MADEINC
clear barrier for elevation. Don’t be
reluctant to take additional classes,
obtain certifications, and/or read
books to level up your proficiency in
your industry. Being more credible
increases your confidence as well
as your team’s, clients and/or your
supervisor’s confidence in what you
have to offer. This is your brand
promise. Promote your strengths but
improve your weaknesses daily. It’s
never okay to accept mediocrity.
LEVEL UP YOUR COMMUNITY
Tribe is a trending term for a small
group of important individuals
who influence our decision-making
and lifestyles choices. While I
love the idea of “tribes”, I believe
communities offer a wider, diverse
group of individuals with various
experiences. Your tribe can actually
evolve from your community.
Access to a community of mentors,
professional connections, like-
minded peers and individuals who
complement your weaknesses, can
naturally help develop your personal
and professional skills. Communities
also have room to grow. Therefore,
once you’ve developed your own
community, chances are you will
become a member of another one
simply because of your connection to
someone else. As you start to thrive
in your industry, continue to expand
your community – learning from and
developing meaningful relationships.
Relationships can help shape your
brand’s identity, define your voice,
and provide unique opportunities for
your next power move.
LEVEL UP YOUR CREATIVITY
An Executive once told me that she
knew employees who were ready
for promotions because they were
already doing the work of their
desired role. If you’re seeking a
promotion in a company, limiting
yourself to the responsibilities of
your current title, will limit where
executives view of you as a leader.
Be a creative problem-solver in
uncomfortable situations, even if it’s
not in your job description. Document
your results, take credit for your work
and use it in your next review. If
you’re a self-employed entrepreneur
and seeking new clients, revisit your
current service or product offerings
to ensure that you’re meeting the
needs of your desired customer. Be
aware of current trends to remain
relevant, but always innovate and
refresh to stay ahead of the crowd. A
daily dose of creativity in your work
is self-gratifying, empowering and
yields fruitful results.
While leveling up your brand
presence, be comfortable in your
skin. Don’t compare yourself to
others because who knows, they
just may be pretending in their
clothes. Confidence is key. Embrace
the journey, stop overthinking, and
live in expectation, unafraid. You’ll
eventually have it all.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDREA REYNOLDS
#mademaven
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