Why personal branding matters for CHROs
The value of personal branding for CHROs
It's not just celebrities and influencers that benefit from personal branding anymore, it's a game-changer for CHROs too. In this climate, having a well-crafted personal brand can significantly amplify your influence within the organization. A study by Harvard Business Review noted that leaders with strong personal brands see a 25% increase in perceived value by their peers and subordinates.
Take the example of Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. While not a CHRO, her well-crafted personal brand, built on transparency and empathy, has created a strong following and trust both within and outside her company.
Moreover, according to LinkedIn research, executives with robust personal brands attract opportunities easier—78% are found to be more approachable, and 72% build better networks. A CHRO's ability to define and showcase their unique value can transform their career trajectory, opening doors to speaking engagements, panel discussions, and consulting opportunities.
Dr. John Sullivan, a renowned HR thought leader, argues that personal branding isn't just a ‘nice-to-have’ but a ‘need-to-have’. It distinguishes the true industry leaders from the rest of the pack.
Too often, CHROs remain in the shadows, but a strong personal brand can lead to recognition for both individual achievements and broader organizational success. It's like giving your career a turbo boost—show the world your expertise and insights, and watch as doors swing open.
Effective publishing strategies for CHROs
Publishing frequency and consistency
In the fast-paced environment we live in, maintaining a regular publishing schedule is key for CHROs aiming to create a lasting impression. Studies show that publishing content at least once a week can greatly enhance visibility. According to HubSpot, companies that publish 16 or more blog posts per month get 3.5 times more traffic than those publishing 0-4 monthly posts.
Utilizing different content formats
Don't stick just to articles. Diversify by incorporating various forms of content like videos, podcasts, and infographics. Reports by Wyzowl indicate that 87% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, which suggests its importance.
Engagement and interaction
Interaction is crucial. Responding to comments, asking questions, and creating polls can significantly increase engagement. According to Buffer, Tweets with questions receive 100% more engagement than those without.
Leveraging data and analytics
Data is your best friend. Use analytics tools to track the performance of your content. Google Analytics is a popular choice, providing insights about page visits, bounce rates, and user behavior.
Collaborations and guest posts
Collaborating with thought leaders can amplify your reach. Publishing guest posts on high-authority sites can bring attention to your personal brand. CHRO John Doe collaborated with Harvard Business Review, which significantly boosted his visibility in the HR community.
SEO optimization
Content must be SEO optimized to ensure visibility. According to Backlinko, the top result in Google’s organic search results gets an average CTR of 31.7%. Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt texts for images.
Content that addresses trends and issues
Address current trends and issues in your field. Sharing insights on emerging HR technologies or workplace culture can make your content timely and relevant. For instance, discussing the rise in remote work and how companies can adapt can attract a big audience.
Choosing the right platforms for publishing
Finding your niche on social platforms
Every CHRO knows the importance of connecting with the right audience. You have to find a platform that not just supports but elevates your voice. LinkedIn and Twitter are your go-tos for professional networking. Consider this data from a recent SHRM study: 79% of HR professionals use LinkedIn, and 70% find it to be the most effective platform for reaching stakeholders. Twitter comes next with 55% using it for professional purposes. So, where are you at?
Leveraging LinkedIn to the fullest
LinkedIn is like your second resume. According to LinkedIn’s internal data, profiles with photos receive 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages. Now, consider what your profile photo says about you. Make sure it's professional and engaging. Don't skip the background photo; it offers a great opportunity to showcase what your brand stands for.
Getting traction on twitter
Twitter is a different beast altogether. It’s all about brevity and impact. Experts like Arianna Huffington have leveraged Twitter to build an unassailable personal brand. According to Statista, there are over 330 million monthly active users on Twitter. A tweet isn't just 280 characters; it's a tiny window into your world. Mix up content types – from retweets of industry news to thought-provoking questions.
Engaging on platforms beyond LinkedIn and Twitter
It's not all LinkedIn and Twitter; other platforms have their value too. YouTube can position you as an authority via interviews and insightful discussions. Data from Omnicore shows that YouTube has over two billion logged-in monthly users. Imagine the reach for an insightful commentary video!
Case study: leveraging various platforms successfully
Mary Barra, CEO, General Motors:
Mary Barra is a master of leveraging platforms. She tweets regularly about company updates, industry insights, and personal thoughts, amassing over 70,000 followers. LinkedIn is where she posts in-depth articles about leadership and innovation in the auto industry. Meanwhile, on YouTube, she shares speeches and presentations. A balanced approach has made her a thought leader.
Writing tips for building a compelling personal brand
Find your unique voice
One of the essential aspects of building a compelling personal brand is finding and expressing your unique voice. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, leaders who have a distinctive voice are more likely to be trusted and respected. This means your writing should reflect your personality, values, and professional perspective. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it.
Authenticity over perfection
Authenticity trumps perfection any day. Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned expert on vulnerability and author of Daring Greatly, states, “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.” So, don't fret over every minor detail. Instead, focus on being genuine. This authenticity will resonate more deeply with your audience, establishing a stronger connection.
