Product is the final result the customer will touch and evaluate.  If we think about product management in the new age of marketing management we will find that the product design and quality are not necessarily the best allover the world.  A simple example is the Toyota car that you find in Yemen, which is not the same as what you may find in the Gulf countries that tend to come with add-ons.  The reason is not to reduce price, but to also consider the needs of customers according to their contexts.  For instance, it wouldn’t be a wise idea to open a ballet school in Yemen, simply because there is no demand for it considering the cultural interests of Yemenis. 

Now I hear some wondering ‘what is the relation between these examples and me?’

The relation is that in order to Promote yourself, you need to consider yourself a Product that is needed in the context you market yourself.  To do so, you should study the market needs and study the available products or competitors and look for distinctive points to differentiate ourselves. This could be done by simply talking to people in different fields and finding out what their needs are in potential employees and ‘upgrading’ yourself as a Product by addressing those needs.  For instance, an IT professional should have skills in system analysis, training, programming, and graphics.  But to be a distinctive product he or she should be able to surpass the general skills and keep up with the latest technology, have additional specialized certifications and know a little about a lot.

Your CV is the determining factor that will classify you as a common or distinctive Product, so make sure to define yourself effectively. 

Place: don’t sell yourself anywhere.  One of the mistakes we often make when job searching is we apply everywhere and anywhere, which at the end of the day is an effective way to waste time.  Instead, spend your time searching for jobs, but only apply to those that meet the following criteria:  the salary average fits with your needs and expertise, the requirements match your skills (not necessarily a 100 % match), and more importantly do not apply for a job that compromises your principles.  Even if you are happy in the beginning, the gap between principles and practice will catch up to you and you might experience unnecessary failure. 

Price: Now that companies or organizations recognize you as a distinctive product, it’s time to think about your price.   Yes your price.  But when it is time to price yourself don’t underestimate your abilities and don’t overestimate your price and ignore the market you are situated in.  For example if you are in Yemen and you know that the salary average is $1000 USD don’t ever dream about $3000 USD, even if that’s an adequate sum for your price in another country.  

Now that you know how to Promote yourself as a well-Priced Product that will be sold in the right Place, I wish you all the best and hope you realize, You are your own company!

Comments (2)

2  Grate Written by Mohammed, on 25-03-2007 14:55 it could be a way of thinking in every thing not only to get a job or business , I mean even in our personal life

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.2