The Total Package

Super Bowl Sunday is just a few days away! While many of you loyal football fans eagerly speculate who is going to win, others are anticipating the great commercials that will air during the game. We are all entertained by the creative and extravagant ways companies find to market their products and services. Super Bowl commercials have become a spectator sport within themselves; as corporations pay top dollar to have their commercials aired. Whether it's a beverage, restaurant chain or website, these companies understand the importance of branding.

We can all take a lesson from these commercials and improve how we promote ourselves. Personal branding is the way in which we market ourselves to others. With the rise of social media and technology, along with the challenges of the current job market, marketing yourself is critical to advancing in your career.

Developing your personal brand takes serious thought and reflection because it encompasses who you are in all aspects of life. It forces you to think about your long-term goals and desired outcomes. It requires you to consider all of your talents and interests, along with what you want to others to know about you. The ultimate goal is for your positive self-impression to match how people perceive you; and to attract your customers (in this case, employers).

Once you have established a strong vision and personal brand, networking and interviewing become so much easier because you are always prepared to describe yourself and your abilities in a memorable way. It will also help guide you in setting future goals and making decisions that support your career path.

Here are some tips on establishing as strong personal brand:

• Invest time in figuring out what you want out of life, write a mission, vision and brand statement.


• Maintain the brand in all parts of life. This includes how you dress, present yourself and treat others.


• Market yourself in the right places. Join associations and groups, both personal and professional, that will help promote your personal brand.


• Have a business card. Whether you are in between jobs, a student or self-employed, always have a business card with your name and contact information.


• Create a portfolio (CD, web or print) that showcases your work.


• Use social media. Linken In, Facebook and blogs are all great avenues to promote your personal brand. But, as mentioned above, your personal brand must thread through out your life. This includes profiles and web pages. The photos, information and associates on your page must align with your brand.

So if you were featured on a commercial during the Super Bowl, what would you want the millions of viewers to know about you?