Pod Insights No B.S. Job Search Advice Radio Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid About this episode EP 3024 On this show, Ronnie and Bobby talk about an article I wrote. ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier. Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www. TheBigGameHunter.us. You will also find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch. Community Subscribe to No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast in Apple Podcasts for job search with more than 3000 episodes. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to www. TheBigGameHunter.us and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to www. TheBigGameHunter.us makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay. Please contact us to negotiate the use of our content as training data.
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1:00 Speaker 02 Ever notice how some people just seem to sail through their careers? You know, landing amazing roles even when everyone else is struggling?
1:07 Speaker 03 Yeah, it's like they've got some secret formula.
1:09 Speaker 02 And that's exactly what we're diving into today. One of the most powerful tools for any job seeker.
1:15 Speaker 03 Personal branding.
1:16 Speaker 02 You got it. We'll be dissecting the common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1:20 Speaker 03 Sounds good. Where are we getting our insights from today?
1:23 Speaker 02 Our guide for this deep dive is career coach Jeff Altman. He's known as the big game hunter.
1:29 Speaker 03 I like Altman. He's straight to the point. No sugar coating, you know?
1:33 Speaker 02 Absolutely. He cuts through the fluff. So let's start with the basics. What exactly is personal branding? And why is it so crucial in today's job market?
1:44 Speaker 03 Altman emphasizes it's not about some flashy marketing campaign.
1:48 Speaker 02 Yeah, not just slapping a logo on yourself.
1:50 Speaker 03 Right, it's about cultivating a reputation. You know, becoming known for something specific and valuable.
1:55 Speaker 02 So like becoming the go-to person for something?
1:58 Speaker 03 Precisely. Think of someone you admire professionally. What's their thing? Chances are, they've built a personal brand around that expertise. Maybe intentionally, maybe not.
2:08 Speaker 02 That makes sense. It's about standing out. And speaking of standing out, one mistake I see all the time is people thinking, "Well, I'm not a big company, so I don't need a brand."
2:17 Speaker 03 Ah, that's a classic misconception. But as Altman points out, even individuals are brands. Every interaction, every post, it all adds to how people see you.
2:27 Speaker 02 So even if we aren't actively building a brand, we're still projecting an image.
2:32 Speaker 03 Absolutely. The question is, is it the image you want to project? Or are you letting things happen by chance?
2:39 Speaker 02 Hmm, good question. And it brings us to another big mistake: inaction. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and just not start.
2:48 Speaker 03 Altman compares it to a marathon. It takes consistent effort, not a quick sprint.
2:52 Speaker 02 Right, but just like a marathon, you have to take that first step.
2:54 Speaker 03 Exactly.
2:55 Speaker 02 What's a good first step for someone who's stuck?
2:57 Speaker 03 It could be simple. Updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your current goals, or maybe reaching out to someone in your network for an informational interview.
3:05 Speaker 02 Okay, so we're taking action. But how do we avoid being just another face in the crowd? How do we make our brand memorable, but for the right reasons?
3:15 Speaker 03 Altman has a great line. He says, "Being competent isn't a brand, it's what everyone claims." You gotta focus on what makes you uniquely valuable.
3:24 Speaker 02 What's your special sauce, so to speak?
3:26 Speaker 03 Yes. Instead of just listing skills on your resume, think of specific examples that show impact. Stories, achievements, things like that.
3:34 Speaker 02 So instead of managed a team, you'd say something like, "Led a team to exceed sales targets by 15% using a new strategy I developed."
3:42 Speaker 03 Exactly. Numbers and tangible results, those paint a clear picture, makes you stand out.
3:48 Speaker 02 This makes me think about networking, too. It feels like a strong personal brand and a strong network go hand in hand.
3:54 Speaker 03 Absolutely. Altman stresses nurturing your network. It's much easier to build on those existing relationships than starting from scratch.
4:01 Speaker 02 Staying top of mind, offering value, even when you're not actively job searching.
4:06 Speaker 03 Right. That way, when you are looking, you're not cold calling, you're reconnecting with people who already know and value what you bring.
4:14 Speaker 02 Hopefully, ready to put in a good word for you. So for those neglecting their network, what can they do today to start rebuilding?
4:22 Speaker 03 Something small. Send a message to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Just a check in. No big ask. Just a genuine attempt to reconnect.
4:30 Speaker 02 No no's. That might spark a conversation that leads to their next big break.
4:34 Speaker 03 Absolutely. Now, consistency. We've all seen those LinkedIn profiles that are all over the place, right? Politics one day, vacation photos the next. It's confusing.
4:42 Speaker 02 Like they're trying to be everything to everyone, which ends up being nothing to anyone.
4:46 Speaker 03 Exactly. Altman warns against that scattered online presence. Pick a niche and stick with it. Become known for your expertise in a specific area.
4:54 Speaker 02 So master of one, not jack of all trades.
4:57 Speaker 03 Yes. Focus your energy. Become a thought leader in your chosen field. Doesn't mean you can't have other interests, but your professional presence should reflect your core expertise.
