4 key things that students should consider when doing personal branding. All part of my social media class, and an assignment students do: they create their own personal branded site. These slides were created for the course: Comm 350R Social Media Dr. Matthew J. Kushin Department of Communication Utah Valley University For more on the course see: http://profkushinsocial.wordpress.com For more about the professor, see: http://profkushin.wordpress.com or @mjkushin on Twitter

1. Social Media CourseDr. Matthew J. Kushin Assistant Professor Department of Communication Utah Valley University profkushin.wordpress.com mkushin@uvu.edu @mjkushin

2. Personal Branding Dr. Matthew J. Kushin Course: profkushinsocial.wordpress.com

3. Online self presentation Benefits of creating professional online identity include: Increased exposure Networking Create a unique personal brand Demonstrate new media savvy

4. 4 key things Damage Control Increase Presence via a centralized personal branding site Present self in a dynamic manner Exhibit work & credentials Get Active & Network Get involved in blogging, online communities, LinkedIn groups, etc. Link all your online presences

5. “Check Yoself before you Wreck yoself” – Ice Cube Damage Control

6. 1) Damage Control Companies today Google applicants before hiring: Make social network site profiles private Ask yourself before posting online: “How would a potential employer view this?” Google yourself to see what’s public Google caches content for years Remove unsavory photos, texts & other postings ASAP Ask others to remove content they’ve posted

7. Damage Control Dig Deeper Search your name & see what comes up: http://cvgadget.com/

8. 2) Building Your Personal Brand Once you’ve done damage control, it is time to start building your online brand. Hint: Damage control is never really over. You should monitor yourself at least every few months.

9. Marketing yourself online Personal Brand Planning What is up & coming in your industry? What skills are employers searching for? How can you differentiate yourself from other applicants? Don’t overwhelm your audience What are the essentials I need to convey? What are the key works & skills I want to display?

10. Keywords Emphasize 21st-century employability skills communication collaboration creativity Leadership technology proficiency

11. 3) Get Active & Network Maximizing exposure to your personal brand Find your niche online community What are you passionate about? E.g. fashion, sports, environment, advertising What are related popular online media environments? Discussion boards, social networks, popular blogs, podcasts Getting involved What are your skills, experiences and passions that are an asset to these communities? E.g., writers can blog

12. Publish! Many believe that everyone should engage in some form of online publishing blog, create their own podcast, photoblog, etc. Remember – frequent updates can enhance traffic (i.e., our discussion of SEO)

13. 4) Link your online presence Make it super easy for people find you and all the work you’re doing: Everywhere you are online should be linked to everywhere else you are online. Publish, share & link to your work Slides, articles, videos, etc.

14. Did you notice? How these slides link to my website, our class blog, twitter account, etc.

15. Did you notice? And my website & twitter are in my email signature:

16. Did you notice? Everywhere I am online is on my website:

17. Interlinking your Personal Brand Link up! Blog Centralized Professional Online Presence (e.g., brandpage) Networking Sites Professional Online Communities Email Signature Other: e.g., Twitter, LinkedIN