Posted on 7/02/2024 by
Personal branding is generally considered important for career success, although some Executive Assistants (EAs) may believe it is not essential for their role. After speaking to many EAs it seems that they feel, as their role is behind the scenes, it does not require a strong personal brand. They may believe that their contributions are not as visible or recognized as those of other professionals in the organisation, therefore due to fear of self-promotion or simply not aspiring to move into higher-level positions or pursue leadership roles, EAs tend not to think too in-depth about their personal brand.
This being said we believe that personal branding is essential for Executive Assistants (EAs) who want to stand out in their careers and be recognized for their skills and contributions, a great place to start would be creating a LinkedIn profile, this is an easy way to showcase your abilities. Below are some tips to help you build a strong personal brand as an EA:
1. Define your unique value proposition:
Clarify your value proposition and what you bring to the table - Identify the strengths, skills, and experiences that make you stand out from other EAs. When using LinkedIn there are sections for each of these, your current or future employer can then see this clearly on your profile.
2. Create a strong online presence:
Building a professional presence online is key, having an online portfolio showcasing your skills and accomplishments will help employers find you easily and boost your credibility.
Be active on social media platforms relevant to your industry and engage with others, again LinkedIn is a great tool to use here, you can connect with colleagues from previous roles and other people within your field to network with and share valuable content, insights, and resources related to your role as an EA.
3. Network and build relationships:
When building your personal brand, stay up to date with the latest in your industry by attending events, workshops, and conferences, this will help you to connect with professionals in your field.
Join and contribute to professional organisations or online communities for EAs to expand your network. You can find many groups on LinkedIn specifically targeted to EA’s such as Hong Kong Executive Assistants.
Like, comment and interact with colleagues, clients, and other professionals in your field on LinkedIn to ensure you are building strong relationships with people.
4. Deliver exceptional service:
Strive to provide top support and assistance to your manager and colleagues, going above and beyond to meet their needs and exceed expectations, showing you are proactive, reliable, and trustworthy. Consistently showcasing that you are willing to provide exceptional support, speaks to who you are as a person and will encourage your manager and colleagues to leave you great recommendations if looking for a new role.
5. Showcase your expertise:
Show that you are an expert in your field by sharing your knowledge and insights through blog posts, articles, or presentations on LinkedIn to your network.
6. Seek feedback and continuous improvement:
Regularly seek feedback from your manager and colleagues to identify areas for improvement. Allow yourself to be open to constructive criticism and use it to enhance your skills and abilities.
Continuously learn and develop to stay updated with industry trends and best practices.
7. Be authentic and genuine:
Ultimately your personality and professional demeanour should shine through, stay true to yourself and your values in all your interactions. Be transparent and honest in your communication and aim to build trust and credibility by being reliable and consistent.
By consistently implementing these strategies, you can build a strong personal brand as an Executive Assistant that reflects your expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. This will not only enhance your career opportunities but also position you as a thought leader and respected professional in your field.
If you would like to discuss this topic further or are looking for a role as an EA, please contact Shaleena Mulchandani via LinkedIn or email at sm@charlottefrank.com.