What do you do if you're unsure which skills to prioritize for personal branding?

The best way to know which skills to prioritize in your personal brand is to identify which skills you already have and which can make a difference in making your brand stand out; Seek to improve these existing skills; Then, research what other skills you could start practicing and, with that, improve the perception of your brand.

To bolster your personal brand and increase your success and happiness at work, prioritize the skills that sit at the intersection of these three areas: 1. You are really good at them (or willing to learn and make them your superpowers) 2. You enjoy using them (they give you energy when you do them) 3. They are in-demand for the type of job you want to have next (personal brands are based in authenticity with an aspirational element) Strong brands are known by their superpowers–the things they do better than anyone else. Get clear on your most valuable and valued skills, then use them consistently to demonstrate your brilliance!

Imagine your ideal work environment. What kind of problems do you find exciting to solve? What kind of impact do you want to make? Example: I used to work in marketing, but found myself drawn to projects that involved social impact. This led me to prioritize skills in content creation for non-profit organizations.

When assessing your values, consider the deeper motivations behind your career choices and aspirations. Ask yourself questions such as: What impact do I want to make in the world? What kind of work environment brings out the best in me? What values are non-negotiable for me in my professional life? Take stock of your personal strengths and weaknesses. Identify the skills that come naturally to you and those that you may need to work on developing further. Prioritize skills that not only align with your values but also capitalize on your strengths. This ensures that you're building a personal brand that authentically represents who you are and what you stand for.

Begin by reflecting on your strengths, passions, and career goals. Conduct a self-assessment to identify the skills that set you apart and align with your desired brand image. Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and industry peers to gain insights into your unique value proposition. Additionally, research industry trends and competitor profiles to understand which skills are in demand. Invest in continuous learning and development to hone both technical and soft skills that resonate with your target audience. Ultimately, focus on showcasing authenticity and consistency in your brand messaging, highlighting the skills that differentiate you and contribute to your professional success.

Skills are valuable when they're in demand. Research job postings on platforms like LinkedIn or industry websites. What skills are consistently popping up? Example: While I love graphic design, I noticed a higher demand for content writers with SEO expertise. I honed my writing skills and took online courses to fill that gap.

Conduct extensive research into the current and projected future needs of your industry or desired career path. Look at job market reports, industry publications, and expert analyses to identify trends and emerging skill requirements. Consider the global context and how factors such as technological advancements, demographic shifts, and socio-economic changes are shaping the demand for specific skills. Prioritize skills that are not only in demand but also have the potential for long-term sustainability. This involves forecasting future trends and anticipating how your skills can remain relevant amidst evolving market dynamics.

Take a skills inventory. List your current strengths and weaknesses. What areas can you improve to reach your career goals? Example: I realized I lacked experience in project management for content creation. I joined online communities and took a project management course to bridge that gap.

Don't operate in a vacuum. Ask colleagues, mentors, or even trusted friends for honest feedback on your strengths and areas for development. Example: Speaking with a former manager revealed my talent for explaining complex topics in a clear, concise way. This feedback helped me highlight my communication skills in my personal brand.

Your online presence is your digital resume. Update your LinkedIn profile, showcase your skills through relevant projects. Example: I built a portfolio website featuring my content writing samples and blog posts showcasing my SEO knowledge.

I'm strongly convinced that your personal brand should be subject to change. The more you learn about a certain topic or skill, the more your point of view will evolve. It's also natural to outgrow certain topics. So don't fixate on holding on to your existing personal brand. As you evolve as a professional, so will your personal brand.

First explore what makes your heart sing! Doing what makes you happy also makes your results shine. When you have discovered your passion, then think about how that passion can be monetized, and what skills you need to bring it to the next level.

Assess yourself. Choose the skills that tell more about you even without you explaining. Along with your content, the skills you exhibit will convey a message that you intentionally don't convey. Choose the ones that align with your inner self and the one that very well positions your industry expertise. A combination of both works like magic.

Authenticity is the one critical skill to prioritize for personal branding. Being genuine and true to yourself helps build trust and connection with your audience, making your brand more relatable and compelling.