In today’s world is it imperative that you rise above the crowd.  It is a crowded world out there.

There are millions of people looking for their next assignment.

Increasingly companies and recruiters are finding the people they want versus having individuals find them. It is a pull versus push hiring strategy.

Many jobs aren’t posted but are spread through word of mouth because companies don’t want to get inundated and overwhelmed with resumes.

When I post an add on Craig’s List looking for a college student to be my admin assistant for 10 hours a week and specify that I am only looking for students, I get resumes from people with MBA’s looking for a career track.

You don’t distinguish yourself based on what you do. You distinguish yourself based on who you are. Most people focus on what they do and don’t spend much effort on building their personal brand.

I meet many marketers who market themselves very differently then they marketed their previous clients.  They seem to dumb themselves down when they market themselves.  They don’t spend what it takes today to do it for them.

I don’t limit my personal marketing expenditure based on what is in the bank.  I do it based on what is the right thing to do.

If you Google Hank Blank my content is pages and pages deep because I send out press releases on Business Wire about my agency reviews, my speaking engagements and other thought leadership.

Here are some simple steps on how to rise above the crowd.

First, register your name as your own domain name on Go Daddy or other providor.  You should have a website based on your name. It is like your telephone number.  Having a personal website will help your SEO dramatically.  Today’s version of being in the phone book. Have a simple site built containing your bio, what you do, your thought leadership, your blog, your press releases etc.

Secondly your personal branding tools must be unique and distinctive.  I have blogged about this before.  Why do people with a powerful background and skill set have generic cards from the internet that neuters their identity?

You must have a strong social media networking presence. It will help your SEO and has many other benefits. When you encounter that risk adverse hiring manager who asks you “So what have you been up to?”  You can say making yourself a rock star on social media and demonstrate that you are more current than they are.

Create thought leadership and share your voice with a blog and by sending out electronically optimized press releases on wire services such as Business Wire.  Market yourself like a company and not like somebody who works out of their den.  I have sent out three releases already this year on Business Wire.  Do I like the costs?  No?  Do I like the results?  Yes

Then create a very large and diverse network by having at least 5 meetings a day.  You aren’t going to spread the word about yourself by hiding behind your computer.  Face time not Facebook leads to relationships.  A great network will amplify and spread your awareness and message.

Hank Blank runs a marketing services company based in Laguna Niguel, CA.  He uses networking as his primary New Business tool.  Hank also speaks to companies and organizations on networking.  He was recently the Keynote Speaker at the Jacuzzi and Sundance Dealer Conferences.  To book Hank to speak to your group send him an e mail at hank@hankblank.com or Tweet @hankblank Check out Hank by visiting his site at www.hankblank.com or just Goggle Hank Blank to get a more current update on his activities.