You don’t need to be a marketer to build your own brand. In fact, many of the consultants I’ve spoken to would probably shiver at the thought of dipping their toes into the marketing water. But one thing is clear, their recognition of the need to develop a personal brand that will set them up for success. And before we send you running for the hills – it’s important for you to recognise that building a brand takes simple common sense, a can-do attitude, and open eyes that recognise opportunity. There is no fool-proof recipe that will guarantee success, but there are several ways that you, as a now independently working individual, can build your reputation towards a successful career, with revenue-rewarding opportunities.
We’ve put together 6 of them for you.
1. Authenticity! Authenticity! Authenticity!
I read a great quote somewhere. It said, “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.” You chose the independent consulting route because you have something unique to offer that your clients need. So, what’s the point of pretending to be someone else, or something you’re not? Your brand should reflect who you are. Indirectly, the way your brand is perceived is a message to future clients that reflects what it would be like to work with you. Don’t risk creating a vision that they buy into, only for them to be disappointed when the project commences because of the disparity with your constructed personal brand. This means that building a true brand is fundamentally based on an understanding of your true self: What you represent, how you work, what is important to you, what your definition of success is.
Never be afraid to be vulnerable. It may take a while for you to clearly identify what your personal brand looks like, but the more fake you take away, the truer the reflection of what the client will get, and the greater the chance for success.
2. Understand where your audience is
There’s no point in developing a brand for the wrong audience. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. Before you spend copious amounts of time building social profiles, designing websites, learning the latest jargon because “industry tells you so” – take some time to identify exactly who it is that you want to engage with. Understand where they are, what technology they use, what’s important to them – and then make sure that you are there. Create personas if you must. Understand what drives them. You may be looking to introduce your personal brand and service to an audience who is not on Facebook, who doesn’t understand what a ReTweet is, and who couldn’t care less about your latest Pulse article, but who do believe in the power of the Breakfast Networking session and a round on the golf course.
On the flip side, your target audience may only be interested in the immediate, the tech and the social networking bounty, and if you have any hope of building any sort of rapport, for you to not be adept in the same communication mind-set would be the first huge omission to building and establishing your personal brand. Remember, your audience goes beyond just employer and customer. Your audience stretches to peers, influencers, mentors – anyone that may just be that stepping stone you need towards your next opportunity.
3. Jack of all trades, master of One
A recurring comment I hear from the talent I speak with is the notion, “When I started out, I tried to be everything to everyone. I spread myself so thinly that nobody really knew what it was that I offered”. Demonstrate, through your value through understanding exactly what it is that you offer your clients. And then build on that. If you are confused about the single (or few) driving solution(s) that you offer, so will your customers be. So take the time to really consider the characteristics, strengths and skills that you’ve developed throughout your career. And if you’re uncertain as to what that “one thing” may be, then ask those you’ve worked with. You’ll very quickly identify your master skill.
4. Excuse me, Mr Speaker
A great way to quickly amplify your expertise, is to speak about it. (No kidding). Think about it this way – now that you have identified your expert subject matter, you are in the unique position to share opinion and thought on that subject matter that others will be interested in. You understand your field, you’ve probably been in your field for several years, and no doubt would have worked with various clients and industries who need what you have to say, and as a result you’ve probably built your own working case studies of how to do, or how not to do, things. You now hold a purse full of valuable thought nuggets and insight that any event organiser (no matter how large or small) would be desperate to include for the value of their own audience. If speaking scares you – now is the time to start putting your fears to rest, and start practicing. And it may mean that you start small, through something like a little networking get-together – but getting your voice heard, in as many places (online or physical) as possible, is the first step to introducing your desired audience to a taste of the expertise that you have, and the expertise that they need and will pay for.
5. Get Active
Part of developing a personal brand is becoming a thought leader on a subject matter. Remember, you are looking to sell your ability to a potential client – based on the insight that you have developed as an independent consultant. But telling people how amazing you are simply won’t cut it. Sometimes, behaviour speaks far louder than any self-promotion ever will – and that’s when it’s time to get active. Whether you’re a keen blogger, or whether you simply love the immediacy of social comment and debate, setting aside time every day, to nurture your online community, create content (whether it be via LinkedIn’s Pulse or a personal blog on your own website), and share that content socially is a critical part to setting your brand up as a thought leader. Create a schedule that you can commit to, that allows you reasonable time to get active, and then stick to it. Remember – sharing your insight with relevant media is also a part of expanding your brand reach. Getting active is more about sharing value than it is about self-promotion.
