Top 10 Episodes: #7 & #8

This week we’re looking back at #7 and #8 of the top 10 Talk About Talk podcasts.

 

#8 is Episode 163 – Speak Up In Meetings.  Do you find it difficult to SPEAK UP in meetings? If you answered yes, I promise you are NOT alone.

Struggling to speak up in meetings is extremely common, and not only for introverts. We’ve all been there. Myself included!   

 

Episode 98 – The Power of Personal Branding sits at #7.

1. 3 Reasons to Develop Your Personal Brand
2. Choose Your WORDS Wisely
3. Master Class

 

1️⃣ 3 Reasons to Develop Your Personal Brand

 

When you can identify and articulate your personal brand, a lot of opportunities open up for you.

Here are my top three reasons:

1. Personal Branding provides you with the opportunity to CREATE YOUR OWN NARRATIVE

• If you don’t create your own personal brand, someone else might do so for you.  Managing your Personal Brand is kind of like managing your credit rating. There are many people who ignore their credit rating, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have one. Ditto your Personal Brand. Your credit rating affects you in terms of opportunities and limitations, just like your Personal Brand affects you. The good news is there are things you can do to improve both things.
• If you’re strategically managing it, then you’re prioritizing the themes and choosing the words. You’re introducing yourself explicitly and implicitly every day, with the words, the ideas, the themes that work for you.

2. Your Personal Brand provides you with CONFIDENCE

• Whenever you’re experiencing imposter syndrome or feeling like you’re in over your head, remind yourself of your Personal Brand, and particularly your superpower.  Suddenly your confidence is elevated.

3. Articulating your Personal Brand optimizes your DECISION MAKING AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

• Establishing a focused personal brand helps bring relevant and exciting opportunities your way, since your identity is firmly established in the minds of key stakeholders who are looking for folks with specific expertise.
• What future opportunities excite you? For what do you want to be the “go-to”? Establishing that as part of your personal brand will help make it happen.

 

2️⃣ Choose Your Words Wisely

Whether it’s developing your personal brand or speaking up in meetings, choosing the right words is important.  Here are three things to consider in your next meeting, to help you speak up and be seen:

❓ Ask a QUESTION – Yes, this counts as speaking up! Questions spark discussion and can be some of the most valuable contributions in meetings.

💡 Build on OTHERS’ IDEAS – Say something like, “Building on what so-and-so said, I’d like to add…” Not only is this a great way to add to the discussion, but it also provides an opportunity to give credit to your colleagues and amplify their ideas.

🧠 Speak to your EXPERTISE – Start your comment with, “Based on my experience” or “Based on my expertise.” This will bolster your confidence, and has the added benefit of reinforcing your personal brand.

I’ve created a list of 10 strategies you can use to help you find your voice in your next important meeting. Get your free, one-page SUMMARY from the website, and find out which ones work best for you!  While you’re there, check out the other free resources available to Talk About Talk subscribers.

 

3️⃣ Master Class