Self-Branding
One of the important elements of “self-branding” for the public relations coordinator or specialist career I want, is to maintain an image that is compatible with the image of the company (Gershon, 13). I will achieve this by ensuring that my online presence is appropriate, professional, and impressive (Pollack, 41). I will avoid posting images of excessive partying behavior, and make sure to use only clean, appropriate language when communicating on the web. I can develop more of a professional online presence by commenting on scholarly, respectable blogs and discussion boards concerning my career (Pollack, 41). Also, I can keep my LinkedIn up-to -date and be sure to share any career-related news on my social networks (Pollack, 43).
Another important “self-branding” element for my career is to become highly knowledgeable about the industry of my employer (Pollack, 45). I will need this knowledge in order to speak the same jargon as the people I will work with sometime in the future (Pollack, 46). In addition, the knowledge will enable me to have the same reference information as my co-workers and management (Pollack, 46). This information includes “company names, industry leaders, new product launches, etc.” (Pollack, 46). As Pollack mentions, this language and information will help me become an expert in the field.
Lastly, an important “self-branding” element is to own myself as a business (Gershon, 9). If I do this, I will be able to analyze my skills, assets, characteristics, experiences, and relationships. Thus, using them to my advantage as a “brand” (Gershon, 9). In regards to my resume, this will be helpful by showing the business solutions I possess for the career I want to do (Gershon, 9).
According to Gershon, I should navigate the difference between who I “am” and what my “brand” is by steadily improving myself, and trying to strengthen the control I have over how people perceive me (Gershon, 43). In reality, I navigate the difference by furthering my understanding of who I am, and enhancing my strengths. I do not publicize the less professional aspects of my life, and I focus on making good, moral decisions that will be beneficial to my brand and who I am. These decisions help to eliminate the difference between who I “am” and what my “brand” is. Since Gershon believes “you are a business, and there is no break from being a business,” the division I experience as I am improving my brand will become less evident, if not non-existent, as I continue to match my authentic self with my brand.
