Career Tip #2: Create Soundbytes for Your Personal Brand

When word of mouth takes off on a product there is usually a small sentence, maybe a couple, that are shared about that product. “It was voted motor trend car of the year three times.” Or, “These are the shoes Jordan wears.”. Word of mouth is delivered in soundbytes.

Word of mouth is THE way you are known and marketed inside and outside of a company. As such, your reputation is carried by a sentence or two. Typically, it’s what comes to top of mind for the person talking about you.

For me, my soundbytes may be around authoring two books, running Dell.com, or my blog. For some my friends who graduated from Harvard, people may drop what we call the “H-bomb” in their soundbytes – “Harvard MBA”. Perhaps you launched a big project, your Dad is someone famous, you have some special skill, or you did something amazing with your hobby time.

The best soundbytes are the characteristics they can say about you. Hard worker, rock star, salt of the earth, team player, sharp, super smart, get it done guy, etc.

What characterstics stand out for you? How are you differentiated? How are you remembered? What unique or remarkable accomplishment will people always talk about?  Don’t have any? Then take on something challenging, take some risks, do something different – lest you blend in.

And even if you have something amazing, remember it won't mask over your character, integrity and overall performance. I guess the old adage is true...hard work pays off -- in the job you have now and the job you'll get next because of your soundbytes.