I’ve been thinking a lot about the intersection between personal brands and how they effect our day jobs.
In today’s ‘Always On’ Internet age, separating yourself from the pack requires careful attention to your own brand image.
Personal branding has really taken on a life of its own with the popularity of social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. The fact that we’re in a global recession also makes personal brand building seem downright necessary. A resume can’t communicate all of your value, so people build websites, create social media profiles, and position themselves independently of their employers.
Building a personal brand is important, but if you step out of bounds it could result in a pink slip that’s your ticket to the unemployment line. Let’s discuss how to avoid this.
Common Sense Can Save You
This post was inspired by an article by Dan Schawbel that outlines 10 ways you can get fired for building a personal brand.
Here are the 10 ways you can get fired while brand building:
- Friending your manager on Facebook and then complaining about your job.
- Putting your personal brand in front of your company’s brand.
- Complaining that your company blocks social networking sites.
- Attracting the wrong attention to your company’s brand because of your own.
- Announcing your new job on Twitter when you’re still employed.
- Thinking you’re superior to older workers because you’re tech literate.
- Wearing rags to work because it’s part of your brand.
- Posting inappropriate photos on Facebook, forgetting that your profile is public.
- Spending more time on yourself than being productive during work hours.
- Calling in sick, when you’re not, so that you can focus on your brand.
#5 is obvious, but some of the others on the list might not seem like such an infraction, especially to younger workers. Let me caution you: if you have any question in your mind about what is, and what is not appropriate, seek clarification from your manager ASAP.
Work time is for work, and you need to understand if/when it’s ok to use social networking sites like Facebook (usually lunch hours are ok, but don’t linger on them all day long).
Clarify Off Hours Online Activity
If you’re not sure what is appropriate with respect to building a brand, let me reiterate how important it is to bring your employer into the conversation. Being proactive can save you many sleepless nights!
Keep your personal branding efforts good natured, be totally open and honest, and don’t compete in the industry of the company you work for. Them’s the rules!
Finally, let me share some great advice my Dad gave me and emphasizes often: