The impact of staying relevant— Issue #24

Many people talk about the importance of personal branding, but what they forget to mention is the amount of people who have read the same advice. The hours of work and dedication that is needed to achieve that goal. Why do we even try?

This week an old friend reached out to me asking if I was interested in freelance work or had anyone to recommend for a design job.

With all the extras I have going on and my current focus on Product Operations, I’ve stopped taking on freelance design jobs, but I’ll gladly recommend others and I have a pretty large network.

Even before scouring my network on Linkedin, 3 names automatically came to mind and I reached out to them asking if they’re interested.

Now, what made those 3 names pop into my head? Why do they get the first pick of these freelance gigs over the hundreds of other designers I know?

The simple answer, because they were top of mind for me and I have a great impression of them as professionals and people.

It’s easier than ever

When I was starting out over 22 years ago, social or professional networks online didn’t exist and there weren’t half as many events or networking opportunities.

It has become easier than ever and I’ve seen so many people with much less experience rising through the ranks and I marvel at their ingenuity.

The truth is that people are finding new and interesting ways to build their personal brand and distance themselves from the pack.

However, the over saturation also adds its own complexity.

Should we just give up before we get started? What if, like me, you don’t really like the concept of personal branding?

Why is it important?

Building a personal brand shouldn’t be about becoming famous (unless that’s your objective), but rather about becoming relevant.

What do I mean?

Like the example above, I’ve met dozens of colleagues and given classes to even more students throughout the years, yet those 3 jumped to mind.

Using myself as an example. I don’t work directly in the area of design anymore, however people associate me with design and more specifically UX design, so I get many requests to give talks, workshops or classes on the subject.

I still get approached to consult on building design teams and strategy. I still have designers following me everyday.

This is all possible, because I built that position over the years as did those 3 designers who I reached out to.

What advice can I give?

If there is one piece of advice I give young professionals is to become relevant and visible.

I’ve found that if people remember who are and associate you positively with something, you’ll be one of the first people they reach out to about interesting opportunities. It’s about building your long term sustainable strategy.

The same applies to any product you launch. If you are top of mind, they will think of your product first.

Yes, but how?

Like everything in life, it not about quantity, but quality.

You don’t have to be crazy active across all social media, slack communities and events. You don’t have to comment and have an opinion on everything that someone posts on line.

I’m convinced many people argue with industry experts just to get noticed.

There are 5 things that I think are fundamental:

1- Build up your network

I often tell people how I built up my network over a 2 year period, reaching out to professionals on Linkedin and twitter.

I would ask them for advice about the industry or discipline. I would ask them about their book or article. I was extracting knowledge from those relationships without expectation that it would land me a new job.

Once that network was fleshed out, I started connecting with them at events or inviting them for coffee or lunch. Still, just about expanding my knowledge and also bringing to the forefront myself as a professional.

Without asking for it, some of those people presented job or teaching opportunities, which helped start things rolling.

But don’t be a nag or bother people. Be humble and approach them with humility. They don’t have to give you attention just because.

Tip: Be sure to write a note when asking to connect on Linkedin if you’ve never spoken to or interacted with the person. I have way to many invites that I can’t understand why I would want to connect with them. The message helps make that clearer.

2 — Be a consistent and trustworthy professional

I can’t say this enough, the impression you leave in any place could have a huge impact throughout your professional career.

I’ve seen someone lose out on an opportunity because of an initial impression they created. The person was able to flip completely and become a treasured member of the team, but when decisions were made about contracts or growth, they were judged by that initial impression.

Make an effort to bring enthusiasm and professionalism to the work you do. Show people why you’d be valuable on any team, both present and future.

Work through complicated relationships. Avoid letting them grow into unmanageable situations.

Be honest about you capabilities and what you can deliver. Don’t promise more than you can deliver, because you will be called out for failing.

3 — Be willing to learn

I would say this is probably the biggest one, but never assume you are the brightest person in the room.

Nothing irritates people more than “know-it-alls”. In fact, I know of many industry experts who feel it’s their personal mission to bring those people down to earth.

Even when you seemingly know more than everyone else in the room (or an online thread), maintain a humble yet assertive approach.

Aggressiveness or trying to show your “superiority” will burn bridges very quickly.

Rather listen. Absorb all that is being said. Try to understand context, history and perspective.

Every moment is an opportunity to learn.

4 — Don’t assume you’re an expert

Building on the previous point, don’t assume you’re an expert because you’ve written an article that is referenced by many in the industry or because you’ve been working in the industry for a long time.

Don’t assume just because you’re at a director/manager/VP level that you know more than someone at a senior or even mid level.

Especially today, it’s easy to get a title and “move up”, but sometimes those mid level professionals who have been around a lot longer have stacks more know how than we can’t even imagine. They may even be more qualified and prepared to do your job better than you.

Never assume anything. Accept that there are people with much more expertise than you and learn from them where you can.

5 — Be patient

I know it’s hard to realise that it might take months or even years to get where you want.

You’ll be constantly bombarded by other’s achievements online.

You may be impatient to change jobs or even careers.

Trust me when I say, it takes time to do it properly. Sometimes you need to create habits that become second nature and that you will do them without thinking.

Sometimes it will feel like literally nothing is happening. But it is. Slowly.

Final thoughts

• Staying relevant is important because it can create opportunities.
• It’s important to maintain the right kind of relevance and not just be visible.
• Don’t be a dick! (sorry for the bluntness)
• Be consistent and be patient.

What ways have you built your presence? Share your thoughts if you want. I’d love to hear more!

Originally published at https://www.getrevue.co on June 30, 2022.