Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a small networking and branding event for professional women, organized by Fuel Talent and held at Rhapsody’s offices in Seattle. About 50 women gathered to learn more about how to craft their own personal brand.
Why should anyone worry about having a brand? It not only helps you hone your elevator pitch for potential employers or clients, it helps you focus on what you truly want. As career development consultant Marcy Porus-Gottlieb told us, it’s not about applying for jobs you know you can do — it’s about applying for things you want to do.
The crowd was a group of smart, savvy women — many who work in tech — and they presented the problems that are all-too-common for women who are nearing the midpoint of their careers. Some were trying to reinvent themselves, others discouraged by the good ol’ boys clubs and dead ends they faced.
During a Q&A session, Porus-Gottlieb fielded questions, offering the same advice she gives her clients about figuring out who you are, what you want and moving forward. Everyone even had a free professional head shot for their social pages, courtesy of photographer Lisi Wolf.
“Many people are great at their jobs but they are not great at selling themselves,” explained Fuel Talent CEO Shauna Swerland. “They are also busy and don’t take time to stop and think about how they are spending their days and how the role they are in fits their long term vision for their career.”
Fuel plans on hosting future events. To learn more, follow them on Twitter or Facebook.
