When an organization wants to bring a product to market, there is a chain of events that needs to occur for a successful launch. Bringing your product to market should be given the same consideration.

The definition of marketing includes “the process of interesting potential customers and clients in your products and/or services.” The key word in this marketing definition is “process”; marketing involves researching, promoting, selling and distributing your product (you) or services. Updating a resume is important, but in the scheme of things is only a small piece of the process required for a successful “product” launch. To help you begin developing your personal marketing plan, request a free download of “Marketing YOU”. If you would like personal help, please let us know.

1. Know your product. If you don’t know what you want or what your strengths are – how will anyone else?
2. Prepare. Preparing for a successful launch requires thought and foresight. Additionally, what are your “development” needs to get your ready?
3. Identify your target market. Who do you need to influence? Who needs to “buy”? The workplace is ever-changing. Who is your audience and what do they want? Do you know how they think?
4. Package. As a pro tennis star said in a camera commercial some years ago, “Image is everything”. How do you look, sound, carry yourself? Is there consistency?
5. Test market. Have you changed your approach? Not sure how it will go in an interview? Practice! Find friends, family or a coach that will role play. Record yourself. Listen to your words and the tone. Are they telling the right story?
6. Be proud of what you have to offer and sell yourself! Make sure you make known what you have to offer. Establish and follow a personal marketing plan to make the impact you desire.