6. Never stop learning
As much as you may be expert in your field today, tomorrow the entire industry can (and probably will) change. Maintaining a successful personal brand is not a static process – it relies on constantly learning, constantly evolving and constantly staying relevant. If you fail to stay relevant, all the effort you’ve put in to build your brand, will be useless. Subscribe to industry newsletters and blogs, magazines, articles and journals. Identify industry influencers and keep a constant check on the things they are sharing and shouting about. Expand your own skills to always keep developing yourself. If you’re growing, you’re not stagnating.
You don’t need to be a marketer to build your own brand. In fact, many of the consultants I’ve spoken to would probably shiver at the thought of dipping their toes into the marketing water. But one thing is clear, their recognition of the need to develop a personal brand that will set them up for success. And before we send you running for the hills – it’s important for you to recognise that building a brand takes simple common sense, a can-do attitude, and open eyes that recognise opportunity. There is no fool-proof recipe that will guarantee success, but there are several ways that you, as a now independently working individual, can build your reputation towards a successful career, with revenue-rewarding opportunities.
We’ve put together 6 of them for you.
1. Authenticity! Authenticity! Authenticity!
I read a great quote somewhere. It said, “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.” You chose the independent consulting route because you have something unique to offer that your clients need. So, what’s the point of pretending to be someone else, or something you’re not? Your brand should reflect who you are. Indirectly, the way your brand is perceived is a message to future clients that reflects what it would be like to work with you. Don’t risk creating a vision that they buy into, only for them to be disappointed when the project commences because of the disparity with your constructed personal brand. This means that building a true brand is fundamentally based on an understanding of your true self: What you represent, how you work, what is important to you, what your definition of success is.
Never be afraid to be vulnerable. It may take a while for you to clearly identify what your personal brand looks like, but the more fake you take away, the truer the reflection of what the client will get, and the greater the chance for success.
2. Understand where your audience is
There’s no point in developing a brand for the wrong audience. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. Before you spend copious amounts of time building social profiles, designing websites, learning the latest jargon because “industry tells you so” – take some time to identify exactly who it is that you want to engage with. Understand where they are, what technology they use, what’s important to them – and then make sure that you are there. Create personas if you must. Understand what drives them. You may be looking to introduce your personal brand and service to an audience who is not on Facebook, who doesn’t understand what a ReTweet is, and who couldn’t care less about your latest Pulse article, but who do believe in the power of the Breakfast Networking session and a round on the golf course.
On the flip side, your target audience may only be interested in the immediate, the tech and the social networking bounty, and if you have any hope of building any sort of rapport, for you to not be adept in the same communication mind-set would be the first huge omission to building and establishing your personal brand. Remember, your audience goes beyond just employer and customer. Your audience stretches to peers, influencers, mentors – anyone that may just be that stepping stone you need towards your next opportunity.
3. Jack of all trades, master of One
A recurring comment I hear from the talent I speak with is the notion, “When I started out, I tried to be everything to everyone. I spread myself so thinly that nobody really knew what it was that I offered”. Demonstrate, through your value through understanding exactly what it is that you offer your clients. And then build on that. If you are confused about the single (or few) driving solution(s) that you offer, so will your customers be. So take the time to really consider the characteristics, strengths and skills that you’ve developed throughout your career. And if you’re uncertain as to what that “one thing” may be, then ask those you’ve worked with. You’ll very quickly identify your master skill.
4. Excuse me, Mr Speaker
A great way to quickly amplify your expertise, is to speak about it. (No kidding). Think about it this way – now that you have identified your expert subject matter, you are in the unique position to share opinion and thought on that subject matter that others will be interested in. You understand your field, you’ve probably been in your field for several years, and no doubt would have worked with various clients and industries who need what you have to say, and as a result you’ve probably built your own working case studies of how to do, or how not to do, things. You now hold a purse full of valuable thought nuggets and insight that any event organiser (no matter how large or small) would be desperate to include for the value of their own audience. If speaking scares you – now is the time to start putting your fears to rest, and start practicing. And it may mean that you start small, through something like a little networking get-together – but getting your voice heard, in as many places (online or physical) as possible, is the first step to introducing your desired audience to a taste of the expertise that you have, and the expertise that they need and will pay for.