5:08 Speaker 02 Makes sense. This brings up a question for our listeners. What's the one thing you want to be known for? If someone summed up your expertise in a single sentence, what would it be?
5:18 Speaker 03 That's a great exercise to clarify your brand and make sure your actions align with that core message.
5:24 Speaker 02 This reminds me of another Altman point. Leveraging your employer's brand. How can we do that strategically without becoming too reliant on it?
5:32 Speaker 03 It's a balancing act. You can highlight your employer's reputation, especially if it's a good one, but build your distinct brand that goes beyond any one company.
5:41 Speaker 02 Like, uh, standing on the shoulders of giants, but still reaching for your own star.
5:46 Speaker 03 Love that. Your current employer might open some doors, but it's your personal brand that will determine your long-term success.
5:52 Speaker 02 A portable brand, something you take with you wherever you go.
5:55 Speaker 03 Absolutely. And this brings us to another crucial point. Thinking ahead, planning strategically.
6:01 Speaker 02 Something I think many overlook. They're so focused on the next job, they don't see the bigger picture.
6:07 Speaker 03 Altman says, anticipate what future employers will want. What skills and qualities will be hot in your field five, 10, even 15 years down the line?
6:16 Speaker 02 Great point. It's like having a roadmap for your career, not just wandering aimlessly.
6:21 Speaker 03 Exactly. And to create that roadmap, research what's valued in higher level roles in your path. What do those successful people have in common? What experiences got them there?
6:31 Speaker 02 Practical advice. Instead of chasing titles, develop the skills that align with your long-term goals.
6:37 Speaker 03 Yes. Take ownership of your career trajectory, shape it intentionally.
6:42 Speaker 02 This has been thought provoking. Personal branding is way more nuanced than a catchy tagline or a fancy LinkedIn profile.
6:48 Speaker 03 It is. It's strategy, consistency, intentionality, and understanding that building your brand is an ongoing process.
6:55 Speaker 02 Well said. We covered a lot in this first part of our deep dive into personal branding. Before we move on, what stood out to you as a key takeaway so far?
7:03 Speaker 03 For me, it's Altman's emphasis on that unique value proposition. It's not enough to be competent. You have to show what makes you different and why that matters to potential employers.
7:11 Speaker 02 Fantastic point. A great reminder to hone in on that special sauce.
7:15 Speaker 03 You know, speaking of that special sauce, Altman uses this analogy of a shop window.
7:20 Speaker 02 Oh, I like that.
7:20 Speaker 03 Yeah, he says you gotta display your most valuable stuff where people can see it.
7:24 Speaker 02 So how does that apply to personal branding? What's the shop window in this case?
7:28 Speaker 03 Think of it as all the ways you present yourself professionally. Your resume, LinkedIn, your online portfolio, even how you introduce yourself at networking events.
7:39 Speaker 02 So those first impressions really matter.
7:40 Speaker 03 Absolutely. Don't bury your accomplishments. Highlight them. Make an impact right away.
7:46 Speaker 02 Any practical tips on making that shop window more eye-catching?
7:50 Speaker 03 Altman's big on using bullet points, strong action verbs, quantifiable results whenever possible. So instead of saying managed a project.
8:00 Speaker 02 You'd say something more like led a team to finish under budget and ahead of schedule.
8:03 Speaker 03 Exactly. And add in some numbers. Led a team to deliver project 20% under budget and ahead of schedule.
8:09 Speaker 02 Wow, that's much stronger. It tells a story, shows results.
8:13 Speaker 03 Exactly. It paints a picture of what you can do. And speaking of storytelling, Altman's a big advocate for creating content.
8:20 Speaker 02 Content creation, like writing blog posts or making videos.
8:24 Speaker 03 Exactly. Share your knowledge, your insights. You'll not only be showing off your expertise, but also positioning yourself as a thought leader.
8:32 Speaker 02 But that takes time and effort. What if you're not a natural writer or speaker?
8:36 Speaker 03 Start small. Focus on what you know best. You don't need to write a book. Just share a quick tip on LinkedIn or maybe write a book. Create a short blog post, even a simple video explaining something in your field.
8:46 Speaker 02 Okay, that feels more manageable. Small steps build up over time.
8:50 Speaker 03 And you never know who might see it. That one piece of content could catch the eye of a recruiter. Plus, it helps with searchability.
8:57 Speaker 02 Good point. Gives people something to find when they Google you. So even if you're not actively looking for a job, putting yourself out there can lead to opportunities.
9:05 Speaker 03 Precisely. And when you are applying for jobs, Altman stresses tailoring your resume and cover letter to each specific role.
9:12 Speaker 02 I know. Everyone says that, but actually doing it effectively is tough.
9:17 Speaker 03 It is. It's tempting to just use a generic resume and send it out to everyone, but that's like sending a form letter.
9:23 Speaker 02 No effort blends in with the crowd.
9:25 Speaker 03 Exactly. Take the time to read the job description carefully and highlight what's most relevant. Using the same keywords they use can really help your application stand out.