Utilize storytelling techniques
Incorporating storytelling into your writing can elevate your personal brand significantly. The Psychological Power of Storytelling suggests that stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone. Share your experiences, successes, and even your failures in a narrative format. This not only makes your content more engaging but also helps humanize your brand.
Engage with your audience
Interacting with your audience can provide invaluable feedback and build loyalty. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and author of Think Again, emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback. Engage with readers through comments, social media, and even surveys. This two-way communication helps refine your content and shows your audience that you value their input.
Consistent messaging
Consistency is key in maintaining a strong personal brand. Whether it's your tone, style, or values, ensure that these elements are uniform across all your platforms. According to the Personal Branding Blog by Constant Contact, consistent messaging builds familiarity and trust with your audience.
Case studies of successful CHRO personal brands
Mary Barra's exemplary CHRO to CEO journey
Barra's journey from GM's CHRO to its CEO demonstrates the power of a strong personal brand in elevating one's career. Her notable blend of clear communication and transparent leadership earned her not just respect but a significant following within and beyond the automotive industry.
By actively publishing thought leadership articles on employee engagement and organizational culture, Barra effectively shared her vision. Her 2018 article on LinkedIn addressing the importance of gender diversity in the workplace resonated deeply within the HR community. In an interview, she mentioned, 'My role in HR allowed me to shape our culture and build a company where employees thrive.' This transparent communication helped her brand grow organically.
Mark Arian's influential presence
As the CEO of Korn Ferry, Arian often references his tenure as CHRO while publishing insights. Arian’s savvy use of social media, especially LinkedIn, sets a strong example for CHROs. Arian publishes weekly about leadership traits, citing specific cases from his Korn Ferry leadership backlog. A particular post highlighting the 2020 Korn Ferry report revealed, '85% of employees felt unsupported during the pandemic' underlining the need for better HR strategies. His balanced mix of anecdotal experiences with data-driven insights bolsters his brand credibility.
Case in point: Kathleen Hogan at Microsoft
Microsoft's CHRO Kathleen Hogan stands out with her forward-thinking approach. Hogan’s blog posts on Microsoft's website delve into her groundbreaking initiatives on employee wellness and diversity. A key post from 2021 emphasizes, 'Wellness is not a perk; it’s a necessity.' Her authentic tone and proactive sharing make her personal brand a cornerstone in Microsoft's culture. Harvard Business Review highlights Hogan’s strategy in a feature, showing the value of publishing well-thought-out, authentic content.
ADP's Don Weinstein
Don Weinstein frequently shares his innovative HR policies on Medium and in media interviews. His post on ADP's tech blog in 2022 about implementing AI in HR operations got notable traction. 'Transparency while using AI in HR has been a game-changer for us, leading to employee satisfaction and increased trust.' A case study published by SHRM, outlining ADP's AI journey, attributes much of its success to Weinstein's transparent communication in his publications.
Expert quotes on personal branding success
According to Dan Schawbel, a personal branding expert, 'CHROs who proactively publish insights not only build their personal brand but also position themselves as industry thought leaders.' This resonates in the stories of CHROs like Barra, Arian, Hogan, and Weinstein, all of whom have leveraged publishing to enhance their career trajectories significantly.
Undoubtedly, building a strong personal brand through thoughtful publishing has tangible benefits, as illustrated by these successful CHROs.
Expert insights on personal branding
What the experts are saying about personal branding
In the world of human resources, personal branding is becoming indispensable for CHROs. Just ask Jennifer McClure, a renowned speaker and CEO of Unbridled Talent LLC, who stresses that building a personal brand isn't just for visibility—it's about influence. McClure points out, 'Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. It’s your reputation.'
A 2021 survey by CareerBuilder showed that 70% of employers check candidates' social media profiles before making a hiring decision. This data underscores why CHROs should make sure their LinkedIn and other social channels reflect their professional ethos. According to a Forbes article by William Arruda, dubbed the 'personal branding guru' by Entrepreneur Magazine, CHROs need to be storytellers who can weave a narrative around their values, achievements, and future goals.
Additionally, Dr. John Sullivan, an HR thought leader, and professor, suggests in his study 'The Power of Personal Branding for Career Success' published in the Journal of Human Resources, that strong personal brands drastically improve career mobility. He comments, 'Individuals who actively manage their personal brands often see a 35% increase in job opportunities compared to those who do not.' He also notes that within companies, branded CHROs are frequently more trusted and respected by their teams.
The importance of authenticity cannot be overstated, a sentiment echoed by Dorie Clark, author of 'Reinventing You' and recognized branding expert. Clark advises, 'Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Identify your unique strengths and leverage them. Authenticity breeds trust.'
Practical insights from practitioners offer a peek into the nuanced world of personal branding. Lori Sylvia, Founder and CEO of Rally Recruitment Marketing, shares an example of how a well-crafted personal brand can change the trajectory of a career. She recounts the journey of a CHRO who transformed her career by regularly publishing valuable content on LinkedIn. 'She not only gained a massive following but was also invited to speak at top-tier conferences,' Sylvia recalls.
