The traditional view of marketing is that it applies to products or services only. However, there are a variety of marketing principles that you can use to promote yourself. If you’re looking to do so for a promotion within your company or to prospective employers you’re interested in, this could apply to you.
These tips can also help if you’ve thought about eventually becoming an entrepreneur. And if you have, you’re not alone. According to a study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), there are an estimated 27 million entrepreneurs in the United States. You may not be ready to take the plunge and start something on the side or quit your day job, but it’s never too early to start preparing yourself for owning a business.
[See: 10 Ways to Perfect Your Personal Brand.]
What marketing concepts can you use in your career? Stephanie Ward, a marketing coach for entrepreneurs and owner of Firefly Coaching, offers the following tips.
Have a strong online presence. One of the keys to finding your ideal job or starting your own business is to put yourself on the map. If you can’t be found or understood online, it will be hard to convince employers and customers that you are an expert in your field. Build a website and use social media to tell your story.
Be proactive. Whether you’re looking for advancement in your current job or want to move on, you must be proactive. Don’t wait for people or prospects to come to you. The best way to do this is to talk to people, search for opportunities and get out there and attend events.
[See: 16 Things You’re Doing All Wrong on LinkedIn.]
Follow up. When you meet someone new, make sure you circle back within a few days of meeting. Make your follow-up note or phone call meaningful by referencing specific and relevant parts of your conversation. This will make you more memorable and increase the chances that the person will welcome further contact with you. Do not expect other people to get back to you when promised. You need to follow up in a timely and appropriate way.
Express gratitude. Are you thanking people who help you? Whether someone sent you a job posting, referred you for a job or talked to you about your career development, say thank you. The same is true if someone introduced you to people at a particular company or referred clients to you. You can say thank you by sending an email, a handwritten note or even taking them out for coffee or lunch. Whatever method you use, they will remember your kindness.
Constantly build your network. This is a common thing to overlook because life is busy and we all get comfortable in our routines. But you should always be working on building relationships. Check in with your connections on a regular basis by saying hello or wishing them a happy birthday. Decide who you want to keep in touch with and mark times on your calendar to follow up periodically. This can help you find your next opportunity and nurture your network for your potential future business.
[See: Don’t Be That Guy (or Gal): 8 Networking Turn-Offs.]
Work on your pitch. You know the feeling: You’re at an event or meet someone new at a party, and you’re asked what you do and you stumble. It’s hard to answer this question while being clear and descriptive enough for any audience to understand, but also concise. Here’s what to do. First, describe the problem you solve or want to solve in your everyday work. The key here is to think about the big picture rather than the small tasks you do each day. Then, explain how you solve that issue. Practice on friends and family and then begin using it everywhere — online on your social media pages and website and with anyone you meet.
You may not be sure of what your next career move is going to be, but these actions will help position you effectively no matter what it is. Growing your network and relationships can only help you in the future. You can and should determine how to market yourself both in person and online — it’s never too early to think strategically and implement it.
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How to Further Your Career Using Marketing Principles originally appeared on usnews.com
