Surviving in a downturn economy as an Entrepreneur and a Business Analyst can be exhausting. The constant networking and engagement with the community may seem, in itself, like a full-time job. When the economy begins to shrink, and employment becomes increasingly competitive, it is more important than ever to continue to market yourself. Engaging in networking allows you to remain present in your connections’ minds.
Here are my tips for marketing yourself:
- Professional Image
Professional image is key. However, in present times, a professional image can be both very powerful and very superficial. Selfies on social media networks are growing more than ever. Many people have created and maintained their image through direct social media channels. They are in charge and continue to promote a specific image that helps identify their lifestyle. Selfies portray an image that is likely superficial; often depicting an image of a lavish and phenomenal lifestyle. We, as viewers, are not privy to see the life behind the selfies. We do not see their obstacles, their failures, their pitfalls. Thus, we are unable to see what makes them relatable to us. Too often, these types of images portray a fantasy lifestyle. When creating and maintaining your professional image, superficiality is not a trait that should follow you professionally. How do you build a credible and professional image?
a) Be Genuine and Authentic
Through your networking endeavours, remember to be genuine and authentic; there is only one unique you in this world. There is only one person who is you, and though you may meet others with similar experiences, you do not have the same experiences. Learn from each other. The more genuine you are to yourself and share your authentic experiences, the more you are likely to surround yourself with positive people who will support you and help you achieve your goals.
b) Showcase Your Integrity
When you hand-in a deliverable, think of it as your stamp of integrity. As an Entrepreneur, a consultant, or an employee at an organization, this work still defines you. If you created the deliverable, or contributed to it, this work still has your name on it, in some way, shape, or form. Own it. The work that you produce and put in at the start will determine how you will grow and progress in your career. Your integrity can reveal itself in all aspects of life. From your interactions with colleagues, to purchasing a coffee; treat everyone with integrity. Carry it around with you. Your actions define you and are the most visible to your network. Treat everyone with class and dignity, as your integrity is the foundation of a professional image.
c) Be Courageous
Be enthusiastic, be brave. “Courageous” sums it up. You are going to be put into situations where you cannot hide. You may be forced to share your thoughts in a meeting, or at networking events. Break out of your shell and allow yourself to shine. Take chances and embrace the challenges that come your way.
2. Know Your Audience
When building and maintaining your network; know your audience. This concept closely relates to “developing your elevator pitch.” Use your storytelling ability to develop your elevator pitch and share it with your audience.
a) Developing Your Pitch and Modify
When developing your elevator pitch, remember to keep it flexible and tailor it to the audience. Each elevator pitch that you create should emphasize your purpose for attending networking opportunities. Are you growing your network? Are you pitching an idea? Make sure your purpose is clear to your audience. For example, as a Business Analyst, your pitch may encompass skills specific to your profession. However, your pitch may not be relevant if you attend different networking events. You may not always be at a BA event, you may be at an Entrepreneurial event preparing to share your ideas or grow your network and make connections with people from varying professions. How do you stay relatable? Fine tune your elevator pitch and tailor it to the networking events that you attend. Ensure that you emphasize the 5 Ws and How. Find that hook to get your audience engaged with you.
3. Seek New Challenges through Professional Development
Keep yourself relevant! The economical market is an ever-evolving cycle. Competition will always be a reality. Keep yourself engaged and relevant by seeking new challenges in your downtime. If you happen to be in-between contracts, or you have some downtime at work, keep yourself motivated. Challenge yourself; learn and grow. Professional development can encompass a variety of avenues: getting certified, networking with people, meeting up for coffee, etc. Sharing experiences and learning from other experiences is a form of professional development. If you happen to have a connection who owns a small business and was able to grow, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from their successes and failures. Personally, I have found that the biggest pieces of knowledge gained is through meeting and talking with people. Learning about other experiences allow us to gain perspective, and we may even be able to apply some lessons to our own life. We may be able to overcome our own obstacles through learning about the hardships of others.
My professional development accomplishment of 2016 – 2017 included growing professionally with the help of a mentor. He identified one of my greatest challenges: taking risks. He mentioned that I enjoy structure in my life. He was right, as I realized that unconsciously, I did enjoy structure. I drove the same route to work, I had a structured routine to get ready in the morning, etc. I enjoyed my comfort zone. My journey to take risks began very small, for example, taking a different route into work, or making small changes around the house to get me out of my routine.
Given my previous blogs, you already know that I am the type of person to have many ideas and thoughts at any given time. My challenge was trying to find an avenue to share my ideas. As I became more comfortable with the changes in my routine, my mentor added more challenging risks. I needed to begin publishing my ideas on a public forum (i.e. blogs) and began sharing my ideas through different speaking engagements. Little by little, he added new challenges to get me to break out of my shell and work on my confidence. A great mentor will find that comfort zone and push you to challenge yourself a bit further every day. That’s how you are able to grow and take on amazing opportunities.
In conclusion to this blog series: The 21st Century Business Analyst
Your entrepreneurial skills are skills that you already have. They are storytelling and critical thinking to formulate your authentic story. Again, there is only one you in this world—own it, promote it, be confident in who you are.
