Personal Branding...is it Right for Me?

In my search for an entry-level Public Relations position I have realized the brutal truth...there is some serious competition out there. With so many individuals in the same circumstances as myself, how do I make myself stand out? It's all in two words...personal branding.

Logos and branding are so important. In a big part of the world, people cannot read French or English--but are great in remembering signs.
- Karl Lagerfeld.

I found this quote from the genius fashion designer via his Twitter account (@Karl_Lagerfeld). In a world where everyone is trying to land that entry-level job, I don't think there is a better way to rise above the fierce competition.

I first learned about the concept of personal branding when Heather Huhman, Gen Y author, columnist, mentor, and founder of ComeRecommended.com, spoke to the James Madison University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She had so many wonderful suggestions and ideas that I wanted to start branding myself right away. So what sort of things did I do to create my personal brand?

1. Created a personal blog. Which you are currently reading. This is one thing that Heather mentioned that I previously had not thought of, but for someone who wants to obtain a career in public relations sharpening your writing skills should constantly be a priority, so it makes perfect sense. A blog is an excellent way to write about your passions in your spare time and it can be immediately published to the worldwide web. My passions are public relations, music, and fashion, thus these are the topics I will continue to write about on this blog. It is also an excellent way to showcase your writing skills to potential future employers.

2. Created an online portfolio. While it is very true that you should have a physical portfolio, sometimes it is more convenient to simply give a possible future employer a URL. Heather mentioned an easy website creator called Wix.com. There are plenty of options out there, including buying your own domain name, however I chose to use the free version of Wix for mine. On my online portfolio website you can find my biography, my resume, as well as samples of work I have created in my college classes, my internship, and my current job. Also there is a contact portion where you can send me an e-mail right from the site and also find links to my LinkedIn.com profile, my Twitter account, and this blog.

3. Created a Business Card. I know what you are thinking...I don't have a job yet, how could I have a business card? Well when you are out networking (which you should be doing, as much as possible) how is anyone to remember who you are without some physical representation of who you are? These contacts you are establishing are meeting individuals just like yourself constantly. Unless they have a truly extraordinary memory they are more than likely not going to just remember a name and a face. However, if you add a personal business card to the equation, one that is eye-catching, it is more likely that they will remember you. So what did I include on my business card? I tried to keep it as simple as possible, including a logo I created using my initials along with my name, phone number, e-mail, and online portfolio web address.

4. Twitter. I realize that there are some mixed feelings regarding Twitter, but the fact is that it's here, there are millions of users, why on earth wouldn't you use it? In my opinion, it is an open forum, a great way to send your messages out to your followers and the rest of the "tweeting" world. Follow, follow, follow! Find your peers, public relations firms, public relations professionals, people who you will be interested in what they have to say, and in turn will possibly be interested in what you have to say as well. A word to the wise: keep it as professional as possible. I try to keep mine a good balance of tweeting about current events, retweeting articles from professionals, and exchanging quick messages with friends. However, I do my best to make sure all content is appropriate.

5. LinkedIn. For those of you not currently on LinkedIn, go register immediately! I once had a peer describe LinkedIn.com as "Facebook for the professional world." I think this is a pretty accurate description. With LinkedIn you can post your professional experience, your resume, join groups that are relevant to your career path, and NETWORK. You can connect to your peers and professionals. Many employers use the site to discover potential employees, so you want to make sure your profile is as up to date and professional as possible.

GaGa...you've left me speechless, so speechless...

I have never written an album review before, given my love of music some of you may find that as odd. Well more often than not I find myself digging through older albums, discovering and becoming immersed in music that would be deemed archaic by those listening to today's Top 40 Hits. For example, lately I have been surrounding myself with as much Zeppelin as possible, channeling my frustrations to Iggy Pop's "Raw Power," and enjoying a recurring favorite, Guns N' Roses' "Appetite for Destruction..." all depending on my mood, of course.

That being said, I am also someone who prides myself on being an individual and not always jumping on the bandwagon with everyone else. However I can count myself out as an independent in two categories...my love of the Twilight Saga and now my fascination with the brilliance that is Lady GaGa.

