A major job-seeker advantage is that most of the networks mentioned in yesterday’s entry provide an opportunity to build a profile on the networking site, thus a chance to engage in storied personal branding. Let your profile tell your story in a lively, exciting way that truly reflects your personality. Jim Randall of The Raconteur describes a process he takes clients though that can easily apply to crafting a profile for social-networking sites. These components can help you create an engaging story on these sites:
- Who you are: Develop this component using your own authentic voice. You may want to draw from your Quintessential You story (Chapter 1).
- What you do: A good way to frame this part of your story, Deb Dib notes, is to think of how you’ve made a difference for your employers. What outcomes would not have been possible for your employer without your initiatives?
- How you do it: Offer stories, and when possible, quantified proof of how effectively you have performed.
- What you want to be: Paint a word picture that shows your potential.
- Your value proposition: Incorporate your branding statement into your profile story.
- Your commitment: Express your passion for what you do.
Here are some samples of great social-networking profiles that tell at least part of the stories of the people behind them (registration at LinkedIn may be required to see these). Deb Dib shared these in an article about LinkedIn:
Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling that Propels Careers, Quintessential Careers Press, ISBN-10: 1-934689-00-9. Find out the ways you can own the entire book.
