Five Ways to Promote Yourself Powerfully

Promote Yourself Powerfully

Our First Five Methods you can use to Promote Yourself Powerfully and Create Opportunities for Your Career

Jessica Kiely-Schebesta

The modern marketplace is very competitive and we are required to sell ourselves every day, whether it is to ensure you are chosen for a new project at work, to win a new client or get a new job.

As the CEO of your Me Incorporated (Me INC) you need to be promoting yourself in that marketplace. Here are our first five strategies that you can use to promote yourself powerfully and create opportunities for your career. Stay tuned for our next 5 coming out soon!

• First Impressions

It is vital that you get the basics right first when it comes to first impressions. You have 5 to 15 seconds to impress someone and create a powerful impression, and you are the one that has a large say in what they think of you, so use that power.

Make sure the way you are dressed is right for the environment and occasion. Do your research before hand to find out what this is, especially if you are in a different country and culture. Always look smart and well presented, as this proves that you care and have taken the time to present yourself well, which says a lot about how you approach work as well.

Make sure there is a smile on your face. This makes you approachable and can give you confidence. Keep your energy levels high, without bouncing off the walls! Someone who is energetic, interested and enthusiastic always stands out.

If you need to wear a name tag make sure it is easy to read and see, so wearing it on your waist is not appropriate.

Starting with a firm handshake can also work wonders. No one likes to shake hands and get a wet fish on the other end. Practice your handshake with someone and ask for feedback. Again you want it to show your confidence.

Have open and positive body language in the way you hold yourself and walk into a room. The ‘ole shoulders back, head high and eyes up is very true, and will make you feel more confident. Sitting up in your chair and forward as you speak also shows interest and creates a great impression.

And of course, choose your words wisely. Positive language, well thought out responses and a confident introduction of yourself are a great starter. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right straight away, learn from each experience and do it better next time.

• Follow Up

Basically, in my experience 90% of people are lazy and never follow up and just sit and wait for people to get back to them. Be a part of the 10% and really stand out and be remembered by following up. It seems basic, but most people just can’t be bothered, and so miss out on the true opportunities.

You can follow up with a speaker you heard at an event and were really impressed with, after a job interview, after sending your resume, after a meeting with a manager or supervisor, after a seminar you attended, after a networking event with the people that you met, after the first meeting with a new project team, after a teleconference......it just goes on.

Your follow up obviously needs to suit the occasion and situation, so choose wisely, but ALWAYS follow up.

You can:

1. Send an email
2. Make a quick phone call
3. Send a letter, card or postcard
4. Write up a testimonial or recommendation for them
5. Ask for a testimonial or feedback from them
6. Post them a small gift
7. Link with them on LinkedIn or Facebook etc

• Professional Online Profiles

You probably already have a Facebook or MySpace set up that keeps you in contact with your social circle, and perhaps even some in your professional network on there as well. However, there are lots of places where you can now have your professional online profile set up and link with others, and it can all just be about your professional side of life.

The one that we use and highly recommend is LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You set up your profile and outline all of your past jobs, achievements, education and interests; almost like an online resume. Then you get to search for people you know and have worked with professionally and link with them. Once they have accepted you, you are able to see their network and who they know. It is very powerful.

To make the most of it make sure you have a fully updated profile, a picture of yourself that is professional, get people in your network to write recommendations for you (and of course you will need to do it for them first), and keep your status updated with what you are currently working on or achievements that you want others to know about.

LinkedIn is becoming a market place. Jobs are advertised and people ask for referrals, you can join professional groups and associations and get updates about opportunities, people ask questions and seek feedback and tips are provided by the network.

The most powerful thing I have found with LinkedIn is the ability to search for someone you really want to talk with or have a chance to meet, and you can then see how many degrees of separation between you and them, and then just work your way through getting introductions to others to then eventually get a personal introduction to the person you wanted to chat with. Very powerful stuff! So get cracking and get your LinkedIn profile up and search for me Jessica Kiely-Schebesta!

• Online Reputation Management (ORM)

To ensure that you and your brand are protected and working for you positively you need to be monitoring what is online about you. 80% of employers and others will Google you before meeting you or even considering you for a position professionally, and sometimes those Google results (word and image) are the difference between whether you get an opportunity or not.

Regularly check through Google, MSN and Yahoo what comes up with your name. Ensure that anything unprofessional is removed, if possible – like those Facebook pics from last weeks party! Facebook and other sites all have ways to keep certain parts of your profile private and only viewable by those who you want seeing it, so utilise those locking tools.

