5 Steps to Improve Your Self-Worth

How a self-branding workshop opened my eyes.

Had an amazing opportunity to spend a morning with Jane Jackson. She is a Career Coach, LinkedIn Top Voice 2020 and also an author.

Unfortunately, in the short time that we had as a group, we could only skim through the topics. However, I would like to share my personal ideas around the points.

So, please bear in mind that below is my interpretation around self-branding and how I would like people working in support roles like myself should increase their worth.

1. No matter how important it is for you to work for your organisation, it is equally important to look closely at your attributes.

Think of all the things that you bring to the table… What is that you do help your team to function smoothly…What part of your work helps your organisation to thrive.

As an individual, you have to make time to bring awareness among your peers of your own specialties and not just the organisation. Don’t hesitate to use some of those opportunities to subtly make your work known and not just the position you work in.

Some of us hold the organisation we work for very dear to heart. We might be very passionate about what the company stands for. And in picking such opportunities might seem that you are trying to steal away the limelight… well it might not be the case. If the company you work for is really doing the community, the country and the world a favour then their work speaks for them.

On the hind side, I believe by doing so you will be doing your organisation a favour. When others hear how valued each employee feels about their role and they find their work integral to the company regardless of the position they work in, you are nothing but raising your company’s market reputation and value.

2. You should not hesitate to put yourself out there.

It is going to be nothing less than tremendously helpful to speak or put your skills and expertise out there for the world to see.

I have come with these steps that could help you to realise that each and every task that you do daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly, is integral for the company or your team to thrive.

Firstly, never feel that your work is demeaning.

It does not matter what position you work in or who you work for. You need to always speak proudly of what you do and realise you make a difference every day at work.

Secondly, take out time to write down all the things you do daily, monthly or yearly at work. Write them down in one column. In the next column write down the different levels of people that benefit from when that task is completed by you.

I am not any less than 100% sure that this activity will give your confidence a boost and in the end, you will leave more proud of what you do.

Keep this sheet as a running sheet. When you get a new task add it to this list and the beneficiaries.

I would like to take this to the next level.

Now make a third column. In this column, you will write how you personally benefited while working on this task or project. Is there something new you learned that could add to your list of skills and knowledge? Do you think you developed a sense of awareness around something personal?

3. Always be keen to network and use/ experiment with different online platforms to build meaningful networks.

Here comes the role of social media sites. LinkedIn was the main platform discussed at this workshop.

LinkedIn is not a job ad or job seeker platform anymore. Gone are the days when LinkedIn was used just for employers to advertise vacant position in their companies. Or for job seekers who create a LinkedIn profile just so that employers could see their CV.

From 2003, the year it was launched, it has certainly come a long way. LinkedIn has become more of a platform to network with like-minded people.

For me, I created my profile on LinkedIn a long time ago but never actively used it to look for work.

However, I have been using LinkedIn to read about what others post in the areas of my interest. It is also very interesting to read the comments under each post. By reading comments you get both sides of the picture and have a better understanding and a wider view of the topic.

Don’t let hesitation with one social media or networking platform hold you back. Use any platform you are comfortable with. Currently, I am using my Facebook page, Medium & Twitter to share my ideas. I try to post as often as I can.

You don't have to write a couple of thousand words worth of articles. If you want you can just put in simple tips that can help a peer to achieve something.

4. Recommendations are like reviews of products or services you buy.

Let's say you worked with someone and you did a good job. After the completion of the project, the customer or a peer or a manager left happy with your work and the results. It would be a good idea to ask them for some kind words to write on your social media.

Even if you are digitally inclined or not. When you set out to buy something you ask yourself such questions as, “do I need it? “will it fit my budget?”, “Is it worth the price?”, “I wonder what this neighbourhood is like to raise kids?”. To answer such question we look for reviews. Sometimes these reviews come from our family and friends and help us make informed decisions. But in a digital world, online reviews are what we rely on.

Trying a new restaurant for a family dinner, or trying a new hairstyling salon… we look for what could be the best options out there that could fit our budget and needs before availing of their services.

Likewise, have people you worked for write for you about the good work that you do, is setting you up for any better opportunity that might come your way.

If you have worked hard for something, and it turned out good, then why not let people say it for you. You are boosting your profile and making your worth even more valuable for your employers.

5. People will never forget how you made them feel

Last but not least…

The experience people have after working with you can speak louder than anything else.

Always leave a lasting impression of excellent work ethic, your passion and your enthusiasm for the work that you do. Always show respect for the work that others do.

Ponder on the words of Maya Angelou below:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people with forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. If you think you could benefit from any of this, do let me know. Words of encouragement are all that we all need to keep going.