Last week we talked about a subject near and dear to the PR heart – professional positioning.  Remember to review your affiliations, participate, volunteer, and pursue a leadership role. Here are four more ways to position yourself for professional success:

1. Go after awards – Many organizations offer awards for service to the group or to the community. Some organizations offer business excellence awards. Some recognize their top volunteers. Determine if you have the time and talent necessary to pursue one of these awards and go after it. It may take several years to position yourself or your business to be recognized, but well worth the commitment.
2. Speak up – Seek out opportunities to speak. Nobody (at least most of us) craves public speaking, but it’s like exercise. The more you do the better you are at it. Speaking, leading seminars, and/or joining a panel of experts, will allow you to showcase your knowledge and raise your visibility as an expert in your field.
3. Give – Not everyone has the time to volunteer, the personality for public speaking, or the required ramp up time to seek out and win awards. If you or your company can afford the investment, donate to or sponsor an activity for your organization.  Most organizations rely on the generosity of their members to keep the doors open and continue their work. Before you write a check, be sure that your organization properly recognizes donors and sponsor with visibility on their website, newsletter, and/or appropriate signage.
4. Don’t be afraid to walk away – Again – review your affiliations. Ask yourself – Can I effectively “work” this organization? Is this organization working for me? If either answer is “no”, withdraw. There are myriad opportunities to get involved in something you enjoy, something that is meaningful to you and something that ultimately meets your needs. Don’t be afraid to withdraw and try something new.

Enough about new technologies…. How about some good old fashioned professional positioning?

ARE YOU POSITIONED FOR SUCCESS?

1. Review your affiliations – What organizations, clubs or groups are you a member of? Are you an involved member? It doesn’t do any good to just belong if you aren’t active in the organization. You need to work your memberships so they will work for you.  This can be done effectively in a number of ways:
2. Participate – Attend events, join a committee, and get to know people who may need your services now or be able to refer you down the line.  People are naturally more apt to refer someone they have spent time with and know. Never underestimate the power of a personal referral.
3. Volunteer - Choose a committee or task that you would enjoy spending some time doing.  This will allow you get to know other members better and allow you to showcase your skills. Think writing the newsletter vs. stuffing envelopes.
4. Pursue a leadership role – Most organizations have levels of leadership – committee chairs, board of directors, etc. Talk with someone already in a leadership role and ask, what is the best way to advance within this organization. Leadership brings respect and visibility.

Next week we’ll talk about four more ways to position yourself for professional success. Stay tuned!