“My company is firing a lot of people.
What if my team members are on the list?
What if I am among them?“
Maria (*not real name), was freaking out.
She couldn’t focus on her work while waiting for the details.
After 4 long days, she finally got the official email.
Phew! Neither her team nor she were on the list.
Maria was still unhappy.
“I‘ve worked my a* off here for 9 years. I‘ve sacrificed my health.
And here I am, feeling disposable. I want to quit.”
And so she did.
With my help, Maria quit overworking, over-committing and over-identifying with her job.
She quit getting lost in the weeds.
She quit worrying and stressing.
Instead of being 95% operational, she began balancing it out with being strategic.
She developed a strategic perspective both in regards to her team/company goals and her personal brand.
Maria quit playing “nice” and caring too much about what others think.
She got better at prioritisation and at saying “No.”
She began growing her brand online.
She used the same skills I taught her for conveying executive presence in meetings – but towards her posture on LinkedIn.
It didn’t take long before Maria began getting noticed.
Messages from recruiters popped up weekly.
Invites to speak at expert panels followed.
The cherry on the cake was the company CEO asking Maria to join a high-level meeting —
And not because of her hard work.
It was the aftermath of one particularly impactful post she wrote on LinkedIn.
“It feels amazing to be visible, to share who I am, and not to fear about losing my job tomorrow.“
Maria sounds more confident and empowered now, and we have not yet finished all the branding work.
The reason I‘ve shared Maria’s story is because…
THIS YEAR, I WANT YOU TO QUIT, TOO.
I want you to quit getting lost in the weeds of your job.
To quit never finding time to build your brand and visibility on LinkedIn.
I‘d like you to quit being so stressed and overworked, so you rarely have a strategic insight to share (both in meetings or on LinkedIn.)
To quit putting your job ahead of your career.
I want you to share your expertise and add value online.
And quit being an invisible workhorse everyone can rely on.
I want you to quit neglecting your personal brand.
Because…
Your job is not bullet-proof.
In 2022, I saw managers and executives get fired with little notice.
I saw my clients’ career plans ruined because of the reorganisations.
I saw teams get dissolved.
Just like you, they thought their jobs would stay stable.
Their hard work would be enough.
Here’s the truth, it won’t.
Your company strategy can change, and your role can get cut.
With the economy going into recession, there might be more layoffs.
You might not like your new manager. (A toxic manager is #1 reason people leave their jobs.)
Plus, I hope you have some ambitious goals for yourself this year.
So, giving it all to your job won’t help you tomorrow.
Being strategic, and growing your brand and visibility will.
That’s why in 2023, I want you to get in the driving seat of your career.
You already make an impact and add value.
Now I want you to get noticed, and not only in company meetings.
I want you to build a strong brand and find your unique voice on LinkedIn.
And, as you show people who you are and what you know…
You’ll see opportunities emerge.
People will come to YOU.
Job offers will find YOU.
Because…
When you build your brand, when you know how to stand out…
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT.
So, did I convince you?
Are you ready to quit being an invisible workhorse, and turn into a vocal, visible, sought out industry leader?
Here’re some steps to get you started:
1. Begin carving out space and energy to step away from the operational mode and to step into strategic thinking.
2. Get clear on your unique value, differentiation and positioning — the base of your Personal Brand — to help you stand out in your field.
3. Find 15 min twice per week to connect with people and establish your voice on LinkedIn.
4. If you need my support, consider applying to our new group coaching programme “Grow Your Brand, Career & Leadership in 2023.” The selection is by interview, so sign up for a 20 min no-obligation chat with me today, to see if you‘d be a good fit.
Here’s to you taking your power back in 2023!