Having a clear idea of who you are and what you care about, then representing yourself consistently online is the essence of personal branding. Not only can it help advance your career and build your network, it can also provide a stronger platform for communicating effectively about the causes you're passionate about as a nonprofit professional.

According to a 2009 Harris Interactive survey, 18% of employers using social media to scope out applicants made the final decision to hire an applicant based on their online presence. I for one was hired at MAP for Nonprofits largely because my blog backed up what I shared in interviews.

So what about you? Are you ready to reap the rewards of manicuring your digital footprint? Now is the time to start. If you didn’t make it to our recent Stand Up, Speak Out: Personal Branding for Change Agents session, don’t fear. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Know What You Want: Don’t just brand yourself because it’s the thing to do. Figure out where you want to be and use that vision to guide yourself.
• Know Who You Are: Repetition is key to getting a message to stick. If you want people to know something about you, make sure you define it for yourself first, and then reiterate it through your interactions, online and off.
• Be Present: Is your LinkedIn account lonely? Don’t even have one? Get on it. Ask your colleagues for recommendations on a regular basis. Keep this space up to date so that it’s ready when you need it most.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. We've also compiled a list of resources from our talented presenters at the Stand Up, Speak Out event earlier this week. Check them out, then get started. Your personal brand is just waiting for its big break!