Marketing myself is very difficult for someone used to blending
into the background. I have not even thought about what I would like to be
known as and known for – I have not developed a personal “brand.” In this age
of dizzying technology and people having all sorts of credentials to their
name, I realize that I need to make an effort to get out of my comfort zone and
to find my niche if I hope to stand a chance at competing with the thousands of
people out there who can do what I do. It is important that I market myself in
a way that will make me stand apart and that will make people want to look at
what I have to offer. Skills can be universal, but my character makes me unique
and this is what I can build on. I can develop my personal brand as I unravel
pieces of me – what I believe in, what I hold dear, what I value – and how all
of these come into play as I do my work as administrator of my little
department. And so it begins…
It is interesting to explore online communities or groups. I have always been wary about joining such groups, afraid of the unknown. Beyond my own little circle of friends, I have not participated in any online discussions. This week I had to look for a group that I could genuinely stand to gain from and to which I could contribute. At first I tried the groups on LinkedIn (another first for me this week) and I did put in requests to join two groups, one of which is a group for alumni of the university I graduated from. As of this time, I have not heard back from the administrators of the groups. So I tried to go around the instruction to join public groups versus closed ones - did not get me very far...yet. Maybe they will when they do respond to me. For purposes of compliance with SMM class requirement, I just jumped in and joined two very different groups: the first was Spark People, an online community that I have actually been following for a while, but mostly as a spectator ...
Hi Genevieve!
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is always going to be steep competition our there -- after all, many people out there have our same credentials...
The key to getting ahead lies in stranding out, and what better way to show what makes you unique than by showcasing your personal brand? As you say, skills may be universal -- but your character is what shall truly show what you're made of.
I hope to keep reading about your progress in develpoing your brand! :)
Hello Genevieve!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you sometimes develop our personal brand it is a little bit difficult. Also, I haven't thought about what i would like to be known as. On the other hand I totally agree with you that our skills can be universal, but our character make ass unique.
Thanks for sharing your point of views
Thank you Bea and Ana!
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