This summer in the UK saw a new move by the agents and PR staff for a UK soccer player Michael Owen - A 32 page Personal Brand Portfolio! Owen was being released by his then soccer club, Newcastle United and was looking for a new home - ideally in the UK Premier league. The UK sports press was not very complimentary about his chances as he had a recent history of injuries and poor performance that did not warrant his then $250,000 a week salary! His 'people' put together a very glossy, 32 page. portfolio brochure addressing these concerns and also highlighting such positive aspects as his Brand Values. You can see the brochure by clicking here. Having come from the UK, I know the general reaction and approach to personal branding is a little more reserved than here in North America - but overall I think that Owen has done a good job. After all it got the biggest soccer club in the world, Manchester United, interested enough to sign him. Naturally it remains to be seen if the club have made a shrewd investment. But in the meantime - are you doing enough to promote the value of an investment in you? Take a moment to look at Owens portfolio and take the pieces that you like and see what you can put together for your career. This type of online or electronic document is something professionals should be seriously considering as a way to differentiate themselves in a market that will continue to be tough, but full of opportunities to those prepared to take a little bit of a risk. When I was in recruitment many years ago in the UK it was unusual not to see the best interview candidates with some form of portfolio or brag sheet - it made them memorable. What are you doing to be memorable when your company is looking to make that next promotion?
