by Ann E. Smith

Created on: October 31, 2009

When you join a company to take on a new job, your focus will be on learning the responsibilities and expectations. What you must not neglect during this critical time, though, is creating and managing your personal brand.

What is a personal brand? It is similar to a product brand such as Nike or Kellogg's. You just do not have a logo that you wear on your sleeve.

But you might as well. Your personal brand is what you stand for, and it is also what others perceive you to be. For example, your personal brand could be that you are "easy to do business with," which is a great brand to have.

Or it could be that you are a strong negotiator, or someone who gets things done. Personal brands can also be negative, which happens when you gain a bad reputation. You could be labeled by others as "difficult" or "high maintenance," both of which can greatly hurt your chance for promotions.

So what can you do to manage your personal brand? How can you get a positive versus a negative one? Below are a few tips for managing your personal brand.

* Commit to being likable

While some people are naturally more likeable than others, do the best with what you have as your raw material - you! Be on your best behavior. Learn to act the role of a pleasant and helpful person.

Smile when at work. Use a bit of humor when appropriate. Do not take yourself too seriously, but take your work very seriously. Remember that you do not always have to be right, and learn to play well with others.

* Manage your nonverbal behaviors

Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it. Learn to say no without actually saying no.

Be careful about your tone of voice, and make appropriate eye contact. Focus on not interrupting others. Seek first to understand and then be understood. Show interest when you are listening.

Controlling your nonverbal behaviors in ways that are appropriate will contribute greatly to your personal brand. You will find that such focus and discipline around your body language will go a long way to contributing to a more favorable personal brand.

* Be professional and courteous

Work is work. Sure, you want to be able to have some fun when working. But you still are wise to keep your professional face on at all times. Remember where you are. Recognize to whom you are talking. Remain professional and courteous whenever possible.

* Seek feedback

One way to manage your personal brand well is to seek feedback from others. Of course, choose carefully as to whom you seek this kind of constructive criticism. Ask what you are doing well. Ask where you can improve. And be open to what others have to say.

Managing your personal brand when at work is a very important thing. You want others to think highly of you and your capabilities. You can achieve this on a day to day basis by doing what you say you will, working hard and managing your personal brand.

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