Personal Branding for Grads

Published 13 January 2010 by Adam

The world is becoming more and more diluted every day. There are thousands and thousands of brands available for any product and it is high time you realised you and your graduating classmates are no different. This is by no means something to be scared of, it is an opportunity! While the rest of the fish follow the school around, you can branch out and identify yourself quickly and effectively. How? By establishing your own Personal Brand. There are three main steps to covering your bases: Identify, Develop, Communicate.

Identify: Take some time to consider what you are passionate about, what characteristics encapsulate you and what skills you consistently bring to the table.

Develop: Work on your skill set through practice or coursework. Cultivate your passions and motivators by engaging in activities that allow you to harness what you love. Become an expert in your field by attending workshops and conferences with a real desire to gain knowledge

Communicate: Now you’ve got it sussed, you know who you are...let’s make sure everyone else does too. Social media such as Twitter and linkedin are excellent ways to tell the world about who you are. Also, find people who will act as your brand ambassadors and get them on board. Speak at conferences or meetings, write blogs on your industry and contribute wherever possible. Make sure your message is being delivered by as many people, too as many people.

WARNING: Beware of your Digital Tattoo! This is basically the trail left behind on the internet. Groups you are a member of, facebook profiles, myspace pages and even your email address all contribute. Make sure the image you want to portray is in fact being portrayed!

For more advice on how to cultivate your personal brand, go to www.unigrad.com.au/resources/personal-branding.aspx