Tools to Help You Stand Out

From newsletters and LinkedIn to podcasts, webinars, publications, professional networks and governance roles, independent career professionals have more opportunities than ever to showcase their expertise and develop their professional reputation. But with so many options available, how do you decide which are right for you?

This interactive workshop will explore a range of tools and approaches that can help practitioners increase their visibility, demonstrate their expertise, build relationships and create business opportunities.

Drawing on examples of good practice, including newsletters, podcasts, free webinars, coaching cards, publications, public relations and professional recognition, participants will consider the advantages, limitations and practical demands of different approaches.
The workshop will also explore how involvement in professional associations, business networks and governance roles, including Non-Executive Director (NED), trustee and governor positions, can strengthen professional connections, broaden experience and create opportunities for collaboration.

Central to the workshop is the importance of authenticity. Rather than feeling pressured to use particular platforms or follow marketing trends, participants will be encouraged to identify approaches that reflect their personal strengths, values, interests and preferred ways of working, while remaining relevant to their intended audiences.

Participants will select one tool or approach that feels right for them and use a structured planning process to begin putting it into action.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

•    Identify a range of tools and approaches for increasing professional visibility, demonstrating expertise and developing business opportunities.
•    Evaluate the advantages, limitations and resource implications of different communication tools and professional activities.
•    Recognise how public relations, professional recognition, networking and governance roles can contribute to credibility and professional development.
•    Select an appropriate tool or approach that aligns with their intended audience, business objectives, personal strengths, values and authentic ways of working.
•    Apply a structured reflective planning approach to develop practical next steps for their chosen activity.

Speaker

Carolyn Parry RCDP FCDI is an award-winning career coach, author and founder of Career Alchemy, with over 25 years' experience in career development. A former President of the Career Development Institute (2021–2023), she was named UK Careers Adviser/Coach of the Year in 2017.

A TEDx speaker and author of Change Your Story and Supporting Achievers to Unlock Sustainable Career Success, Carolyn combines extensive professional experience with practical insights from establishing and running her own independent coaching business.

Her work includes developing research-informed career development programmes, coaching frameworks, publications and digital resources. She is a Fellow of the CDI and a Registered Career Development Professional.

This session supports the following CPD competencies:

•     Networking and Partnerships
•     Career Development Practice