What is the one word that you would use to describe YOU? This is an important question to consider as you focus on a personal branding strategy which is the foundation for establishing your online professional profiles and the successful image you will portray as you progress throughout your career.

Most surprisingly the word most often used by those in career transition to describe themselves is “passionate”. Surprising because the majority of people are not perceived as ”passionate”. The trend to use this particular adjective may be attributed to the prevalence of information available suggesting we will achieve success if we find our passion. While this could very well be true, the word to focus on should be one that describes you in your entirety, one which relates to you as an individual and reflects your personality. You may be very passionate about playing hockey but a wall flower at social engagements. Your passion for your job may be evident but your family sees only a couch potato.   

Here are a few suggestions for the one word that may describe you:  

Enthusiastic, visionary, committed, driven, tenacious, ambitious, detailed, tactful, diplomatic, resourceful, innovative, strategic, courageous, strong, accurate, optimistic, reliable, intelligent, respected, supportive, knowledgeable, creative,  influential, ingenious, indomitable, persuasive, persistent, intuitive, inquisitive, professional, leader!

Give serious consideration to consulting with your colleagues, mentors, friends and family to gain further insight into how others perceive you. There are a variety of behavioural assessment surveys and self awareness programs available. A professional Executive Coach or Personal Branding Strategist will also provide valuable feedback. If the perception of others is totally different than how you see yourself, it will be an impossible task to establish a credible profile and a respected personal brand.

Authentic and genuine are the keys to any successful brand. Choosing to do anything different will put you in a very negative spotlight. Just ask Tiger Woods. No one appreciates being deceived.

Contact Elite Resumes to discuss your brand with a Certified Professional Branding Strategist and Executive Coach.      

Career Coaching is a methodology available to help people achieve job and career satisfaction.  If compared to career counseling, coaching is more results oriented, less structured and more guided by the clients’ agenda.  While similar to consulting, which focuses on solving problems through providing the right answers, coaching focuses on asking the right questions.  Unlike therapy, which deals with the past to solve current issues, coaching begins in the present and focuses on moving clients forward to get more of what they want in the future.

Here are a few more definitions to clarify what career coaching is:

“…a hands-on partnership offering individualized attention and custom-tailored solutions to achieve your professional goals.”

“…a partnership to discover your true passion and mission in life, to produce extraordinary results in your life, career, business or organization.”

“…prepares you to effectively leverage who you are – your identity, purpose, values and motivators with your knowledge, skills, interests and experience.”

“…focuses on the needs of individuals to find fulfillment and satisfaction in their career”

Whether it is career coaching, management coaching or leadership coaching, it is one of the most highly sought after expertise today.  A qualified coach will recognize the talents and skills of their client and coach them to gain clarity, confidence and the power to succeed.

Are you in a satisfying and fulfilling career?  If yes, congratulations!  If no, we would be happy to discuss how we can help you achieve this.