When her single "Just Dance" gained an extraordinary amount of popularity I wrote it off as just another fad song, never paying attention to it and quickly changing the station if it came on the radio. Her popularity soared even more with releases of her following singles "Love Game," "Paparazzi" and of course, "Pokerface." All of which I was quick to dismiss and even more so the first time I saw her in her pant-less fashions, insane hairstyles, and intricate, but odd, headpieces. I thought she was just trying to stir up as much controversy as possible. Don't get me wrong, I have always thought her look was a breath of fresh air from the countless, wannabe Britney Spears "pop stars," but still I didn't "get it" at first.

My outlook of GaGa started to change due to both of my roommates' influence (thanks, guys), her intense love of fashion (I can relate), when I saw her cover John Lennon's "Imagine," her devotion to her fans, and the amazing song that is now taking over radio airwaves everywhere "Bad Romance."

All of this factored in, there was no doubt in my mind I was going to give her most recent release "The Fame Monster" at least a listen. "The Fame Monster" includes eight new songs as well as the hit singles from her 2008 release "The Fame." After previewing each of the eight new songs for only 30 seconds on iTunes, there was no doubt in my mind...I AM DEFINITELY BUYING THIS.

Every song is undeniably catchy and I can honestly say I can listen to the entire thing without skipping a track. Of course I have my favorites, but rarely do I come across an album that once I give it a thorough listen, decide that there are a few songs I more than likely won't listen to again.

My top three picks off the album are "Speechless," "So Happy I Could Die," and "Teeth." All are different from each other but still unite on this album to make a cohesive and intriguing listen for your ears. "Speechless" was definitely a stand out for me personally. It reminds me of those amazing power ballads à la my favorite hair metal bands from the 80's. The song starts out slow and then totally sweeps up the listener in the powerful chorus and GaGa's solid vocals.

I like "So Happy I Could Die" for completely different reasons. It's a feel good song that instantly transports me back to carefree nights dancing with or enjoying the company of friends. I close my eyes and completely feel joy and satisfaction as I listen. "Teeth" is the last track on the album, and it certainly closes it on a high note. It's a sultry jam in the style of R&B showcasing definite vocal talent.

So I have been converted, I like Lady GaGa and I really like "The Fame Monster." After all, I have always been a fan and supporter of innovation and ambition and GaGa without a doubt embodies both of those traits.

What IS Social Media?

In my attempt to make my blog and online portfolio more interesting and striking, I have come across some very interesting blogs by fellow public relations professionals.

While reading a blog by PR professional Amy Liz Martin, I found this interesting presentation on what exactly Social Media is. I really enjoyed it because it is simplistic but still thorough in its explanation of what exactly these tools are that we are constantly using.

Take a few minutes to check it out, I think you'll enjoy it as well:

What the F**K is Social Media: One Year Later

View more documents from Marta Kagan.

The Beginning...

I am excited to finally have this blog up and running. To tell you a little more about myself I am a senior at James Madison University studying public relations and music industry. Senior year is flying by. I find it both exciting and a bit overwhelming at times. I have learned so much in my four years here, however, I am ready to move on and begin my career. When beginning my job search, I am happy that I can say I am a part of one of the best public relations programs in the nation. After all, James Madison's public relations program was recognized as honorable mention for PR Education Program of the Year at the 2009 PRWeek Awards.

I have also been actively involved with JMU's chapter of PRSSA this year as an executive board member. I am the historian for our organization and document all of our events. So far we have had the pleasure of hosting CEO and Founder of APCO Worlwide, Ms. Margery Kraus, at our first annual Student Recognition and Silent Auction Banquet. I am so excited about all the events PRSSA has already had and is planning in the future.

I am also extremely passionate about my minor. Music has been a large part of my life ever since my aunt handed me a copy of Rolling Stone magazine when I was 9 years old. I delved into the magazine, reading every article, taking in every image, and somewhere inside myself I suppose I knew this is what I was destined for. Public relations fits in perfectly with that because promoting the artists that I love comes naturally to me. Nothing, in my opinion, can top an amazing live show or meeting the amazing individuals who create such incredible art. I can never express my appreciation fully for the impact their music has had on me or how it has permanently changed my life.

I will be using this blog as an outlet to discuss all things I love: public relations, music, and everything else that makes me the person that I am. I hope you enjoy.