You can even set up a Google Alert with your name and any other identifiers, so that on a weekly basis you get sent anything that has come up online and being indexed by Google with your name. That way you can monitor it yourself and then manage it regularly.

Also start looking for as many ways to be known online for good stuff eg; articles being published, awards being won etc. We will look at these in more detail in our next edition of Ways to Powerfully Promote Yourself, so stay tuned.

• Face to Face Networking

Yes, it is an oldie but a goodie. Actually meeting new people in person in a professional environment is very important to build your network but also to promote yourself. You are never too young to start networking, so “being a student” is no excuse and you can get out there and start meeting new people right now.

Making sure you get out to 1 or 2 networking events a month is a good goal to aim for. There are heaps of different opportunities and events out there to choose from, and not all of them cost money; get searching! The Frank Team run regular networking events for young entrepreneurs so ask us about the next one coming up near you.

Network not only within your industry but also venture out to other industries and extend your network and professional development.

There are a heap of great articles you can find online that give you tips and strategies on how to network effectively, so do some prep before and read up. But keep in mind:

1. Always have business cards with you. Even if you are a student or between jobs, you can get a set of business cards done up pretty easily for not much cost with your basic contact details.
2. Arrive early and find other people who are alone and looking to chat.
3. Research the speaker before and then introduce yourself to them at the event.
4. When you meet new people ask lots of interesting questions that help you learn more about them, then customise your 30 sec pitch about “what do you do” to them and their needs.
5. Add the new people that you meet to your contacts database afterwards, or find them on LinkedIn and connect.
6. Always follow up with new people and old acquaintances that you met.
7. Note down each time what you learnt; tips, strategies etc and then post that on your blog or someone else’s to help other people learn.

Stay tuned for our next 5 WAYS TO PROMOTE YOURSELF POWERFULLY; Mentors, Work Experience, Volunteering, Speaking Opportunities & Twitter

The Frank Team have a 1 hour, 3 hour and Full Day workshop on POWERFUL SELF PROMOTION – The Why and How. To learn more and get a session outline contact jessica@frankteam.com.au or (02) 95186244. We present these all over Australia and travel to you.

The Frank Team specialise in career, entrepreneurship & youth development programs across Australia. Our experienced and professional youth presenters, coupled with our selection of set or customised programs deliver high impact presentations, workshops and ongoing programs for young people, young professionals & young entrepreneurs. Through our 8 years we have worked with schools, local councils, universities, government departments of all levels, corporate, community groups and training organisations across Australia and internationally.

We truly care about assisting and empowering young Australians to take their ideas and make them a reality in their careers, their communities and in their own business. And always doing this in a fun, innovative and authentic way.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you motivate, inspire & empower the young people that you work with.

www.frankteam.com.au and www.youngentrepreneurs.net.au
Ph: (02) 95186244 E: jessica@frankteam.com.au

The next big thing???

Who's heard of carbon? Carbon emissions? Carbon emissions scheme?

How about carbon counting? The recent federal Government Greenpaper started the ball rolling on a whole new industry - what an opportunity! Large emitters - considered to be 125 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide or more - will need to produce an annual emissions report, and have it checked by an independent third party.

Quite a few large firms, like Connel Wagner, Ernst & Young, KPMG and Emergetics are already doing this... but what about other accounting and engineering individuals and firms? Why not set yourself up now, learn all you can about carbon emissions and how to measure them, then get into it?!

Statistics show that only 3% of company chief xecs know their company's carbon footprint... is it time for you to educate them?

ONLY 8 PLACES LEFT!!!

Get in quick if you want to participate in our very first Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Program! At the beginning of the week, there were 16 places available...now there's only 8 left!

The YESUP program focuses on Lifestyle Marketing Systems. As a small business ourselves, we know that there are two key needs to be met for a business to grow: Marketing and the ability to create systems within your business. So we’ve combined these two topics into an amazing new program for young entrepreneurs!

How Does YESUP Work?

YESUP combines skills workshops, one-on-one mentoring and more to produce real and immediate results for you and your business. The workshops are run over six weeks and concentrate on the Lifecycle Marketing System creation for your business. They are presented by Jessica Kiely, the Director of The Frank Team. The one-on-one mentoring is also

run over these six weeks and allows you to work on an area you have identified within your business for some intensive assistance and guidance - all with an experienced and successful business person. More information about these elements is below.