5. Get Active
Part of developing a personal brand is becoming a thought leader on a subject matter. Remember, you are looking to sell your ability to a potential client – based on the insight that you have developed as an independent consultant. But telling people how amazing you are simply won’t cut it. Sometimes, behaviour speaks far louder than any self-promotion ever will – and that’s when it’s time to get active. Whether you’re a keen blogger, or whether you simply love the immediacy of social comment and debate, setting aside time every day, to nurture your online community, create content (whether it be via LinkedIn’s Pulse or a personal blog on your own website), and share that content socially is a critical part to setting your brand up as a thought leader. Create a schedule that you can commit to, that allows you reasonable time to get active, and then stick to it. Remember – sharing your insight with relevant media is also a part of expanding your brand reach. Getting active is more about sharing value than it is about self-promotion.
6. Never stop learning
As much as you may be expert in your field today, tomorrow the entire industry can (and probably will) change. Maintaining a successful personal brand is not a static process – it relies on constantly learning, constantly evolving and constantly staying relevant. If you fail to stay relevant, all the effort you’ve put in to build your brand, will be useless. Subscribe to industry newsletters and blogs, magazines, articles and journals. Identify industry influencers and keep a constant check on the things they are sharing and shouting about. Expand your own skills to always keep developing yourself. If you’re growing, you’re not stagnating.
Writing an effective proposal can be a challenge, make yours a winner with these tips…
Follow these 6 tips for Talent Passport matching greatness:
• Make sure that your Talent Passport is filled in and up-to-date.
• Make sure your experience and background match the type of projects you want
• Check you have specified the languages you can work in
• Check the locations you are available to work in are clear on your profile
• Make sure your Talent Passport is relevant for the projects you want
And remember, don’t over apply or apply for things you think ‘you might be ok for’.
We send notification emails out to the talent that has the closest match to the project requirements. The better your Talent Passport fits the brief, the more likely you will be notified.
Sell yourself in 500 characters, highlighting your skills and background
Avoid using single statements like “Please refer to my CV” – be specific about what makes you stand out
Take the time to write a strong and pithy summary
1. Have I taken a clear approach outlining the steps I would take to deliver the project?
2. Have I listed the key deliverables the client will receive at the end?
3. Have I outlined why I am suitable to undertake this project?
4. Does my Passport show the type of clients I’ve worked for and how recently, as well industry and functional similarities and what the output was?
Duration – provide an estimate of how long the project will take to complete.
Cost – propose a day rate or fixed cost.
Location – clarify that you can be where the client needs you.
Language – clarify you can meet these requirements.
1. Upload professional Passport picture
2. Make sure your Talent Passport is complete and up-to-date.
3. Write application summary
4. Write proposal focusing on approach, deliverables and suitability
5. Outline project duration and cost
6. Make sure you suit the location and language requirements
You don’t need to be a marketer to build your own brand. In fact, many of the consultants I’ve spoken to would probably shiver at the thought of dipping their toes into the marketing water. But one thing is clear, their recognition of the need to develop a personal brand that will set them up for success. And before we send you running for the hills – it’s important for you to recognise that building a brand takes simple common sense, a can-do attitude, and open eyes that recognise opportunity. There is no fool-proof recipe that will guarantee success, but there are several ways that you, as a now independently working individual, can build your reputation towards a successful career, with revenue-rewarding opportunities.
We’ve put together 6 of them for you.
1. Authenticity! Authenticity! Authenticity!
I read a great quote somewhere. It said, “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.” You chose the independent consulting route because you have something unique to offer that your clients need. So, what’s the point of pretending to be someone else, or something you’re not? Your brand should reflect who you are. Indirectly, the way your brand is perceived is a message to future clients that reflects what it would be like to work with you. Don’t risk creating a vision that they buy into, only for them to be disappointed when the project commences because of the disparity with your constructed personal brand. This means that building a true brand is fundamentally based on an understanding of your true self: What you represent, how you work, what is important to you, what your definition of success is.
