Before I ventured into this whirlwind of entrepreneurship, I
worked a corporate job, just like many of you BOSS ladies. My guess is that
like me, you were raised to work harder and smarter just to receive somewhat
equal opportunities. These attributes ultimately equate to how you show up
every day, and your personal brand. Maintaining a solid personal brand (on and
off the job) consists of a few things:
- Performing your role with excellence and
actually wanting to do a good job
- Over preparing and over delivering at whatever
task there is to complete
- Anticipating needs of your clients, colleagues,
and superiors
- Presenting yourself well professionally and
engaging personably
Although I experienced success as a manager, I began to feel
antsy about the next phase of my career. Even still, I did above average in my
role. Why? Because, my personal integrity was on the line. Eventually, I was
made aware of a new position within the brand that would demand more
responsibility from me. I was advised to think about if I would be interested,
and what I feel would be an appropriate increase in salary. Finally, a silver
lining! So, when the opportunity came for me to ‘show what I’m made of’ at an
annual meeting, I prepared diligently. I purposefully sat at the head of the conference
table surrounded by a Vice President, a Senior Director, our General Manager,
three Executive Committee members, a Director, and another Manager. I was ready
to present the content with hopes of being “seen” as capable and ready for
advancement. And, quite frankly, I did a damn good job. In fact, I knew in my heart
I had knocked it out of the park. That knowing was confirmed, receiving
immediate praise from the VP and Senior Director, both of whom were visiting
from the corporate office. In fact the VP (a key decision maker), began asking
me questions related to my willingness to do the new job. To me, this was a
great sign! But, no sooner than 5 minutes later our General Manager blurts out
“And,
she’s cheap too.” Amazingly, I managed to stutter “Well, I don’t know
about that…” Leaving that meeting, I was in complete shock. What the heck did
that mean? This person did not know me well, and furthermore, the original conversation
about my interest and salary requirements had not been revisited. Ironically, that very evening I accepted yet
another Marketer of The Year, best in category award for the work I had done. I
felt especially proud this year, because I had worked really hard, and felt
largely unsupported. But of course, my excitement had been overshadowed because
of the humiliation that still resonated with me. I had determined to speak with
the GM, but that moment never came because he was “let go” the day I had
scheduled to speak with him. Though he was involved in unscrupulous behavior, I
know I was redeemed. After all was said and done, I was still not considered
for the role. And the truth is, I couldn’t be happier. Leaving the company with
a strong personal brand has only prepared me to become an entrepreneur. Going
above and beyond was never in vain. And, my validation no longer is sought out
by someone that doesn’t make or break my future. What is your personal brand? Are
you seen as a valued member of the team? Do you believe who you are aligns with
what people view you as? If not, only you have the power to change it.
Connect with Nia Perry on Twitter
This is a very encouraging post. I'm even more excited because I see my quote is still inspiring others. Thank you for sharing it. It lets me know that what I do is not in vain. Congratulations to you o not allowing someone to take away your worth! We are who we believe we are, not who others think we are! ~Shamieka Dean, the Queen of Restoration~
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