We all know that branding – or having a name brand and bolstering it with ads and other marketing resources – is a huge part of big business in this day and age and it has been for many decades. But the new version of branding that is becoming as hot as a branding iron in this new decade is personal branding. Those who use this innovative new tool basically go about marketing themselves, their skills, their talents, and the benefits that they can bring to companies by branding themselves. They have mottos, mission statements, and even a dress code and way of speaking that supports the brand.

By effectively using a personal brand, say those who give tips and career advice, professionals can greatly enhance their chances of getting a dream job and avoiding unemployment due to downsizing and corporate layoffs. The fact is that whether you call it branding or not, those who do take the time and effort to create and promote a personal brand will typically come out ahead in the competitive employment arena. That’s because the whole process needed to build a personal brand also requires the ability to refine and upgrade your marketable talents, update your interview and presentation skills, and hone in on what exactly it is they you to offer to an employer.

That will always into a more optimistic career outlook, because people who do those things get noticed by their bosses, their managers, and the HR department staffers who interview them to fill open positions. So if you are in the market for a new job or promotion this year, consider personal branding. It can improve your personal image and your chances of getting hired or bumped up the organizational ladder. Plus your competitors are probably considering a personal branding strategy – so to keep the playing feel level you also need to keep up with the times and create a brand to promote yourself.