What is a blog and why is it important?

             Blogging has become so popular for those who want to be recognized for their interests, talents, accomplishments and to sell or market something.

           

           “A blog is a collection of blog posts.  It’s not a single article post. A post is single entry in a blog, similar to an entry in a diary.” (Deckers, and Lacy 1- 283)  People seem to think that the terms “blog” and “post” can be used interchangeably, but they can’t. 

           

            Her are six important reasons to blog:

                        1. “You want to establish your expertise.”

                        2. “You want to sell or market something.”  People can create blogs to make liquidity.

                        3. “You have something to say.”
                        4. “You want to share your passion.”

                        5. “You want to be part of a community.”

                        6. “You want to make money.”

Writing Your Personal Brand Autobiography

            Brand biographies allow individuals to see what their all about in terms of what their good at, skills and more.

            When considering writing up your personal brand biographies, you need to confirm which type of personal branding biography you will use: shortest, shorter or short.  In a brief description, shortest is written in 1 sentence, shorter is written with 2-3 sentences, which may also be written in paragraph form and short where it can be written up longer and more descriptive than shorter.

            Let’s start with your introduction. When introducing yourself, try to make it simple and as professional as you can.  Here are a few tips as to what to say and do during your introduction in your biography:

                        1. Introduce Your Professional Self   This is normally explained in 1 sentence.

                        2. What You Do   Employers as well as people need to know some background of your status as to what you do and enjoy. 

                        3. Your Accomplishments!  Describe and tell people what your proud of that you might have achieved or are in the process of achieving. 

                        4. Third Person Narration   Let the reader read your story and allow them to feel as if someone is describing you.

                        5.  Advice   Ask a friend or relative to proofread your autobiography, so that it sounds professional.

                        6. Don’t Forget It!   Keep on top of your stories and update them frequently.  Your story can and tends to change all the time from other influencing stories or life experiences.  Keep in mind that its always good to update your resume as well.

The book “Branding Yourself: How to Use Social Media to Invent & Reinvent Yourself,” written by Erik Deckers and Kyle Lacy, explains in great content the guidelines in forming your personal branding biography.  Below are the guidelines:

            “The Beginning”  Here is where you define yourself in a clear professional manor.

            “How Do I Help”  Let the reader know any problems that you have come across and were able to solve.  Employers want to know if you have what it takes to face a problem and solve it accordingly.

            “Your Emotional Context”  Let individuals connect with you on an emotional level.  Feeling connected to the writer (you), can be beneficial.

            “Keep With Consistency”  Try to be consistent in whatever story that you tell.  Before writing, choose your particular niche (theme) and stick to it.

            “Leave No Room For Questions”  Make sure to answer all questions that you think your reader may have and leave no blanks in your story.

            “ Keep the Reader Interested”  Make sure the reader knows exactly who you are, so they trust your story and keep them interested.  Try to build your story around people who need you, which can be an advantage.

            “Edit Your Work”  Always, ALWAYS! Proofread your work at least twice.  Make sure your story isn’t confusing.

What you should & shouldn't do when telling your story!

      Don’t                                                                                            Do 

1. Post Unnecessary Pictures                                                    1. Invest in Yourself

2. View Your Brand Story as Your                                           2. Invest in Other People

Sales Pitch                                                                                3. De Visible & Active

3. Post Something You’ll Regret.                                              4. Take time for Yourself

4. Ask for Things First.  Ask for them second

5. Get Distracted

Branding Yourself - "The Social Media Way!"

Social Media is rapidly changing the way individuals communicate, receive jobs, create jobs and & most importantly, brand themselves.

            It has become an excellent tool for employers to hire and create awareness for their company for free, as well as for companies to advertise and create buzz (word-of-mouth) for free.  Most importantly social media has become an excellent free tool for individuals to “brand themselves.”

            A book called “Branding Yourself: How to use social media to invent and reinvent yourself,” has inspired me to create this blog since social media is a big part of ur lives.  Therefore, through this blog, I will keep you informed in checking out how to brand yourself right here!  Individuals can’t seem to live without their Blackberries or IPhone’s to use Facebook or Twitter, so that they can generate or communicate the latest social media instantly!