Self Branding
In any media related field; marketing, public relations, social media, etc., it has become the norm to find highly branded and specifically marketed individuals working within the field. The control over their image and public persona are important to them and play an ever increasing factor within their chosen fields. This Entrepreneur.com article is a great way to introduce oneself to the idea of personal branding and how to take those first steps.
I, specifically, am currently looking at a Public Relations or Marketing profession. For the Public Relations industry image is crucial. It is not only invaluable to the companies and individuals that public relations specialists may represent, but it is also of immense importance to the specialist themselves. If a public relations practitioner has a poor public image then it will be clear to any prospective clients or employers that this individual is probably not right for the job. Ilana Gershon discusses this idea with the example of a student saying they would acquiesce to a search of their social media profiles by a prospective employer. (p. 13) Today most job seeker’s understand the necessities of a good image.
In this blog post, geared towards public relations professionals, the author discusses specific online tools that can help you create, manage, and grow your personal brand and online presence. In almost any industry today a strong online presence is necessary, but for public relations, social media, or marketing professionals it is even more so important. Visibility is key. Having a nice personal, professional website can be one thing that really sets you apart from the competition and raises your brand and awareness.
This website, pictured above, from a European designer is a great example of creating a brand through use of imagery, color, and feel while also making it a sort of resume which puts your information and skills out there. Showing off some of those skills at the same time. Using some of these tools I am able to understand that this is a process. It is thought out and planned. It is important to establish what my brand is and how to project that. Ilana Gershon in her introduction said “People now think they own themselves as a business — bundles of skills, assets, qualities, experiences, and relationships, bundles that must be consciously managed and constantly enhanced.” (p. 2) This is a good way to think of ourselves in terms of marketing ourselves to an employer. In branding myself, I would need to consider what my bundles are and find ways to improve them, and improve my brand. What are my three or four words that describe my personal brand? (Irshon, p.24) On another level, maintaining these networking and branding tools, even while employed, can prepare you for what has become the inevitable return to the job market, Gershon said “When people are at a job, they are supposed to always be planning for the next job…”(p. 20) In today’s job market most people change careers/employment several times. Being prepared and maintaining efficient and successful branding can land you a job and keep you working.
