually increase your bottom line.
Get a mentor. Make certain that the mentor you choose has time to be a mentor. Be clear about expectations and time and make it a two-way street.
Give back. A great deal of business is done while volunteering, which can provide you a legitimate aura of leadership, dedication, and commitment.
Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert, provides entrepreneurs, corporations, and mompreneurs with essential branding, marketing, and public relations coaching; www.karentaylorbass.com and www.taylormademediapr.com. Follow Karen’s tips and Caviar & Chitlins moments at Twitter, twitter.com/prexpert.