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Do You Have a Personal Brand?

Personal branding sounds like a very 21^st century concept, but it was actually born in 1997, when management guru Tom Peters wrote about “the brand called you.” Now, though, the Internet makes it possible for everyone to establish a brand, and people like my friend Dan Schawbel have established entire careers teaching people about its importance!

Why You Need a Brand

Personal branding can be defined as how you market yourself to other people. Your brand should be strong and memorable enough to set you apart and to make a positive impression on people you don’t know.
Most importantly, personal branding is like a career insurance policy, because even if your current job goes away, your brand doesn’t.  Plus, a consistent brand allows you a platform to showcase your existing reputation and skill set to prove to employers in new organizations or industries that you are capable of doing many different kinds of work.

Understand the Big Picture

To create an effective personal brand, you have to have a solid understanding of where you are in your career and where you’re going.  The clearer you are about this, the easier it will be to differentiate yourself and communicate why others should care about you.  In addition to showcasing your own blend of expertise and experience, your personal brand should demonstrate the qualities and values you want to be known for — for example, being cutting-edge, helpful, provocative, approachable or honest.

Try a Focus Group

If you need some help, do an informal focus group with personal and professional contacts to get their feedback on how you are perceived. Ask if they see you as the type to thrive under high-pressure situations, or if you’re more comfortable knowing exactly what to expect and having time to prepare for it.

Use Online Tools – and the Media

Become familiar with the tools, including online communities, of your industry, and make sure your presence on them is  updated to consistently and accurately reflect brand you.  A strategy Dan recommended is to become schooled in graphic design and/or web development so that you are better able to translate your brand visually. And one of my favorite methods is to serve as a media spokesperson for your target of interest so that others will witness you as a credible expert first hand!

Facebook Love Story

so your sayin theres a chance
she fell to his feet
begging without pride
humbled by his honesty
wondering why
status update
oh yea,...it just wasnt right

mistaken and confused
she will be justified
smile today
click...
new profile pic
moving forward
better forgotten
chapters missing
although the story continues

refresh page
de-friended, really?
her anger now in control
deep dark places
wishing his face would disappear
leaving no visible traces

mind wanders
paths paved
with Julys shadows
shes been here before today
too many times to say
definitely the same right she always takes

a pile of pieces
broken and able
willing to please
hes holding the upper hand
while shes down on her knees

used and bruised
she has to stand
wanting to fall
ambitions lost
he fumbles with her heart
as she walks away knowing
she cant play that part

days collect
tears fade
regrets replace memories
a new friend request
tightly gripping her sanity
ever so tentatively
....shes accepts.

What Happened to Dave Chappelle?? A Flight Risk??

Comedian Dave Chappelle is well known for his hilarious bits from "The Dave Chappelle Show" on Comedy Central as well as his standup comedy concerts. However, his erratic behavior on a private jet recently caused concerns for the pilot. It was enough for the pilot to land the plane in a location besides its original destination, feeling Chappelle was a "safety risk", and this wasn't one of Chappelle's skits.

According to TMZ, Chappelle started freaking out while the jet was in the air, refusing to put a seat belt on. The comedian/actor also walked up to the cockpit to ask the pilot how much longer the flight was. From there, he started grabbing on the pilot's arms. Due to all this strange, erratic behavior, the pilot decided to land the plane in Pittsburgh. It had originally been on its way to Ohio.
Dave's rep reported "Dave really needed to use the restroom -- he ate something that didn't sit well -- and the bathroom on the plane was "not the kind he needed."
Chappelle ended up staying at a nearby hotel after the flight's grounding, and according to hotel employees he was trying to rent a car to get back home, except he couldn't recall where he lived. Does it sound like Chappelle was half-baked or full-blown gone?