A Q-Score is a measurement . . .
It's the familiarity and appeal of a brand, celebrity, company, or entertainment product (e.g., television show). The higher the Q-Score, the more highly regarded the item or person is, among those who are aware of the subject. Q-Scores and other variants are primarily used by the advertising, marketing, media, and public relations industries.
What is YOUR Q-Score at your organization? In your industry?
How much do the important movers and shakers know you, like you, and find you valuable? Because if you’re one of those employees who think if they just do their job — and they will be rewarded with more money, a promotion, and various accolades — you are sorely mistaken.
It’s all about VALUE.
It’s all about your BRAND. How valuable are you to your boss, your organization, your industry? Are you a cog in the machine or a linchpin, once removed, makes the entire engine fall apart? We all wish we were key linchpins, but most of the time, we are plain-ol'cogs.
The higher your Q-Score is, the more in-demand you are in and outside your organization. The more calls from recruiters. The more accolades, bonuses, raises, and promotions you’ll receive. The more you’ll be asked to work on top projects, lead strategic teams, and drive change in your organization and industry.
Learn Your Q-Score
That’s where your Q-Score comes in. By the way, no one is scoring you — you have to score yourself. One point for each ‘YES’. Zero points for ’NO’. ½ point for ‘MAYBE’. (if you'd like, score yourself pre-pandemic):
I work on and deliver key initiatives that drive the future of my organization.
I work with the BEST people in my company — people who are energetic, positive and enjoy what they do.
I frequently interact with upper management (boss’ bosses, leadership team - possibly the board).
Upper management knows my name, my accomplishments, and what I’m working on (they say ‘HI’ to you).
I win major awards for my accomplishments.
I regularly attend industry conferences and meet people outside of my organization.
I speak at conferences or write articles to promote my ideas, my area, and my brand.
I regularly have coffee, lunch, zoom calls with key people outside of my company.
I travel to other divisions, departments, or acquisitions to learn about what they do and spread my brand.
I belong to (and possibly hold office in) industry organizations to contribute knowledge and time regularly.
I’ve been interviewed by industry reporters, been on TV, or highlighted on the web for my ideas and/or accomplishments.
If I left my position tomorrow, my boss (and their boss and upper management) would freak out and try to keep me with major incentives.
How did you score?
12 to 9 points = Industry Mover & Shaker: You take the right actions.
8½ to 5 points = Up & Coming: You’re moving up — keep going!
4½ to 0 points = Transparent/Invisible: Work to build up your Q-Score.
Action Step
Grow your score by actively embracing one or more of the 12 areas I’ve highlighted. Even just one will deliver better job security, more exposure to the right people, and possibly an offer from a dream organization.
No EXCUSES — make it HAPPEN.