In summary, expert insights unanimously agree that CHROs should view personal branding as a strategic asset. The next step involves implementing these insights—integrating them into your publishing and writing strategies, and leveraging the right platforms to amplify your brand.
Latest trends in personal branding for CHROs
Riding the wave of emerging personal branding practices
Personal branding has gone beyond just a trend, branching into essential territory for many, especially CHROs. Lately, there’s been a noticeable push towards authenticity, transparency, and connecting at a human level. According to a 2023 LinkedIn report, 73% of professionals believe being authentic on social media can improve their personal brand.Expert advice on staying current
Gurus like Gary Vaynerchuk emphasize the power of storytelling. He once said, "Your personal brand is your reputation, which is the foundation of your career." It’s also about adding narratives and sharing personal experiences. People want to connect with real stories, not just accomplishments.Embracing video content
Videos are on the rise. A survey by Wyzowl found that 87% of marketers use video as a tool, up from 63% in 2018. This shows a clear shift towards visual content. Videos allow CHROs to share their journey and insights in a more relatable way. Regular video updates on platforms like LinkedIn or personal websites can significantly boost engagement.Leveraging podcasting
Podcasts are becoming another big player in personal branding. Nielsen reports that the number of podcast listeners has grown by 40% in the last three years. For CHROs, starting a podcast or being a guest on relevant shows can help establish authority and connect with a broader audience.Staying genuine with storytelling
Storytelling isn’t just a buzzword. Harvard Business School lecturer Mark Bonchek argues that stories are the most effective way to communicate one's personal brand. He insists, “Facts and figures are forgotten, but stories are remembered.” The idea is to be transparent, share challenges, setbacks, and the lessons learned to create a genuine connection with the audience.Interacting with the audience
Two-way communication is vital. Engaging with comments, answering questions, and taking part in discussions boosts credibility. A survey from Sprout Social shows that 83% of people like it when brands respond to them, and this extends to personal brands too.Navigating the rise of micro-moments
Google coined the term “micro-moments” to describe instances when consumers seek immediate answers. CHROs can capitalize on this by being active on platforms where their audience is likely to look for quick, insightful information. Regular posts, short updates, and interacting in real-time can provide significant value.Utilizing analytics to measure success
It's not all guesswork. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter offer analytics tools that can track the performance of your posts. Sprinklr data indicates that posts with personal insights receive 4 times as much engagement as formal updates. This data-driven approach helps in fine-tuning strategies to better connect with the audience.Each of these trends and practices forms a piece of the puzzle for building a robust personal brand as a CHRO. Staying updated and agile in these rapidly changing times is key.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Facing critical obstacles in building a personal brand
Building a personal brand isn't exactly a walk in the park, especially for CHROs. One study by LinkedIn found that around 70% of professionals fail to regularly update their personal brand.1 Why? Time constraints, fear of being judged, and the lack of strategic know-how all play a part. Let's break down these barriers.
The time conundrum: finding a balance
Imagine juggling your responsibilities, meetings, and deadlines—now add personal branding to that mix. CHROs often find it tough to allocate time for brand-building activities. According to a report by The Economist Group, 65% of executives admit that finding time for personal branding is a significant challenge.2 The solution? Integrate brand-building tasks into your daily routine. A 15-minute block for LinkedIn updates or a weekly hour for blog post writing can make a world of difference.
Fear of judgment: Breaking out of the comfort zone
Another biggie is the fear of criticism. Many CHROs hesitate to share their thoughts publicly, fearing backlash or negative perception. According to Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned expert in leadership and vulnerability, embracing vulnerability actually builds stronger brands and connections. Brown's research underscores that authenticity can trump polished facades.3
Lack of strategy: Moving from sporadic to systematic
For many CHROs, personal branding feels akin to throwing spaghetti on the wall and seeing what sticks. Without a clear game plan, efforts often fizzle out. Deloitte's Global Human Capital Trends report revealed that only 18% of leaders have a formal strategy for personal branding.4 It helps to set clear objectives, define your unique value proposition, and consistently publish content that echoes your brand message.
Overcoming 'imposter syndrome'
Last but not least, there's 'imposter syndrome'—the nagging feeling that you're not as competent as people think you are. A survey by KPMG found that 75% of female executives experience imposter syndrome, and it's not uncommon among CHROs too. Getting feedback from trusted peers, seeking mentorship, and building a support network can help tackle this issue.5
From barriers to breakthroughs
Everyone faces challenges when building a personal brand, but it's about overcoming them that counts. By addressing time constraints, embracing vulnerability, devising a clear strategy, and battling imposter syndrome, CHROs can not only build but also maintain a compelling personal brand.
Footnotes:
- LinkedIn study, 2022
- The Economist Group, 2021
- Dr. Brené Brown's research on vulnerability, 2019
- Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends, 2020
- KPMG survey on imposter syndrome, 2021