YESUP will cost you ONLY $200 (+ GST). But it’s valued at over $4450. Invest a small amount of money for a very large return. This program gives you access to the type of training that normally costs you thousands of dollars!

If you’re a young entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 35, running a business in NSW that has been in operation for at least one year, and you are interested in taking part in our skills and mentoring program, contact Lesley on (02) 9966 4333. For more info go to http://www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/marketing-systemise-program.html

WANTED: Passionate Young

Entrepreneurs Ready To Grow Their Business

The FRANK Team is excited to announce the YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS STEPPING UP PROGRAM (YESUP), funded and supported by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. Applications are now open!

The YESUP program focuses on Lifestyle Marketing Systems. As a small business ourselves, we know that there are two key needs to be met for a business to grow: Marketing and the ability to create systems within your business. So we’ve combined these two topics into an amazing new program for young entrepreneurs!

Applications close midnight August 31st, so get in quick - there were 16 places available – now there’s only 12 left! Workshops will take place in Sydney throughout September – November.

APPLY NOW To Be Part Of The YESUP Program!!!

For more info & an application form go to:

www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/marketing-systemise-program.htm

How Does YESUP Work?

YESUP combines skills workshops, one-on-one mentoring and more to produce real and immediate results for you and your business. The workshops are run over six weeks and concentrate on the Lifecycle Marketing System creation for your business. They are presented by Jessica Kiely, the Director of The Frank Team. The one-on-one mentoring is also

run over these six weeks and allows you to work on an area you have identified within your business for some intensive assistance and guidance - all with an experienced and successful business person. More information about these elements is below.

In YESUP, You Will Learn How To:

v Become aware of how to develop systems for all aspects of your business

v Develop a comprehensive Lifecycle Marketing System

v Learn directly from experienced and successful entrepreneurs

v Attract and retain more customers

v Free up your time to work in other areas of your business

v Generate a more reliable income by creating a six to twelve month marketing calendar ready to go

v Track your businesses progress more easily and manage the performance of your marketing

v Make better strategic decisions

v Make it easier to expand and grow your business

v Sell more to existing customers and increase your profits on a regular and consistent basis

Also Included In YESUP:

v A Self-coaching session (Valued at $780) - This will inspire and empower you to drive your business success further by training you to coach yourself through the harder times.

v Networking with other young entrepreneurs who have growing businesses - This will expand your contact list, increase your business knowledge, and introduce you to new potential customers.

v A full ENYA Lawsense workshop (Valued at $750) - To help you avoid legal mistakes and save your business from losing money on legal cases. An ENYA (www.enya.org.au) Business Legal Workshop will be organised for you to attend free of charge at a time convenient to program participants.

v Weekly Inspirational TIPS (Valued at $450) - For ongoing inspiration and motivation to get you through the tough times.

v Regular Mentor Case Studies (Valued at $180) - To ensure you avoid business mistakes and leverage the experience of other successful entrepreneurs.

v LET IT OUT Roundtable (Valued at $350) - You will get other entrepreneurs brains working on and solving your business's problems. Grow your business faster by enlisting the help of other entrepreneurs to supercharge your business and help improve your weaknesses.

v Graduation Ceremony & Certificate - be recognised for your achievement at the YESUP Graduation Ceremony.

If you’re a young entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 35, running a business in NSW that has been in operation for at least one year, and you are interested in taking part in our skills and mentoring program, contact Lesley on (02) 9966 4333. For more info go to http://www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/marketing-systemise-program.html

APPLY NOW To Be Part Of The YESUP Program!!!

For more info & an application form go to:

www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/marketing-systemise-program.htm

How Much Does YESUP Cost?

YESUP will cost you ONLY $200 (+ GST). But it’s valued at over $4450. Invest a small amount of money for a very large return. This program gives you access to the type of training that

normally costs you thousands of dollars!

If you’ve been in business yourself for at least five years and would like to be involved in the program as a mentor, we’d LOVE to hear from you. Contact Lesley on (02) 9966 4333.

If you know someone who could benefit from participating in this program, please forward this opportunity on to them. We’d love to get a wide range of young entrepreneurs and mentors involved and we need your help!

The workshops are made possible by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) the New South Wales Government's business development agency. DSRD delivers programs and services that support the NSW Government’s commitment to winning new business activity for NSW, and developing the capacity and productivity of the State’s economy. For further information on how DSRD can help your business go to www.business.nsw.gov.au