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Fighting the Threat of Layoffs with Personal Branding

This issue is presented by:

The Bestselling Personal Branding Book …

​Front & Center Leadership by Brandon Birkmeyer​

Layoffs suck! They are so one-sided that it can be very frustrating.

In my world, when I was working at corporate ad agencies, the risk of layoffs was constant. If your agency lost the account you were working on, you’d be looking for work.

Now for ad agencies, the top reason you’d lose an account would be the hiring of a new CMO. And of course, the average CMO tenure is about 3 years! So basically, your job was at risk every year.

The truth is, regardless of industry, it’s up to you to secure your future. And if you want to be easy to hire and hard to fire, you have to be more than just a role player filling a position on the org chart.

Layoffs have long been a persistent reality for professionals across industries. Economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and shifting business priorities continually reshape the job market, making job security an ongoing concern. While no position is truly permanent, one powerful strategy can help safeguard your career and open new opportunities: personal branding.

➡️➡️Get your copy of my bestselling personal branding book, Front & Center Leadership, today!​

The Reality of Layoffs

Layoffs are not a new phenomenon, nor are they limited to times of economic downturn. Companies routinely restructure, automate roles, and adjust their workforce to stay competitive. Given this constant risk, relying solely on an employer for career stability is a risky proposition. Instead, professionals must take proactive measures to establish themselves as indispensable and visible in their industry.

The Role of Personal Branding

Personal branding is more than just having a polished LinkedIn profile—it’s about positioning yourself as a leader, expert, and trusted voice in your field. A strong personal brand can help you attract opportunities, mitigate the impact of a layoff, and transition smoothly into new roles. Here’s how:

1. Establish Authority Before You Need It

Thought leadership can set you apart from others in your industry. By consistently sharing insights, publishing content, and engaging in discussions, you build credibility. Whether you write articles, speak at events, or host a podcast, demonstrating expertise makes you more attractive to employers and clients.

2. Expand Your Professional Network

When layoffs strike, the strength of your network can determine how quickly you bounce back. A well-nurtured personal brand helps you forge meaningful connections with peers, industry leaders, and recruiters. The more visible and valuable you are to your network, the more likely you’ll be top-of-mind for new opportunities.

3. Create Multiple Career Pathways

A personal brand doesn’t just serve job seekers—it creates avenues for entrepreneurship, consulting, and other independent opportunities. When your industry knows who you are and what you stand for, you’re not solely dependent on an employer. You can pivot into contract work, side gigs, or full-time self-employment if needed.

4. Increase Your Marketability

Companies prefer to hire candidates with strong professional reputations. A visible personal brand signals confidence, reliability, and expertise. Employers are more likely to reach out to someone who has a well-established online presence, testimonials, and endorsements rather than sifting through a sea of anonymous resumes.

5. Turn Layoffs Into Launchpads

Many professionals have used layoffs as an opportunity to reinvent themselves. Some launch businesses, transition into speaking or coaching, or build successful content platforms. A strong personal brand makes these transitions smoother, providing credibility and an audience that trusts your expertise.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Personal Brand

  1. Optimize Your Online Presence – Ensure your LinkedIn profile, website, and social media reflect your skills, expertise, and accomplishments.
  2. Create Value-Driven Content – Write articles, start a podcast, or make videos sharing your insights and perspectives.
  3. Engage in Thought Leadership – Speak at events, participate in panel discussions, and contribute to industry forums.
  4. Build Strategic Relationships – Connect with industry peers, mentors, and recruiters. Attend networking events and stay active in professional groups.
  5. Be Consistent – Branding is an ongoing process. Regularly update your content, engage with your audience, and refine your messaging.

In a world where job security is never guaranteed, personal branding offers a proactive approach to career resilience. By building visibility, credibility, and a strong network, you gain greater control over your professional future. Whether you’re employed, between jobs, or considering new career paths, investing in your personal brand today will pay dividends in the years to come.

Layoffs are unpredictable, but your career trajectory doesn’t have to be. Take charge of your narrative, and make your personal brand your most valuable asset.

😝Thanks for reading! Do you have any questions you’d like answered? Email me at brandon@brandsonbrands.com and let me know!

Talk soon,

Brandon Birkmeyer

Personal Branding Coach, Bestselling author of Front & Center Leadership​