Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players.” If that’s true, we must put on a great show. For those over 50, competing for interesting, well-paying jobs is tough. A traditional résumé won’t cut it anymore. Instead, personal branding is key—how we present ourselves online, the networks we build, and the conversations we engage in shape how others perceive us. A strong brand makes us valuable in the marketplace. Here’s how to start with LinkedIn and 2^nd Careers.

1. Make your Profile relevant. Do not write a chronology of your jobs, roles, titles, and accomplishments. Instead, be a storyteller. Sharpen your profile by answering questions that employers may have for you:

• What is the single biggest value you have to offer my organization?
• What problems did you solve, and for whom? How did the recipient benefit?
• What are your colleagues/bosses' opinions of you? What would they come to you for?

2. Write thoughtfully. Remember, the idea is to provide evidence to your claim about the value you add to organizations, or the problems you have solved. So continue along the same vein.

• While content is king, brevity is the emperor. It is a fine art to expound on a subject which is brief, yet well rounded; hone that skill by constantly reading well written posts.
• If you are not a person of words, diagrams may be your forte. Draw them out. Or use cartoons to convey your message, that you can embellish with a few words.

3. Build a useful network. Name dropping has never landed anyone a job. Relevant ones however are of immense value. 

• Draw out a list of organizations, products, ideas you would be interested in being associated with; of course it assumes that you are not there just to draw value but to contribute meaningfully too. 
• If you claim to be a product engineering pro, seek out specialists in this space, and/or follow them
• Get deeply engaged with this “exclusive circle”, if your views are valued and debated, you are more likely to become core to this circle. And that can open doors. 

4. Stay connected. While you don’t need to be a LinkedIn junkie, it helps being a regular in the circles you have chosen to be part of.

• Hashtag people and groups who will likely read your posts & comments.
• If people comment on your posts, respond and be personable. That will motivate him/her to tag you in their post. Active engagements with a small group pays richer dividends of course

My personal branding journey began with sharing my passion in a small circle. That circle grew, leading to invitations to conferences, then speaking opportunities. Those moments brought connections, access, and career opportunities. It was up to me to make the most of them. Now go, build your brand—you will find success.