Have you jumped on the "brand wagon" yet? Perhaps the very thought of creating a brand strategy is overwhelming. It does not have to be. Branding should be a natural part of your everyday life. To integrate branding into your life, make a conscious decision about your behavior. Ask yourself these questions: Is this activity worthy of my brand? Did that decision foster my brand? Is avoiding certain activities hindering my brand? Try these five steps to establish and elevate your brand.

Don't shy away from the spotlight.

You are a one-person brand. When you are recognized for a major accomplishment at work, don't deflect the compliment. Accept the praise gracefully. It is fine every once in a while to step back and let other people shine. However, make an effort to be that high-profile team member that delivers the presentation or steps up to lead a project.

Include these two words on your resume: "to Present."

Employers prefer to recruit candidates who currently have jobs. You can't control situations such as downsizings or company closures. Just because your paid employment comes to an abrupt end, that does not mean you can't be professionally active. Take one of your current volunteer activities up a notch. Consider accepting a high-profile project or initiating a fundraising campaign. Another option is to pursue something entrepreneurial. Protect your brand by reinforcing your image as a productive professional.

Take the time to blog, write articles, and create podcasts.

Writing and podcasting allow you to share your expertise with the world. Carefully select topics in which you are an authority. Examples of topics may include industry news, current technologies, or a "how-to" tutorial. Your writing and podcasts are also a chance to provide insight into your personality. It is a great way to connect with your network.

Get rid of your social media noise.

Conduct an audit of your social media presence. Delete anything inappropriate or that is not consistent with your desired brand. You can't control what other people post. However, you can distance yourself from the noise by creating a prolific positive social media campaign. Spend time on LinkedIn. Join groups, post articles and forward informative studies.

Select a profile photo that matches your target profession.

I am not suggesting that you hold props in your photo. Dress for the position you want. If you are seeking a managerial position, dress for the part. On LinkedIn and other social media settings, a headshot is best. For your personal blog and website, you might feature a complementary photo, one in which you are giving a presentation, receiving an award, or leading a work group.