Loyola Alumni Learning Conversation: Enhancing Your Professional Brand Presented to alumni of Loyola University and clients of Career Transitions Center by Anita Jenke, Executive Director Career Transitions Center of Chicago Wednesday, May 22 nd, 2014

Introduction Career Transitions Center of Chicago – Job/career coaching, programs for mid-career professionals 300 programs each year Over 6,000 professionals served since 1997 – 50+ job and career coaches is our greatest asset – Information at Anita Jenke, Executive Director CTC Alumnus, 4+ years CTC Job Coach Board Member, Chicago Jobs Council serving greater Chicago area

What’s makes for a good brand?

What makes for a Strong Brand*: 1. Relevance 2. Consistency 3. Credibility 4. Distinctive/Value Added 5. Sustainability/Indelibility *according to the American Marketing Association

Icons on brand: Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. – Malcom Forbes If you’ve never heard of it, if you wouldn’t choose it, if you don’t recommend it, then there is no brand. - Seth Godin Your brand is what people say when you’re not in the room. – Jeff Bezos, Founder, Amazon We are the CEOs of our own enterprise…to be in business today, your most important job is head marketer for brand You. – Tom Peters

Effects of a Strong Brand: The world rarely sees someone who has had such a profound impact…the effects of which will be felt for many years to come. – Bill Gates Thanks for showing us that what you build can change the world. – Mark Zuckerberg One of the greatest of American innovators – bold enough to believe he could change the world and talented enough to do it. – Barack Obama

Personalities and Brands Name Brand qualities Name Brand qualities

To stand out for job and career opportunity, be clear about who you are and what you offer.

Your brand distinction = What You Do (passion) + Success + Impact

Value… Impact… Future Possibility…

What Distinguishes You? Think of three things Tell a partner about your three things Speak to impact

Creating Your Value Statement A value statement conveys both your distinction and career objective. How would you state your greatest value and contribution? One possible construct is “I help [WHO] to [DO WHAT] by [HOW YOU DO IT]” Example #1: “I help organizations optimize financial and operations processes for cost savings and greater efficiency.” – Senior Financial/Operations Manager Example #2: “I attract and advance the best, most profitable and most enduring client relationships.” – Relationship Sales Professional Example #3: “I help organizations and individuals realize their potential.” – Executive and Organizational Coach

How I Serve Background and How I Add Value (to/for whom) I can help organizations build the right systems and obtain needed resources to support their mission and activities. Relevant Experience 2-3 Things that Make Me a Good Fit My experience is corporate finance for Fortune 1000 companies. I’ve volunteered with nonprofits in finance and currently serve as the treasurer for the Mission Giving committee of my church. I am active in IL CPA Society. Work Pursuing My Career Focus I am looking for a senior finance position at an established nonprofit that serves the homeless. Identifying Additional Connections “The Ask” I am actively working to learn more about and network into organizations like Chicago Food Depository, Open Hand Chicago and others. Can you suggest someone who’d offer good advice who might also be well connected? Your Value Statement

Your Value Statement serves as the basis for Your Professional Brand Spoken: “Tell me about yourself” Written: Resume, LinkedIn, Cover Letter References and Recommendations

Good Image Strong Headline Enhanced Summary Update with Relevant Experience (Skills & Expertise) Recommendations (strong references) LinkedIn – 5 Tips

Add /mobile phone to LinkedIn Profile Add mobile phone and LinkedIn URL to Regularly update and add to your profile Connect updates to Twitter Initiate/expand connections Maintain connections (LinkedIn Updates) Are You Leveraging LinkedIn?

How will you develop your brand to stand out for opportunity?

Resources Baker, MarianWake Up Inspired Godin, SethLinchpin and Tribes McNally, David Be Your Own Brand Reed/StoltzHow to Put Your Mindset to Work Sloan, KarlinUnFear: Facing Change in an Era of Uncertainty Watkins, MichaelYour Next Move Career Transitions Center of Chicago offers job search /career coaching, programs and Additional resources for professionals seeking meaningful work and career success. Our coaches and many programs offered help clients effectively brand and promote themselves through networking. For more information, visit orwww.ctcchicago.org contact