Build a Procurement Personal Brand [Guide + On-Demand Webinar]

Hey Procurement Legend,

A different piece of Friday Deep Dive Content is here.

LinkedIn has become an invaluable tool in the modern professional landscape.

Man, that’s what so many articles about building a personal brand on LinkedIn say. But I’m going to give you a deep dive here and tell you all the ways to make the most of it.

If you’re a procurement pro in an employed role, a self-employed procurement consultant, or a person working for a procurement tech company, this is the article for you.

I’m revealing my deepest, darkest secrets here.

And guess what? You can also watch the video version if you learn better that way.

As always, this is for our World of Procurement Paid community members. I serve you first and foremost, and I want your procurement careers, in whatever you do, to flourish via a personal brand.

Why Should You Care About A Personal Brand

Whether you're a newcomer to the procurement field or a seasoned pro, LinkedIn can offer a wealth of opportunities to advance your career.

How?

People get to know you and what you stand for.

A personal brand refers to the way an individual presents themselves to the world, often in a professional context. It is becoming increasingly important in the digital age, particularly in niche fields, as it can help establish trust and credibility and differentiate oneself from competitors.

And we live in a competitive world.

Procurement roles will likely dwindle and morph. No longer will the traditionalist skill set be the key to a new role. You’ll have to show your expertise to the world and be poached to land the best roles.

With my background as a Procurement, Supply Chain, and Contract Management Subject Matter Expert and a following of 25k on LinkedIn, I've seen firsthand how this platform can become a game-changer. This article will guide you through key areas, including the platform's significance, profile optimisation, content strategy, and networking techniques.

Why LinkedIn Is The Best Platform for Procurement Professionals

Platform Popularity: According to statistics, LinkedIn boasts over 700 million users globally. This staggering number speaks volumes about its credibility and reach in the professional sphere.

Professional Focus: Unlike social platforms like Facebook or Instagram, LinkedIn is designed exclusively for professional interactions. This makes it an ideal place for serious networking and career development. People are up for talking about matters. I have a theory that LinkedIn brings together the most passionate people in the World of Procurement to talk shop. This can be hard to find in your day role as you’re busy working, and many in procurement have fallen into the profession and lack that passion.

Content Creation Gap: Believe it or not, only about 1% of LinkedIn users are regularly creating content. This leaves a massive gap and opportunity for you to make your voice heard, especially in the niche procurement space. I’d say this content gap is wider when it comes to procurement, and there is an incredible opportunity for your content to stand out even in the early days.

Job Opportunities: A whopping 97% of recruiters reportedly use LinkedIn as a hiring resource. Being on a recruiter's radar can be an enormous advantage in a competitive field like procurement. But more than that is the additional opportunities that come when you become known for your expertise. Direct approaches become the norm, not worrying about your CV or having to apply for roles, and the inbound leads if you’re operating as a business are all worthwhile.

Caveat: This can take time. And the approach you take has to be spot on. So, let’ 's break this down.

Quick Question:

How many of you have secured job opportunities or professional connections through LinkedIn? Feel free to drop a comment.