5 Ways to Quantify Executive Presence

Clients and employers will likely review your profile on paper before deciding whether to meet with you. How can you show you have that vaunted executive presence? Here are 5 things I look for when I review profiles:

1. Speaking engagements. Have you presented to key professional groups on substantive matters? Or at a minimum run internal seminars on important topics?
2. Awards. What societies have recognized your work? Have you received internal awards and bonuses for your performance?
3. Counseling important clients. If you are advising senior managers and cross-functional teams, I assume you are a good communicator and understand the business. If you’re at a firm and represent top clients, I assume you are part of the A team.
4. Recommendations. On LinkedIn, do you have important clients praising you? Do you list luminaries as references?
5. Achievements. What are your accomplishments? Are there metrics for your performance, e.g., how much money saved, how fast the business grew under your watch, or how many matters successfully managed?

Taken together, these factors can set you apart from lawyers with similar profiles. They show you have subject matter expertise and have earned the respect of your peers.