Brand You with a Blog

It's almost graduation time. Are you ready to enter the workforce? Are you already there...sort of?

If we were to do a web search on your name, what would we find? Would we find your resume? Your blog? A MySpace journal? Maybe something someone else has written about you?

If it’s positive, fantastic. If it’s negative, you need to do something about that. If there’s nothing – that’s almost as bad as something negative.

Just like any other company or independent business person, you have a brand message. How are you delivering that message?

You Are Your Own Brand
Branding isn’t a term limited to companies and their customers. You should have your own brand. What’s the tagline on your business card? Do you follow through on that promise? When people talk about you – do they know how to describe what makes you unique?

If you don’t have a business card, go to www.vistaprints.com for an inexpensive solution. Create a tagline that remarkable and follow through on that promise. Give them to everyone and let them help you spread your message.

Create a Web Presence
Do you have your resume online? A blog site that talks about your professional life? A blog – which is a series of web pages – can help you position yourself as an expert in your field. In addition, a well-maintained blog or web site will help trump any embarrassing moments you may have elsewhere on the web.

At www.godaddy.com, you can quickly get a domain name for less than $10 – your name (first and last name) if it’s available. Then you can start your professional blog at www.wordpress.com (it’s free), which allows you to post entries on your blog and create separate pages for you resume and cover letter. Print the address of your blog on your business cards and employment applications.

Distinguish Yourself
Once you have your web presence and business cards setup, create a generic video interview. This can be a generic job interview, a personal profile (think Larry King) or a comfortable getting-to-know-you piece. Put that video on YouTube, and then post it on your blog site.

This accomplishes a couple of things. First, it differentiates you from others. Not a lot of people are doing this right now – but it may become normal practice in the next few years. Second, you offer value to those that are considering your for work or collaboration.

The more transparent and authentic you can be; the more findable you are – the better chances you have for success.

Further reading for furthering your career:
- Life Beyond Code: Distinguish Yourself
- The Occupational Adventure
- William Arruda on Personal Branding
- Career Intensity
- Helping Give College Grads a Fighting Chance