So What's Your Personal (Developer) Brand?

I am increasingly being asked by members of my team how they can further themselves within the company. While this is certainly an option – and a popular one – it is not the only track to follow. You could choose to become a technical specialist, an architect or even a technical salesperson. But whatever path you choose to follow your ability to achieve it will be dependent on how you develop your own personal brand – in other words the way you portray yourself to others will directly reflect the opportunities that are presented to you.