NATHANA JOSEPHS, APR
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How can one promote herself while working for a large company while remaining within the parameters of the corporate structure? This question has plagued women who want to make their names known throughout their fields. Whether planning to open a business, to join another company, or to get a promotion, they need to make themselves visible in a natural and comprehensive way. The strategies that follow are long-term suggestions that any woman can begin working on proactively in advance of potential changes to her job situation, in order to set a foundation for the future. |
A woman wishing to gain recognition can benefit herself by joining as many organizations as possible. She can volunteer her services to a museum or charity or an organization specific to her field. This an opportunity to meet a large group of people who might not otherwise be available as networking contacts. And it might lead to an invitation to join a non-profit board which can provide additional visibility and stature.A peer organization is useful in maintaining already established relationships, and in continuing to present ideas publicly. Both of these opportunities ensure that the individual’s name will be included in publications, websites, newsletters, etc. so she will gain valuable exposure.
It is important to get your name in print as much as possible. A great way to do this is to write by-lined articles in various publications, especially those associated with your field. This allows for a chance to share ideas and insights while representing the company as a whole. It is also beneficial to plan an event so that your name appears on the invitation. These steps are vital ways to publicize your ideas, which will ensure that you will be remembered.
Community groups and social causes are also fantastic organizations to join. Groups such as these will allow you to become associated with positive causes. This method of self-promotion will illustrate that you are an asset to the community. Additionally, this shows that you are a proactive, dedicated person who is eager to take on a great deal of responsibility. Furthermore, it's important to remember that there is no such thing as too much “free publicity”.
Sharing knowledge with others can also aid in securing your reputation as an influential and active member of your field. There are many ways to do this, but teaching a college course stands out as one successful technique. These students are the future members of the field, so teaching provides immediate recognition and resume-building opportunities, as well as a foundation for networking. Another great way to share knowledge is to become a mentor for an up-and-coming member of the field. Organizations provide numerous opportunities to share knowledge as well, whether informally or by hosting informational events.
One of the most important ways to promote yourself is to remain visible within your current company. Wendy Feer, of XL Global Services, is a good example of someone who has seized every opportunity available to her in order to achieve and maintain visibility. This strategy has led her to multiple promotions. Feer says, “Adding business knowledge to my technical skills has given me a huge edge over most of my colleagues, who are mere ‘techies.’” This is particularly important as Feer works within a specialized division of a larger corporation. She has taken courses and learned as much as possible about her division, but has also used her own time to gain certifications and take courses related to the other divisions within the company. Her extensive training has made her extremely valuable to her employer and shows that she takes initiative and goes beyond what is asked of her. “It's important to make sure that news of any tests passed or certifications earned gets mentioned in the company newsletter.” says Feer.
The key to many of these strategies can be found in networking. It is vital to cultivate relationships with people who have connections and will spread the word about successful individuals in their field. If a woman presents herself as a confident, well-educated authority in her field, others will see those qualities as well. Take every chance possible to network, in order to open the door for new opportunities, which sometimes come in the least likely places. It can never hurt to make a contact and network, but it can certainly hurt not to do so. “I started seventeen years ago as a computer programmer trainee and I'm now designing data warehouses,” says Feer, who has successfully used these strategies to further her career. These simple steps will increase your visibility, whether your goal is to get a promotion, open a new business, or change companies.
Networking Strategies for Success:
- Seek Information and Move on: have short conversations, get right to the point.
- Meet New People: sit with people you don’t know, rather than your coworkers.
- Immediately Act Upon Referrals: don’t let an opportunity slip through your fingers; timely responses show that you mean business.
- Listen and Say Thank You: always be polite and appreciative, make notes of useful information.
- Choose Events and Look for Opportunities to Meet New People: maximize your networking potential by attending various events and finding as many contacts as possible.
Since 1989, Nathana Josephs has been President of her own Public Relations and Special Events company. Previously, Josephs worked for many top agencies, including Ketchum Public Relations. Josephs has taught PR at The New School of Social Research and has been a guest lecturer at her alma mater, Hamilton College. As a woman who left the corporate world to begin her own business, she is an expert in promoting yourself while staying under the radar. She can be reached at (212) 769-2198, or NathanaJPR@aol.com
Photo credit Joyce Culver, www.JoyceCulver.com
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