It’s a Brand You World

Posted by Linda | Filed under Connect | |

On the QT Newsletter, It’s a Brand You World
Attachment: It’s a Brand You World
March 2, 2010

Did you know? It’s a brand you world … Whether your students are entry-level job candidates or mid-career changers, building a powerful personal brand will help them stand out from the competition. In fact, in today’s job market, having a strong personal brand has become an urgent priority. Building a personal brand is all about identifying and developing the skills, talents, and personal qualities that make a person unique. A personal brand must be authentic and reflect the passions and drive of each individual. In the face of a weak economy, a strong personal brand can be the ticket to landing a great job. Today’s activity will quickly introduce your students to branding, and help them get “in touch” with their brand.

1. Ask students about branding.
   What corporate brands have been visual at the Olympics? Ralph Lauren, Coca Cola, McDonalds …
   Who has a strong personal brand? Shaun White, Lindsey Vonn …
   Do you have a brand? Do you think you need one?
2. View this video clip from Brenda Bence, author of How YOU are Like Shampoo. Then, ask some questions:
   What is the first step in personal branding? You need to define your brand by figuring out what you stand for.
   What is the second step Bence recommends? Communicating your brand in your actions, reactions, looks, sounds, and thoughts.
   What is the third step that is important in branding? Protecting your brand …
3. Distribute It’s a Brand You World activity, review the directions, and give students time to complete the activity.
4. Share your branding responses and ask students to share some of theirs.
5. Assign students the new interactive lesson, “Build Your Brand … Online.”

Add an Experience: Last week PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) launched “Personal Brand Week” via the Internet, to help college students differentiate themselves in a crowded job market. They provided tools, recommendations, and tips to help students begin developing their professional brand. To extend today’s branding exercise, have students complete the first activity, the one PwC considers the foundation, the Elevator Speech. Have students prepare their elevator speeches and set aside time in class to have students move around the room and give their pitch to at least three students.

Quik Quote: To be outstanding, you must stand out! William Arruda, Branding Guru