Never be afraid to be vulnerable. It may take a while for you to clearly identify what your personal brand looks like, but the more fake you take away, the truer the reflection of what the client will get, and the greater the chance for success.
2. Understand where your audience is
There’s no point in developing a brand for the wrong audience. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. Before you spend copious amounts of time building social profiles, designing websites, learning the latest jargon because “industry tells you so” – take some time to identify exactly who it is that you want to engage with. Understand where they are, what technology they use, what’s important to them – and then make sure that you are there. Create personas if you must. Understand what drives them. You may be looking to introduce your personal brand and service to an audience who is not on Facebook, who doesn’t understand what a ReTweet is, and who couldn’t care less about your latest Pulse article, but who do believe in the power of the Breakfast Networking session and a round on the golf course.
On the flip side, your target audience may only be interested in the immediate, the tech and the social networking bounty, and if you have any hope of building any sort of rapport, for you to not be adept in the same communication mind-set would be the first huge omission to building and establishing your personal brand. Remember, your audience goes beyond just employer and customer. Your audience stretches to peers, influencers, mentors – anyone that may just be that stepping stone you need towards your next opportunity.
3. Jack of all trades, master of One
A recurring comment I hear from the talent I speak with is the notion, “When I started out, I tried to be everything to everyone. I spread myself so thinly that nobody really knew what it was that I offered”. Demonstrate, through your value through understanding exactly what it is that you offer your clients. And then build on that. If you are confused about the single (or few) driving solution(s) that you offer, so will your customers be. So take the time to really consider the characteristics, strengths and skills that you’ve developed throughout your career. And if you’re uncertain as to what that “one thing” may be, then ask those you’ve worked with. You’ll very quickly identify your master skill.
4. Excuse me, Mr Speaker
A great way to quickly amplify your expertise, is to speak about it. (No kidding). Think about it this way – now that you have identified your expert subject matter, you are in the unique position to share opinion and thought on that subject matter that others will be interested in. You understand your field, you’ve probably been in your field for several years, and no doubt would have worked with various clients and industries who need what you have to say, and as a result you’ve probably built your own working case studies of how to do, or how not to do, things. You now hold a purse full of valuable thought nuggets and insight that any event organiser (no matter how large or small) would be desperate to include for the value of their own audience. If speaking scares you – now is the time to start putting your fears to rest, and start practicing. And it may mean that you start small, through something like a little networking get-together – but getting your voice heard, in as many places (online or physical) as possible, is the first step to introducing your desired audience to a taste of the expertise that you have, and the expertise that they need and will pay for.
5. Get Active
Part of developing a personal brand is becoming a thought leader on a subject matter. Remember, you are looking to sell your ability to a potential client – based on the insight that you have developed as an independent consultant. But telling people how amazing you are simply won’t cut it. Sometimes, behaviour speaks far louder than any self-promotion ever will – and that’s when it’s time to get active. Whether you’re a keen blogger, or whether you simply love the immediacy of social comment and debate, setting aside time every day, to nurture your online community, create content (whether it be via LinkedIn’s Pulse or a personal blog on your own website), and share that content socially is a critical part to setting your brand up as a thought leader. Create a schedule that you can commit to, that allows you reasonable time to get active, and then stick to it. Remember – sharing your insight with relevant media is also a part of expanding your brand reach. Getting active is more about sharing value than it is about self-promotion.
6. Never stop learning
As much as you may be expert in your field today, tomorrow the entire industry can (and probably will) change. Maintaining a successful personal brand is not a static process – it relies on constantly learning, constantly evolving and constantly staying relevant. If you fail to stay relevant, all the effort you’ve put in to build your brand, will be useless. Subscribe to industry newsletters and blogs, magazines, articles and journals. Identify industry influencers and keep a constant check on the things they are sharing and shouting about. Expand your own skills to always keep developing yourself. If you’re growing, you’re not stagnating.
Now that you’ve registered and have been approved, make sure to review your
Talent Passport and ensure that all sections are complete.
We have a hand-picked selection of global partners, all designed to help support you on your independent career, including discounted training & business courses, travel benefits, insurance and access to your very own AI digital assistant! Click HERE for a full list, and to access your discounts.
