Visibility - I make my brand visible

Introduction 

Being visible means a lot more than having a social media profile or being the loudest person in the room. It is about making your brand of values and skills visible to others who can have a positive impact on your career. Fashion yourself in a way that allows you to set trends. Be the trend and their ears they will lend. You are visible, poised for success, always ready to leave your mark. Being visible refers to where you promote the "uniqueness" of who you are as a person in your life and in your career.

Benefits of improving your visibility

1. New opportunities to connect with like minded people.

2. Opportunities to find work through new networks.

3. Your skillset will increase by finding new ways to be visible.

4. Others will find new opportunities by learning from you. 

Skill example

Whenever my team completes a house building project, I take pictures with the team together in front of the house and post is to social media with tags to them and the organisation. I also circulate the picture around to the project staff with a motivational comment. 

Nonkululeko’s story 

Nonkululeko was a senior member of staff who worked at a transport company. Recently a promotion opportunity came up in Nonku’s department. The job was a perfect match for her skills, and she was stunned when she learned that the person who got the job was less experienced than her.

When Nonku asked her boss, Claire, why she had not been considered for the role, Claire said that when she mentioned Nonku to the panel, they had no idea who she was and they were not convinced that she was the right person for the job because she did not make her presence or impact known.

How to be more visible in your career

1. Be proactive: Don't wait for your boss or colleagues to give you work or assign you tasks. Take the initiative to ask for additional responsibilities or offer to help with projects. This will show that you are proactive and eager to contribute.
2. Be collaborative: Offer to work with colleagues from different teams or departments. Collaborating with others can help you learn new skills, expand your network, and get noticed by senior management.
3. Share your ideas: Speak up during meetings and share your ideas and suggestions. This will demonstrate that you are engaged and interested in the work being done. Also, make sure to listen to other people's ideas and feedback.
4. Volunteer for committees or task forces: Joining committees or task forces can give you the opportunity to work on important projects and demonstrate your leadership skills. It can also help you network with people outside of your immediate team.
5. Build relationships: Get to know your colleagues and managers on a personal level. Ask about their interests, hobbies, and career goals. Building strong relationships with your colleagues can help you become more visible and valued in the workplace.
6. Attend company events: Attend company-sponsored events such as town hall meetings, social events, and volunteer opportunities. This can help you become more visible to senior management and demonstrate your commitment to the company.

By following these tips, you can become more visible at work and increase your chances of getting promoted or recognized for your contributions.