9:34 Speaker 02 So speak their language, show you understand their needs.
9:38 Speaker 03 Yes. It shows attention to detail, which is a great quality for any candidate. Now, let's talk about the interview process. How can personal branding help you make a good impression once you're in the room?
9:49 Speaker 02 Good question. Once you're in the interview, it feels like it's all about your answers, how you present yourself. So how does branding even play into that?
9:58 Speaker 03 Altman says the interview should be a conversation, a two-way street. Yes, you answer their questions, but you're also figuring out if this is right for you.
10:06 Speaker 02 Interesting. Takes the pressure off a bit, right?
10:08 Speaker 03 It does. You can be more confident, more authentic, and remember, skills can be taught, but personality and passion are what make you unique.
10:17 Speaker 02 So be yourself, but still mindful of how you're presenting yourself.
10:21 Speaker 03 Right. Don't just recite your resume. Tell your story in a way that engages them, leaves them wanting more. And don't forget to ask insightful questions. Shows you're curious and you understand the company.
10:32 Speaker 02 Be prepared, but also present.
10:35 Speaker 03 It's a balance. And speaking of preparation, Altman also suggests researching the people you'll be interviewing with. Look them up on LinkedIn, read their articles, get a sense of their background.
10:45 Speaker 02 Great tip. Shows you're proactive and helps tailor the conversation to their interests.
10:49 Speaker 03 Exactly. Turns the interview into a Dialogue, not a one-sided thing.
10:54 Speaker 02 Builds rapport, common ground.
10:56 Speaker 03 Right, and that can make all the difference. So, great advice for acing the interview. But personal branding seems like it's something you need to keep up even after you get the job.
11:06 Speaker 02 Absolutely. It's not a one-time thing, it's ongoing.
11:09 Speaker 03 Think of it like tending a garden. You've got to water it, weed it, prune it, keep it healthy.
11:13 Speaker 02 So how do we keep our personal brand garden thriving?
11:16 Speaker 03 Altman suggests staying active in your field. Go to industry events, join organizations, keep learning, and stay connected with your network. Reach out to people regularly, offer support.
11:28 Speaker 02 Be a valuable part of your community.
11:30 Speaker 03 Exactly, and don't be afraid to revisit your personal brand. Make adjustments, goals change, skills evolve, the job market shifts. Make sure your brand always reflects who you are and where you want to go.
11:43 Speaker 02 Like a living document, evolving as you evolve.
11:45 Speaker 03 Exactly, and by being mindful of your brand and actively cultivating it, you'll be in a great position to navigate the job market and reach your goals.
11:54 Speaker 02 This has been so insightful. We've just scratched the surface of personal branding though, haven't we?
11:58 Speaker 03 It's a deep topic, but before we wrap up, I want to circle back to one of Altman's most important takeaways.
12:04 Speaker 02 Okay, I'm listening. What is it? Okay, I'm listening. What is it?
12:06 Speaker 03 It's about shifting our perspective. Instead of asking, "What job do I want?"
12:11 Speaker 02 We should be asking.
12:12 Speaker 03 Altman says, "What kind of person does my dream job want to hire?"
12:15 Speaker 02 Ah, that changes things. It forces you to see it from their side.
12:19 Speaker 03 Exactly. Think about what they're looking for. Then align your brand with that.
12:24 Speaker 02 It's like reverse engineering the job search.
12:26 Speaker 03 I like that. It's about being strategic, intentional, not just reacting.
12:31 Speaker 02 And it all ties back to what we've been talking about, right?
12:33 Speaker 03 Yeah.
12:33 Speaker 02 Defining your value, crafting your story, building your network.
12:37 Speaker 03 It all comes together to create a personal brand that resonates.
12:40 Speaker 02 Speaking of resonating, one thing that keeps coming up for me is authenticity. It's like, everyone's trying to be perfect online, but being genuine feels more important than ever.
12:50 Speaker 03 I agree. People can spot a fake. The best brands are real, they reflect who you truly are.
12:56 Speaker 02 Let your personality shine through, don't try to be someone else.
12:59 Speaker 03 Exactly. That's how you build trust, connection, and that's crucial for a successful career.
13:04 Speaker 02 This has been such an eye-opening deep dive into personal branding. We uncovered some real gems from Jeff Altman.
13:10 Speaker 03 He's a great resource. Hopefully our listeners feel ready to take what they've learned and put it into practice.
13:15 Speaker 02 Sure they do. Any final words of advice for those who might be feeling a little overwhelmed?
13:20 Speaker 03 Remember, it's a marathon. Don't try to do everything at once. Small steps, consistency, and celebrate your wins along the way.
13:30 Speaker 02 Great advice. And don't forget, you don't have to do this alone. There are tons of resources out there, from career coaches to online groups.
13:37 Speaker 03 We're here to support you too.
13:39 Speaker 02 This has been another fantastic deep dive. We'll be back next time with more insights and advice.
13:43 Speaker 03 Until then, keep learning, keep growing, and keep shining.
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