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I am very intrigued by the interest that all other generations have taken in Gen Y.  Are we so different than all the generations past?  Or is it just a fact that we have changed processes that have been in place for decades?  Look at the way we communicate and for some of us that are older in the Gen Y the way that we bring that into business.  For example Facebook, Twitter, and many other Social Media sites have been created by our generation for our generation.  Maybe that is why we have all the other generations a little worried about how to handle, manage, and motivate us.  Regardless our processes are a product of their upbringings.  It makes you wonder a little bit what will the next generation, generation Z hold?

_Social Media Architect
 
 
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This week I continue to focus on Social Marketing and Personal Branding.  I read an article put out by the Ohio SBDC speaking on what does "YOUR" brand say?  I think this is a very valid question that everyone should take a minute to answer.  As we are entering in to the Social Media Era in which everyone develops there own brand by blogging or having a membership to at least one Social Media site (Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter).  As business minded individuals we should be asking ourselves what image are we portraying?  If my brand name was branded like a shoe would I be considered a NIKE, ADDIDAS, REEBOK, or an ASIC?  Especially to you entrepreneurs out there that want to grow your business you have to live for your business to make it thrive and have a positive atmosphere.

In the article I have linked up above they have a website that I encourage everyone to look at.  It is called being cheryl Cheryl Harrison states on her website that she is a Social Media aficianado.  She speaks on the importance of Social Media and Personal Branding in business today.  Her blog is a must read if you are interested in learning more about Branding or any type of Social Media.

Continue to learn and grow professionally by staying involved in Social Networking.

I just found another article at Under30CEO I found interesting about Social Media check it out Are You Addicted to Social Media?

-Creator of Destinies
 
 
Here is my latest pick for YouTube video of the week.  It has a new site for all you job seekers and employers.  The name is Visual CV it is a site to post a three dimensional resume.  Allowing you to post different portfolios and presentations right on to your online resume.  I highly encourage you to check it out and be sure to watch the Self Branding video above.
 
 
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Recently my article on Self Branding was featured in another blog on Career Fire by Ethan Oblonsky .  Ethan is a personal friend of mine who works for Insight as an Account Representative developing relationships with emerging businesses to help them in their everyday operations.  In his spare time he also writes about employment and the latest business practices on his site.  His blog posts on Career Fire focus on career and professional development.  I highly encourage you to follow the articles his team post as they all have great insight for the current job market and trends. 

My favorite article is titled Difference Between Marketing and Advertising 
 
 
I have decided to start a new segment on my blog.  This segment I will basically post my favorite video from youtube of the week.  Very simple right?  If you would please comment on how you think this segment is important to business and how you or your company has benefited from social media.

-Creator of Destinies
 
Self Brand 10/13/2009
 
Self branding is becoming a relevant way to market yourself, “you” not just your company as we begin to emerge out of this recession.  Recently I read an article that has changed the way that I conduct business.  It is a full time job branding “you” but the rewards are endless.  Clients will pay a little bit extra if they like “you” and will go the extra mile to convince their boss to purchase whatever it is “you” are selling.  It is the year of change with all of the free Social Media outlets it is time for you to build your own brand.  Our marketing efforts will have to change into 2010 to develop great relationships and keep our clients buying from us the professional, not just the company you work for. 

How do I start?

The best way to start is with one of the larger Social Media networks.  Such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Myspace.  You may ask how do I decide which one to start with?  My suggestion would be to search for your clients by employee or company name through each site and go with the medium that generated the largest return.  Once you have decided on a specific network you will have to create a user name and password all very simple if you can do your banking online it is easier.  Then start to populate your network start with your email contacts or searching that specific site for other clients and ask them to join your network.  It is very important if you do not have a client base yet and you are just starting out connect with your colleagues and classmates first.  No potential client will appreciate a random person asking to connect with them.

What do I put on my account?

Now that Social Media has become main stream every potential client/employer will do a search of your name.  This may not be entirely true as some clients/employers still have not caught on to Social Media but you must think this way as you do not want to take a chance.  The main thing about content for your new account is to keep it very professional and up to date.  It is OK to indulge in some personal information (i.e. hobbies, clubs, awards, etc) but you do not want to inundate clients/employers with your personal life.  You want your account to be an online resume not only for potential employers to look at but also potential clients so that they can see your qualifications.  You will also want to continuously do updates to you’re your name in front of people.  Your content of the updates is very important put new facts or links to industry related articles to show that you are staying on top of your game.  This part is essential to self branding I would consider it to be your logo in traditional branding terms as this background and your qualifications will be what you will be known for.  Nike would not be what it is today without the swoosh, and “you” will just be another person without your qualifications (Self Logo) out there for everyone to see.

Now that I have set up an account where do I go from here?

Like I stated earlier it can be a Full-Time job updating and keeping your name out there to continue your Self Brand.  Once you have reached into the Social Media market and you have accounts with various sites to help grow your brand there are a couple of options.  One option is to start a blog, there are many free blog sites available Blogger, Wordpress, etc.  All very similar in how they operate I use weebly it is a very fluid and user friendly interface for easy access and updates.  You will want to update your blog at least once a week if not more.  Writing about industry news here or you can use this space to make your voice heard throughout your network, it is imperative to have valid information here.  This will confirm your industry knowledge and if you put up interesting articles it will continue to expand your network.  I would post links up to all of your Social Media avenues every time you make an entry in your blog so that it drives traffic there.  If you are feeling good about the direction of your blog then you may want to think about creating your own website.  I have found my own website to be very beneficial in networking and building my own Brand.  Like I stated earlier it is all about your Self Logo how does yours compare to some of your competitors?  In this new era we are entering in you must strive and work your way to the top position or be comfortable with residing at the bottom position.  You must ask yourself which position do you want to be in?

 

-Creator of Destinies

 

 

 

 
 
www.jupmode.com 10/08/2009
 
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If you are a big football fan like myself you should check out my friends website www.jupmode.com he has many collegiate licenses and is the creator of the OSU sweater vest t-shirt.  His name is John and we played on the same indoor soccer team together over the past couple of years.  He has innovative ideas and he is always coming up with new t-shirt designs.
 
Social Media 10/07/2009
 
Every company in the US has been affected in some way, positive or negative, by the decline of our economy and increasing job loss and unemployment rates.  In my profession as a recruiter many people are coming to me for answers and hopefully returning to work.  I unfortunately do not have a crystal ball in which I can predict the swing in the economy.  As of lately though we have seen an increase in certain industries (Food, Consulting, Seasonal, etc) begin to pick up.  Does this mean the economy is shifting?  Certainly it is shifting but in which direction?  From what I am seeing it will never be what it once was it continues to shift and morph into a new and exciting global marketplace that will be different than we have ever seen.  One exciting shift is the Social Media tidal wave it is the mark of a new age of technology and marketing.  A stat I learned just yesterday is that 96% of the millennial generation is connected to Social Media in some way http://tinyurl.com/SMIBTUT .  The website linked here is a great site with great statistics for the future of how we do business.  How can your business continue to succeed and ignore the staggering numbers Social Media sites are putting up?  Social Media is free advertising for our future generation of leaders, business professionals, and customers.  Members of a very popular Social Media network Facebook aggregate 2.6 Billion minutes everyday logged in to their accounts http://tinyurl.com/a4ye56 .  So many people are looking for an answer for the future of the economy and I believe it is here we just have to embrace it and figure out how we can utilize it.  Any questions or concerns please feel free to comment.

 

-Creator of Destinies