5 Ways to Boost Self-Promotion for the Midlife Professional

Personal branding is critical for any career-minded professional, regardless of what stage you may currently be in. As a midlife professional it might mean standing out from your peers and becoming influential and indispensable—not to mention an avid advocate for yourself at work. Personal branding can prove difficult when defining oneself across generations, but it's important not to underestimate how powerful one word can be. You see, many of us possibly have the highest salaries in the room because we've been around the longest, yet management may consider that younger professionals will bring more innovative approaches due to their understanding of current trends.

It is up to us to re-educate ourselves and spread a message of our relevance and viability. The bad news is that it will require some effort. The good news is that it's not all that difficult.

So, how can people in midlife ensure their personal brand keeps them relevant, compelling, influential, and in demand in this new all-digital work environment? Whether you're currently employed, looking for your next big opportunity, thinking of levering down your career or starting up something “new” of your own. Read on and learn how to position yourself for success and fulfillment professionally if you're in midlife.

A good place to start when it comes to your personal branding is authenticity. Authentic personal branding, rather than shameless self-promotion, is always successful. But while this may be true, many fifty-plus people don't realize they can create a strong brand without being an expert or bragging about their credentials and experience—many think putting in the effort just isn't worth it because everything they have to offer speaks for itself already. This is a myth, not only does your personal brand show who you are through what you do; but it also shows how approachable and confident you feel about what you do—even if it’s something new! Your personal brand will show you as someone who's being true to yourself

Here are five actions that will show off your distinguishing qualities, showcase your expertise, and bring out your natural confidence.

Your mindset is key

Yes, we know that age discrimination in hiring and promotions is alive and well. But what many people don't realise is that focusing on how unfair the world of work can be to the 50+ person puts them at a disadvantage - which is never a good idea. This applies not only to careers but also to life in general. Here are some mantras worth repeating for those who fall into this category:

I have extensive knowledge that makes me different from others my age and therefore appealing.
My work experience gives me an advantage over younger, less experienced professionals; there's no need to keep up with them!
I'm self-assured enough so as not to let change affect me too much, while also maintaining my sense of worth (despite what society may say).
In addition, it has been proven time and again that I produce excellent results; one should take note of this just in case they haven't yet noticed!

Your first impression must be strong

Online personas are how people today form their first impressions of you. At the moment, when someone wants to look you up, they will use Google. What Google says about you defines you. People checking you out will want to get to know you if your online persona shows you are dynamic, vibrant, innovative, and approachable. Make sure it is!

Digital dexterity is your ally

Regardless of role, function, or age, every employee in an organization must be internet savvy and digitally fit, regardless of role or age. If you are over 50, you were not born with fingers on keyboards that opened the world to you. In today's digitally enabled world, most jobs are digital to some extent. In whatever field you choose, you must be digitally savvy.

Are you socially intelligent?

Using social media is a great way to show off your digital fitness. Before you stress, consider this: you can create a strong online social media presence in a few minutes a day if you commit to it. You do not need to be on every platform, from Facebook to Instagram to Tik Tok to LinkedIn to SlideShare, YouTube to Facebook. Focus on LinkedIn (the foremost and most powerful professional social network) also a place where you can always find your target audience.

Develop Video Mastery

As we live in the “new normal,” you will work a lot online or do a lot of video interviews if you're looking for a new job. Your interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the most current and likely most prevalent form of business communication. Mastering video will make you stand out in all important ways. That means proficiency in the majority of platforms (Zoom meetings, Webex, Google Hangouts) You can make videos to demonstrate your thought leadership, as well as send video messages to clients, team members, etc.). Many conduct a lot of video meetings, but not everyone is good at it, so becoming more confident and proficient in this area will make you more attractive and sought after.

Finally, with the right mindset, being over 50 or a more mature professional can be a career asset. Use these strategies to focus your personal brand on one important fact: you provide something unique and highly valuable. I’d love to know which of these strategies you’ll try so please let me know either in the comments or send me a message I for one will be taking on the “Develop Video Mastery” challenge, it’s one I know is quite powerful but I have a total aversion to for whatever reason; so watch out on the “www” for my videos (and I promise there will be no dancing or lip-syncing :-)