PERSONAL BRANDING - WHO ARE YOU AND DOES YOUR INDUSTRY KNOW?
What is Personal Branding?
Do you blog,do you have your own website registered in your name? Have you got a portfolio show casting the work you have done in the past.
These are all things you need to brand yourself in your industry. How often do we type a persons name who we are meeting for the first time in the little google search box? What comes up when your name is typed in? Personal Branding is about YOUR consistent story which represents your values.
Is Personal Branding necessary?
In todays world, change is constant with cut backs and fewer opportunities it is imperative that you stand out in your industry. Although you possibly don't give your personal brand much thought, other attach labels to you and that is the start of the infamous professional rumors. "Take control of your brand or someone else will control it for you"
The 5 E's of Personal Branding
According to Brand Expert Thebe Ikalafeng
ESSENCE: Your passion - the force that drives you to achieve your goals
EDUCATION: Your formal knowledge
EXPERIENCE: The repository of all that you have learnt over the years
EXPERTISE: That which makes you a leader in your field
EXPOSURE: visibility in the market place
HOW CAN WE HELP?
- By providing you with the right image
- Helping you create your personal website including a blog
- Adding your details and portfolio to your website
- Setting up your social media accounts and providing you with the Do's and Don'ts
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & ARTICLES
Nia says that globalisation and technology, combined with less formality in the workplace, hace created a dangourous minefeild of possible gaffes. Not to mention cultural and social twists and turns that could mae a grown woman cry (or Lie). Avoid making a career-limiting move by following Nia's rules.
QU: A formal Hand-Shake or a Kiss?
ANS: "Tricky territory" says Johannesburg based media and business writer Gill Moodie. "The kiss is very sophisticated in Europe, and now the Brits are even doing it. In SA, I'd stick to the hand-shake unless the other person is sporting a white linen suit and Panama hat."
Bottom line: Lynda Goldman, US author of How to Make a Million Dollar First Impression writes: 'Follow the cues of the people you meet'
QU: How do I decline a boss's facebook request ANS: "Not many of us want our boss snooping around our private lives - but to decline is not a great career move" says Viv Gordon from Viv Gordon Placements. "You can accept them as your friends and then set up your privacy settings so that they can see only selected sections" Bottom line: 'LinkedIn is perfect for business associates" says Chang QU: Should I end my emails with a virtual X? ANS: "Virtual kisses are so '90's' says Moodie. "It's not that it's unacceptable in the workplace, it's just that it's incredibly naff!" Bottom line: 'Leave some boundaries in place.' says Chang. In other words, better not QU: Do I have to go to drinks after work if I'm invited? ANS: "Yes" says Gordon. "But, you don't have to stay. Put in an appearance, have a spritzer and leave. This was, you've shown you're a team player." Says Judy Klipin, a life-coach from Stellar Life Design, "If you have a problem, suggest a get-together on another night to show you're willing." Bottom line: "Show up but leave when you want to" Says Klipin QU: Can I send an SMS to say I am sick? ANS: 'No!" says Klipin. "Picking up the phone and having a conversation shows that you are able to take responsibility for your thoughts and actions. It will also help to dispel any suspicion that you may be hang-over rather than sick." Bottom line: You have to make that call. No question!.
