Every now and then I receive emails from our sphinxx readers asking for tips and advice for building a public profile.  It’s something I’ve spent quite a lot of energy on over the past 5 years or so and I’m absolutely passionate about encouraging other women to do the same.  So why is it important for women? If you’ve been to any of my presentations you’ll know that I always mention personal branding or profile as a key success strategy for women to increase their power – and ultimately pay.  Remember: networking isn’t so much about who you know, but who knows you.  So the more you can get your name out there in the market place, the more chance you’ll have at getting cold calls from headhunters and potential clients.

Recently I was invited by the team at PR Guru who asked me to share my own DIY public relations story: what I do to get the sphinxx brand and my name out there in the market place.  You can read the full interview here – it’s a quick read with my practical tips on where I find PR stories and tips, who I pitch ideas to, and how I leverage the PR I do get in order to get more.

But here’s the important thing: whether you are self employed or an employee in a big company the approach barely differs: journalists and publications it’s almost always about the individual, not the company, and so your personal stories are what they’re looking for.  In my opinion it’s especially important to build a strong personal brand and profile as an employee, because it’s the one thing you can take with you from job to job, organisation to organisation.

Now if you are thinking something like “won’t I look like a big head if I go putting myself forward for promotional opportunities” consider this: if you don’t, someone else will.  And it might as well be you.

I really recommend you take a quick look at the PR Guru interview – I’m sure there will be something there to help you in your own personal branding stories.  And if you still have questions, drop me a line and I’ll be happy to help.