Career Management Alliance Blog

I am struck by the number of people who have worked for decades within a corporate structure and then, at some point in their 50s or 60s, decide they want more control over time spent working, place of residence, and type of work. They decide to work as independent consultants.

The new emphasis on personal branding is particularly exciting for the growing number of over-50s who decide to go the consulting route. They have had long enough careers to develop a strong brand and now need to articulate it in their marketing communications. At the beginning of their work to build a “consulting resume” or a “business resume,” consultants have an opportunity to take an intimate look at:

• What has driven my career to date?
• What am I motivated to offer the world in the last third of my working life?
• What are the signature achievements that most fully expressed my brand and benefited my organization?

The consulting resume is unique in that it can more fully express a personal brand than a job seeker’s resume can. It is both grounded in a long career’s experience and fully aligned with the person’s business (his/her own consulting practice.) Branding has the potential to open new doors for “Third Age” consultants by communicating a strong value proposition and unique selling points. Branding also enables consultants to raise their rates and avoid becoming a commodity.

Posted by Jean Cummings