If you’re ready to start looking for your next role, or submit your first proposal, take a look at out our short how-to videos, or view all of our support guides online.
Our technology means that you will be automatically matched to the most relevant opportunities based on your skills and experience. You can also review any open projects, but if you haven’t been notified, this may indicate that you aren’t a perfect match and others may be successful.
The more information you provide on your Talent Passport, the higher your passport score - which means the higher the chance of being matched to projects before anybody else.
Your proposal will be reviewed by our Customer Success team before being shared directly with the client. Our Customer Success team will then get back to you as soon as possible through our platform or directly to schedule an interview, share feedback or ask follow-up questions.
• We require a copy of your ID for our internal compliance protocols and confirm your right to work in a certain location.
• You may be required to provide Indemnity insurance prior to commencing work with a client. For more details, and for all other FAQs, head HERE.
The more information you provide on your Talent Passport, the higher your passport score - which means the higher the chance of being matched to projects before anybody else.
Talmix acts as the payment processor for all projects on the Talmix platform, managing the invoicing and payment for clients and talent.
At the end of the project, the talent will need to close the project, the client will need to confirm that the work has been completed, and both parties must approve the final costs. The talent is responsible for ensuring that the client’s expectations are met, in line with the agreed deliverables and scope.
Once approved, Talmix will then invoice the client. Invoices will cover the cost of the talent’s services, the Talmix commission fee, and any agreed additional expenses.
We then require the talent to send an invoice, in line with the payment terms agreed, to invoices@talmix.com, in order to process payment.
Please submit to invoices@talmix.com with your Delivery Manager in Cc.
Upload the invoice in Document or PDF format. Please also include the Project Number in your invoice and email subject line when submitting.
Address the invoice to:
Talmix
9 Marshalsea Road
London
SE1 1EP
Invoicing structure:
• Project number
• Company name / your name if a sole trader
• Billing address
• VAT number (if applicable)
• Company bank details including account number, sort code, and currency of account / your bank details if a sole trader
• If a non-UK or non-sterling denominated bank account, please provide the IBAN and SWIFT/BIC number
• Project title
• Summary of time spent and amount requested in the relevant currency
• Summary of expense amounts requested for reimbursement if applicable
• Your contact details including email and phone number.
Payment will be made in either GBP, USD or EUR as agreed with the client.
We will always pay the talent in the currency that we bill the client. If you do not have a bank that supports that currency, there are a number of online FX platforms available, allowing you to manage multiple currencies.
Talmix will pay invoices within 60 days of the date of submission, subject to receipt of funds from the client, unless otherwise stated in your agreement.
*Talmix Payment Policies may be updated from time to time.
All pricing and payment terms are agreed between the talent and client prior to commencing any project work.
You may request payment as follows:
For projects with a duration of one month or less, payment is made once the project is completed, and the client has confirmed that the work has been completed in line with the agreed scope of work.
For projects with a duration of more than one month, payment may be made on a monthly basis or on defined project milestones as agreed prior to commencing the project between talent and client. The client must approve any work completed prior to payment being released by Talmix.
If your agreement includes reimbursement of out of pocket expenses which are to be paid by Talmix on the client’s behalf, please ensure that the relevant receipts and summary of expenses are sent to the client for approval. Talmix do not review / approve expenses. These are wholly the responsibility of the client.
If you have any other Invoice queries, please contact accounts@talmix.com.
There are different regulations in different countries about how independent workers are classified, and classification checks may take place.
In the U.K, the responsibility for determining a contractor’s IR35 status lies with the end-user, with the liability shifting to the ‘fee-payer’ in the supply chain. The end client will have to issue a Status Determination Statement to the contractor, which makes their IR35 status clear (inside or outside the rules) and explains why.
If determined to be “within IR35”, worker is deemed to be employed for tax purposes. The fee payer will be responsible for processing and paying PAYE/NIC to HMRC.
Not sure what all this means? Ipse’s guide to IR35 covers everything in greater detail, from determining IR35 status, ensuring compliance and checking employing status for tax. Check it out here.
For contractor classifications across the rest of Europe, read this guide. For the US, every state has its own classification test to determine whether a worker is an employee or a contractor - read more on that in this guide.
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