This document provides tips on how to build a personal brand and network effectively. It emphasizes identifying your strengths and how you want to be perceived, developing an "elevator pitch", attending events to meet new people, following up appropriately, and using social media like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to expand your network and promote your brand. The key is participating in industry groups, positioning yourself as a helpful resource to others, and consistently maintaining your online image.
4. You know them when you see them Good or bad Rooted in culture Rich history Addresses a need Consistent image over time What makes a brand iconic/lasting?
5. Identify an image/characteristic for yourself What do you want to be known for? Network, network, network Align yourself with organizations This might be the reason you’re here! Social Media Twitter Facebook LinkedIn How to build your own brand
11. Do you have a hobby? The athlete The community service volunteer The smart guy/girl Play to your strengths Try not to position yourself around your company, unless you own it. Maybe have an specific look Identifying How you want to be Perceived
14. He is available and accessible Used the power of media and public opinion to build his brand Will comment, publically, on anything Consistent image, regardless of property, venture or continent. Is he a Real Estate Mogul or genius Marketer? Why is Trump Successful?
15. How to Work A Room…Without Working up a Sweat!
16. Gain knowledge – one aspect of networking is gathering information and advice to increase your knowledge. Knowledge is key. Obtain experience – networking can be an excellent way to get work experience (i.e. sales). Job offer - hopefully you could make contact with the person who is in a position to offer you work (or at least know someone who could!) Information – a contact may put you on a mailing list for future invitations, or advise you of forthcoming events. Contacts – your contact may suggest further contacts Why Network
17. Your Name Major/Employer Why do business with you or hire you? What can you do/offer for this persons company? 15 Second Commercial (Elevator Pitch)
18. Good posture, people focus on the rooms entrance. Enter Survey Start counter clockwise Avoid the “Cockroach on Crack” Effect Entering the Room
19. Food is not the reason you should be at the event. Eat before hand or after. If you are having a drink hold the drink in your left hand, not one wants to shake your wet hand Eating/Drinking at Events
20. Know who is going to be at the event DO YOUR HOMEWORK! It is easier to: Approach groups of three or more People standing alone Note that two people may be engaged in a more intimate conversation Who do You Approach?
22. Know some information about topical news events, locally, statewide, nationally even internationally. Knowledge is Power (Continued)
23. Critical to success Exchange business card with the person On the back of the card: Make notes for yourself on discussion, job information, etc. Ask for a persons preferred method of communication The Business Card
24. You should speak to a person for no more the 5 minutes Do not monopolize a persons time, they are there to network too Closing a conversation: Smile, lean back a bit and say “Thank You – I’ve enjoyed speaking with you and look forward to seeing you again” Avoid Over Doing It
25. Spend half the time trying to meet people The other half try to find common synergy between people and introduce them i.e. shipping company owner and computer manufacture You become the center of attention If no clear connection can be made go for the least likely/unnatural (square peg in a round hole) i.e. used car salesman and priest For Advanced Networkers
26. Follow up is key! Use the persons preferred method of communication Email can be cryptic, not personal “The Greyhound passed me swiftly” Email does not create relationships, it can grow and enhance. The Follow-up
27. Phone Calls Voicemails Handwritten Letters 10% different is 100% better Overlooked forms of Follow-up
28. Cut through the noise Blackberry Messenger Text Messages Facebook Messages Twitter Messages Alternative Forms of Communication
30. Local Civic Organizations Chamber of Commerce Rotary Non-Profit Organization Library Museum Young Professional Groups Connect Florida Community Organizations
31. An innovative new program of young professionals 21-35 years old Created by Leadership Florida to assist you in making a positive impact on Florida First statewide young professionals organization Regional groups as well, to supplement statewide activates Connect Florida
32. Pay your dues Attend meetings Volunteer further for a committee Know the key players Take on a leadership role within the group Take An Active Role
35. Building your brand through Social Media Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? www.twitter.com Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. www.facebook.com LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals. www.linkedin.com
37. Get people to engage in a constructive dialogue Spark conversation The Goal @infodude - Taking my first trip EVER to IKEA with my sister...should be interesting. @SSEntertainment - You can't leave w/o buying wooden hangers! RT @infodude: Taking my first trip EVER to IKEA with my sister...should be interesting. @infodude - @SSEntertainment Haha, I have to find them first! This place is H-U-G-E!!! @infodude - http://twitpic.com/d6697 - This is for you @ssentertainment ! HEAVEN! RT @infodude: http://twitpic.com/d6697 - This is for you @ssentertainment !
38. More than 250 million active users More than 100 million users log on to Facebook at least once each day, spending a total of 3.5 billion minutes on Facebook, worldwide. More than two-thirds of Facebook users are outside of college The fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older More than 4 million users become fans of Pages each day More than 1 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each week Facebook - Statistics
39. Become a resource to your friends Post links of interest Share interesting stories Post event photos (think CLF photos) How do I build a brand with Facebook?
40. Clean-up your profile No drinking, questionable activities, etc. Put up more human interest photos Friends at the beach Out to an event Photos dressed up Pets Facebook 2.0 – Post College
41. More than 45 million users, up from 5 million a year ago Social media platform of choice for Fortune 100 companies. Demographics: Age 25 - 34 -- 20% Age 35 - 49 -- 42% Age 55+ -- 17% Of Twitter Users, 47% are Male and 53% are Female 51% of Twitter Users have an annual HH income of over $60,000/yr Statistics
42. Micro blog – 140-character text message to the world. Answers the question, “What are you Doing?” What is Twitter and How do I use it?
43. Provide value Join Twitter conversations: #journchat – Monday, 7pm-10pm CST #smallbizchat – Wednesday, 7pm-8pm CST #brandchat – Wednesday, 10am-11am CST #innochar – Thursday, 2pm-3pm CST Talk about interesting things Have a personality! How do I build a brand with Twitter?
44. Average Age: 41 Household Income: $109,703 (Higher then the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and Forbes!) 64% Male / 36% Female College Grad: 80.1% 24% of a portfolio valued at $250,000+ The majority (66%) are decision makers or have influence in the purchase decisions at their companies The greater the number of connections the greater the likelihood of higher personal income - those with personal incomes between $200K-$350K were seven times more likely than others to have over 150 connections! Statistics
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46. Make sure you profile is complete Join Groups UF Alumni Association - >2,400 members Leadership Florida Alumni - > 20 members Miami Link - > 3,100 members Network Orlando - > 2,600 members Recommend people and ask others to recommend you. This is a third party endorsement of your skills. How Do I Build My Brand With LinkedIn
48. By answering questions you instantly become an expert in your field. By asking questions, you’re involved in the community. Answer and Ask Questions
49. Set Up a Google News Alert on your name Periodically “Google” your name to see if anyone has posted or said anything without your knowledge It’s the first think that people do when they want information, know what’s there! www.123people.com Mash-up of many different sources, just enter your name Brand management
50. Monitor your Facebook like a hawk! Your friends can be your worst enemy Untag photos, even ask friends to delete photos Brand management (Continued)
51. Evaluate yourself to determine what image/characteristic you can be known for Network, network, network Align yourself with organizations Social Media can further expand your reach 4 Steps To Being a Personal PR/Marketing Genius
53. “Each one of us is a salesperson, leader, and entrepreneur, seeking answers. All of us work hard at our jobs and careers – and I include stay-at-home parents is this category. We’re all entrepreneurs of our own ideas, whether we own our own companies or work for someone else. We’re all leaders in our own lives-with our colleagues, with your employees, with our kids, and in our communities. Each one of us is a salesperson of ourselves and our opinions, not of business products and services.” -Keith Ferrazzi