Brand YOU – Mommy Who Do You Think You Are? by Sarah McNeill

BRAND. Companies have them. At least, the good to great ones do. But have you ever considered if you have one and what people think about you? Some people might call it your image. I see it as far more than that. And the proof is found when good to great companies connect with you.

You might currently see your brand as ‘lululemon mom’ or ‘Matthew or Lucy’s mom’. Some days you may not even feel you have an identity at all other than as mom! I know, I’ve been there myself.

Current reality indicates that the best opportunities will be fewer and far between. Companies will only bring on superstars that can positively affect their bottom line. If you are not clear on whom you wish to be, or to become, then you might lose out on a great position. With a clear focus on the value you could bring to the table (beyond the dinner table), and of your brand, you could find yourself creating some excellent opportunities for yourself.

What can you do? Consider how you can stand out from the pack. I’m not talking about buying a bright red purse or wearing edgy glasses, your brand can be found in your steadiness and trustworthiness in doing what you say you will do. Take time to shortlist your strengths and talents. What makes you feel most empowered? And this doesn’t include when little Mary finally stopped wearing diapers! Take note of what you are doing when you feel that way. Perhaps it is from the compliments that you receive from others where you will begin to define your brand. What makes your memorable and irresistible to an employer? Know this sweet spot and you will have your choice of excellent job offers.

And in many cases, you can create your own job. Consider your strengths and pair it with an opportunity. In many cases, your potential employer may not realize that they had a need until you came along.

Remember, you are a seasoned mommy so this should be easy. Your new found assertiveness and ability to communicate clearly (kid tested) will serve you well. And don’t forget that super mommies all have the skill of organization and ability to work under pressure! Whether or not you believe it, walk yourself through a day in your life and all that you achieve on behalf of others. You are the epitome of multitasking. Think of how many lives you coordinate and care for.

Your brand is also your track record, what your references say about you. Your consistent themes with those who work with you define your brand. Your references are your most important ambassadors for future employment opportunities as they have actually worked with you. Get back in touch with your past supervisors. Give them a refresher. Don’t leave them without contact for years only to have a potential employer call them out of the blue and they are left grasping for the fragments of memory they have about you. A courtesy call to your past supervisor when you are interviewing with a company will help you more than you could imagine. Give them the summary of the opportunity and how you fit the bill. Make it easy for the references to rave about you!

When you are under the spotlight of an interview and the inevitable ‘tell me about yourself’ comes up, the way you define yourself will make or break your potential with that employer. Your statement should be relevant to your audience, aka ‘your potential boss’. And I’m sure you might have a few anecdotal mommy stories to tell. Just remember the context and the time you have to tell it. Believe it or not, mommy hood can produce some incredible clarity when you put your mind to it.

You define your own success. Who do you think you are? Ask yourself this many times as you balance your home and work lives. The more you understand your strengths and your vision of career success and happiness, the more fun you will have on the journey. This is a lifelong adventure! Expect it and embrace it.

Enjoy your brand!

Sarah McNeill is the chief acceleration officer at McNeill Nakamoto Recruitment Group, a 12 year old employment company known for its exceptional staffing experiences.