Self-Discovery Thought Leader: Joan Senio
As women over 50, we have a wealth of wisdom, experience, passion and expertise that sets each of us apart.
By now, we have learned who we are, and hopefully, what we stand for. And perhaps more importantly, what we won’t stand for! Regardless of our vocation, we each have a unique and precious identity – our personal brand.
It’s what makes us uniquely us. We each need to use our voices to share our personal brand widely. After all, there’s only one of us. So, when we share our personal brand, we change the world! Let’s explore strategies and tips for establishing your brand as a woman over 50.
“To start, you must begin to fully appreciate the value of your one and only unique story and embrace it.”
How to Establish Your Personal Brand:
Your journey, life challenges, and triumphs have shaped you into the unique, strong and resilient woman you are today. The story behind these experiences should constitute the cornerstone of your brand. It may take a bit of self-reflection to begin to put your story and personal brand into words.
To start, you must begin to fully appreciate the value of your one and only unique story and embrace it. This means becoming more comfortable with being both vulnerable and proud – exposing your areas of challenge, while highlighting your own accomplishments, and lessons you’ve learned along the way. This may take some getting used to -– but it will be worth it in the long run. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Be Confident and Authentic as You Cultivate Your Personal Brand:
People connect with real stories, and with real, authentic people. We must let our true identity (not the one you think others want to see) shine through in every aspect of your life and you will be effortlessly cultivating your personal brand. Confidence is key when establishing your brand. You must believe in yourself, your abilities, your values, and all that makes you the one and only you. Intentionally embrace your uniqueness and let your authentic self bloom, thrive, and shine.
This absolutely doesn’t mean that you are perfect, infallible or better than the rest of the world. What it means is you are the only you that is out there – and you are, in fact, the perfect you. Authenticity will attract like-minded people who resonate with your values and vision. Learn to take or create opportunities to share your story authentically, and people will be drawn to your genuine and relatable approach.
Define Your Niche: What is Unique About You?
Finding your niche is key to establishing a strong personal brand. This can be your professional niche, your personal niche, your niche in the community, your niche in your family or friend group. Identify your expertise and passions and align them with a specific audience. Highlight your expertise, passion, and unique perspective in your niche.
By carving out a distinct space for yourself, and by accurately and intentionally living your brand, you will begin to attract other people who resonate with your message and your life mission.
“We all must network to build connections in the different circles where we are passionate.”
Network with Purpose: Building Meaningful Connections:
Networking is essential for expanding your visibility, reach and exposure. We all must network to build connections in the different circles where we are passionate.
- Do you love animals? Join a rescue organization.
- Are you passionate about your spiritual convictions? Join a church or worship group that aligns with your beliefs.
- Do you love to garden or farm? Join a horticultural association.
- If you are passionate about your vocation or career, attend industry events, join professional organizations, and collaborate with others in a similar field of interest to grow your network.
Whoever you are – whatever your brand exudes, actively pursue settings where you can get more of it – and people who have similar commitments can get more of you! Cultivate genuine relationships based on mutual respect and support, leveraging your connections to further establish your brand as a woman over 50.
Your network is a valuable asset that can help you establish your brand. Reach out to friends, colleagues, and mentors who can support and endorse you. Attend networking events, join professional groups, and engage with others in your industry both online and offline. Collaborating with other professionals can help expand your reach and open doors to new opportunities.
Build an Online Presence to Amplify Your Personal Brand:
Having a strong online presence can help you to clarify, amplify, and build your personal brand. This may involve creating a professional website or blog that showcases your expertise, achievements, and services. Or it may be creating a personal profile that reflects your values and areas of personal passion. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to “find your tribe” and connect with others who share your passions.
“Embrace the wisdom and experience that come with being a woman over 50.”
Consistent and authentic communication will help you connect with others who are eager to grow their networks and brands, too. This can further expand your online and extended “family and friends” group. A support system we all need in life!
Your Personal Brand Requires Continuous Effort and Learning:
The world is constantly evolving, and staying relevant in your areas of personal interest or your industry requires continuous learning and adaptation. Make an effort to attend conferences and workshops, enroll in online courses, and seek opportunities for personal and professional development.
Leverage Your Wisdom: Turn Age into an Asset:
Hopefully, part of our brand involves modeling the behaviors we wish to cultivate in the world around us, including the fact that we do not think of our age as a limiting factor! Perhaps that’s where branding our age is not a limitation but a powerful asset. Embrace the wisdom and experience that come with being a woman over 50. Showcase your expertise and authority in your field, position yourself as a thought leader whose insights are invaluable.
As a woman over 50, you have undoubtedly experienced various stages of life and career. Embrace change and evolution as you continue to build your personal brand, incorporating new knowledge and thoughts and experiences while staying true to your core values. Remain flexible and open to growth! Our personal brand needs to evolve and flourish organically.
Giving Back Should Be a Key Aspect of Your Personal Brand:
As women over 50, we have a wealth of experience, knowledge and lessons learned that can benefit others. We must take the opportunity to give back by mentoring younger women, volunteering our time and expertise and support to the generations that follow us. By sharing our experiences and simply by supporting others, we also establish ourselves as thought leaders, whether it be in a professional setting or in connection to personal goals and endeavors, such as anti-agist-activism.
Establishing our brand as a woman over 50 is about embracing our wisdom, experience, and authenticity. Let’s all commit to embrace the opportunities that come with age and use them to create an impactful and inspiring personal brand.
“Remain flexible and open to growth!”
How To Build Your Personal Brand:
Defining and establishing your brand as a woman over 50 involves self-discovery, self-acceptance, empowerment, growth and vulnerability. By staying true to yourself and sharing your authentic message with the world, you can build a powerful personal brand that resonates with the various communities of which you are a part. Unleash your unique power as a woman over 50 and watch your personal brand grow and thrive – allowing you to be your truest, most precious and unique, authentic self.
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About the Author:
Joan Senio’s professional career includes 20+ years as a private sector health care facilities executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. Joan’s current consulting work is focused on strategic planning in energy, environment, and sustainability infrastructure resiliency.
Joan founded KindCompassCoach to provide free, on-demand, kind, compassionate coaching via an openly accessible platform. KindCompassCoach articles and resources are well-researched and provide facts and knowledge as well as tips, guidance and advice for those who need support to address obstacles and challenges to their personal development and fulfillment. Areas of focus include mental health, physical health, well-being and relationships, just to name a few.
To learn more, visit KindCompassCoach. You may also connect with Joan on Twitter (@KindCompascoach). Want to take the next step on your journey of self-discovery? Learn more about your authentic self today by reading this: Your Personal Mission Statement. Would you like to work with KindCompassCoach? We enjoy working with authors, coaches, bloggers, and advertisers and will consider a wide variety of collaboration opportunities. Contact us today and let’s talk about the possibilities!