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10 TIPS: GET AHEAD BY BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRANDSierra BarterSocial Media CoordinatorJohnson & Wales University

Co-Founder/CEOThe Lady Project

@SierraBarter

Who Am I?• Midwesterner• Alumni, Class of 2009

• DEX• Ad Team

• MBA Student • Previous jobs (you never know where you’ll end up)• The Lady Project (start something awesome)• JWU (dream job!)• Well-branded

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Why branding is important• Sets the tone• Makes your mark

• What do you people think of you?• Emphasizes you and why you should get hired• A leadership requirement

• Not a self-promotion campaign (Forbes)• Define yourself as a leader & what people expect of you• How you serve & help others

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#1 Get that @Username down• Choose your username….wisely

• It’s good to be matchy matchy• Email address

• Keep it professional• Keep it consistent • Use it everywhere

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#2 Make it pretty • Invest in some headshots

• Look like you!• Smile • Just you! • Nothing inappropriate• Refresh your photos• Use this everywhere

• Except your business card• Dress the part

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#3 Clean up your Social • Watch your mouth

• No swearing• No off-color jokes• Grandma Rule

• Wash up before the big game• Establish your security settings• Hide old posts• Make sure you’re proud of

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#4 Who do you want to be?• Personal brands define yourself as a leader• How you serve others• How you consistently deliver • ≠ shameless self promotion

• Ask a friend & yourself: • What is the total experience of having a relationship with you like?

• Showcase your achievements & success• #Humblebrag

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#5 Network, baby, network!• Get out there!

• Sign up for groups & events• Meet people outside your immediate circle• Connect with those who need it the most

• Have an elevator pitch• Who you are, what you do, what you’re looking for

• Give back• Be a role model• Mentorship is a two way street

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#7 Own. It• Let your brand evolve & change• Know what works for you

• Have intentions & objectives• Get yourself some business cards• Buy your domain name

• Use it for a website or portfolio• …otherwise this is what happens

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#8 Know what people are finding• Ask your friends & families

• What do people expect of me?• Google is your friend

• Use it to your advantage• Know what’s out there

• Be polite• Thank you notes = killer• Email & interview etiquette

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#9 Know. You.• Use what you got

• What’s in your toolbox?- Strengths- Weaknesses- Where you shine- Your power hour

- Personal brand = trademark- Asset that you must protect - Continuously mold and shape it  

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#10 Feel good about your brand & how you serve others

• Be authentic & naturally who you are• Be mindful of your experiences• Be accountable & true to yourself• Continuously ask:

• Have you defined your personal brand?   • Are you consistently living your personal brand every day?

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References• Forbes: Great Management Boils Down to One

Major Thing, Glenn Llopis