From Rock Bottom to Sales Leader: How Losing Everything Transformed My Career and Built My Personal Brand

Have you ever faced a moment in your career where you felt completely lost, only to find that it was the beginning of something extraordinary?

15 years ago, I found myself in a humbling position. I had been a successful, award-winning director of sales, but after unexpectedly losing my job, I realized I had no network to help me forward.

It took me 1 year and 1,600 job applications to find a job making half of what I made before (and I only got noticed because I got a book published in that year). This experience began my personal brand journey.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve earned a reputation in the sales and sales leadership ecosystem working for the greatest brand in the world, with 300,000+ followers, 5 books, and 3 podcasts.

My journey has been filled with ups and downs, but each step has been a learning experience that has shaped my personal brand and career.

Here are some key takeaways from my journey that you can apply to your own career:

Embrace Vulnerability: When I joined Microsoft, I felt like a fish out of water. I had to ask for help and seek out others to learn from. This vulnerability made me stronger and more valuable to my team.

Build Your Network: After my layoff, I realized the importance of networking. I started reaching out to people, building relationships, and creating a personal brand that stood out.

Leverage Social Media: I began using LinkedIn to share my experiences and insights. This not only helped me build my brand but also opened doors to new opportunities.

Create Valuable Content: Whether it’s writing articles, starting a blog, or hosting a podcast, sharing your unique perspective can resonate with others and establish you as a thought leader.

Be Authentic: Your authentic self is your most powerful asset. Don’t strive for perfection; instead, focus on progress and being genuine in your interactions.

Diversify Your Efforts: Think of your career like a diversified stock portfolio. Engage in various activities that showcase your skills and experiences, making you the obvious choice for future opportunities.

Embrace Continuous Learning: Always seek to learn from others and improve. This mindset will help you adapt and thrive in any environment.

Focus on Relationships and Value: In sales and in life, focus on building relationships and delivering value. Everything else will follow.

Your personal brand is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously evolving, learning, and making meaningful connections.

What steps will you take today to build your personal brand and network?

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