Your Personal Brand

Today in COM 130 we discussed the concept of "personal branding". While there's no shortage of information available via a Google search, I thought I'd leave a few links for you, should you be curious to learn more.

Here is the Slideshare presentation we used in class today from personal branding guru Dan Schawbel. What did you take away from this discussion?

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For a good laugh, check out this SNL skit the blog Sheer Brandage wrote about. On a more serious note, see how these journalists are prepping for a job by developing their personal brand using these kick-butt websites. Also, here's the link to Doug Kamm's website, the Lindenwood University student who has created an easy online portfolio.

I’ll leave you with three key ideas from my very good friend and former colleague, Kammie Kobyleski, who is a strong believer in personal branding (follow her on Twitter @KammieK):

"My biggest advice would be to keep 3 things in mind:

Authenticity - Be who YOU are and be it LOUD and proud (focus on your strengths).

Clarity - Be crystal clear who YOU are, "niche thyself"...don't try to be everything to everyone...Guy Kawasaki says "polarize people"...some will love you some will
not, it's OK...build your tribe and leave the rest.

Consistency - Once you've identified your strengths and values, be it over and over...the way you dress, write emails, correspond by phone, in person is ALL a reflection of brand YOU."

I believe the key idea for college students like you to keep in mind is...DON'T WAIT! I swear I feel like your mother, er, I mean big sister, repeating this caveat of knowledge constantly - DON'T WAIT! In other words, define and design your personal brand now.

The walls between the college classroom and the real world are imaginary. You are already in the real world.

Are You Gen Y?

The Millennials - Due Wednesday, 2/4

COM 130 students, Monday in class we discussed your generation, "The Millennials" or "Generation Y". Here are the links from today's presentation:

What generation are you? Take this media test from Penelope Trunk, blogger for the Gen Y network, The Brazen Careerist. I would encourage all of you to visit their site, and check out the bloggers.

In class, we also watched these two segments about The Millenials from 60 Minutes. Click here for Part 1 and Part 2.

I'm sure all of you have opinions about your generation. So, here's what I'm curious to know and to read about in your blogs:

•Is this you?
•Do you agree with these assumptions made about your generation?
•What do you disagree with?
•What advice would you give older generations to effectively reach out and communicate with you?

In your 500-word response, add some hyperlinks and video of your own Internet research to share with the class. See the assignment sheets for information on using TurnItIn.com.

Media Talk Web Bytes...or, What?

I'm going to start a new weekly post for you, but I'm having a brain fart as to what I should call it. You've probably realized I like to name things around here. For now, I've picked "Media Talk Web Bytes", but I'm not really sold on this. Previously, I chose "Link Round-Up", but felt that sounded too much like corn seed. I need your help. What should I call this? The goal is to provide you with clips, articles and buzz from the web that pertains to our course material, as well as content that might, just might, make you laugh.

Here's the first installment...

In case you missed the "roast" between presidential candidates Obama and McCain, here's a one-minute wrap-up from Current with the funniest quotes, proving these two might be better served just making us laugh once in a while than pointing fingers.

The dancing moose is my favorite part. Just when you thought SNL couldn't do any more or less for Sarah Palin...there's this...the Palin rap.

So, Gen Y wants to wear jeans to the workplace. Cool. Gen Y wants to work when they are most productive, not 9-5. I can dig it. How else can you revolutionize the workplace and why does this guy have beef people hating on Gen Y? This is you, people. Do you agree with his "utter crap" comment?

From chimps, to Android rappers to Apple ads. Think you know so-called viral videos? I found this great website that shows you the top 20, and how they are trending. I thought for sure I'd see the one my friend e-mailed me recently about a lady named Scarlett, but it wasn't there (skip to 2:45 for the laughs). Warning: this website will cause you to waste minutes of your life that you will never get back. Ever. Thanks, ninja cat.

Oh, and finally...your professor here joined Facebook. Yep. Call me an addict, but don't friend me up just yet...I need to figure out a policy for dealing with current students so I don't get in trouble.

Which "byte" was your favorite? Ideas for a less-corny name?

Something for Comm Majors to Ponder...Who Will You Lead?

Dear students,

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite bloggers, Seth Godin. I'll let him give you the details of his accomplishments on his website. He writes amazing, out-of-the-box blogs about marketing and new media that I read daily because I value his approach and fresh ideas. You've heard me talk consistently about the "changing media landscape" and question what it means to be a Mass Communications major these days. Are you acquiring skills that will be truly relevant in four years?

This is a hard question to answer. One that keeps me up and night. Seth has a great post today about marketing that I challenge you to read.

Please pay particular attention to the final paragraph of the post. That's the one I want to hear your comments on. How have our media and marketing worlds changed, and what are you going to contribute? What are you going to do to with your degree?

I ask this sincerely.

Get Your Hate On: The Protest Over FaceBook's Facelift

I've heard that many of my students are Facebook users...(insert duh face here). I've also heard rumblings about the social networking behemoth's new look, and that some people are less than thrilled about it. Well, leave it to a few socialmedialites (get it?) to start a protest. No, make that a few million people!

So, my fellow students and FaceBook addicts, what are your thoughts on this protest? Do you think it will have an impact? Are you going to boycott the site during the protest in a few weeks? Or, should people quit whining?

And for those not in the know...what's the big deal about the new FaceBook?

Extra Credit Alert: You Weigh in on the First Televised Presidential Debate

All classes, from now until Monday at noon, leave your comments about Friday's debate between Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama. I'll give you five extra credit points.

Here are my immediate thoughts:

Sen. McCain dominated the military conversations, Sen. Obama took the lead on the economy. Obama kept calling McCain, "John". Meantime, I didn't hear McCain calling his opponent, "Barack".

To me, McCain seemed to answer most of his questions in a narrative format, meaning several answers were more like stories. Obama had a hard time interrupting McCain on a number of occasions, as McCain seemed to take over.

Overall, I thought it was a good-spirited debate, not overly contentious. Both sides are in turbo-spin mode. Both sides claim victory.

Also, I'd be curious to know if you watched any of the news coverage afterwards, and what your thoughts were. I, of course, flipped around (and at this hour, still am flipping because I'm a news nerd). CNN seems to have 25 people commenting, Sen. Biden is in spin mode...Where's Sarah Palin? Fox News and MSNBC have their usual suspects. The talking points I keep hearing are: Obama said a number of times he "agreed" with McCain. Meanwhile, McCain repeated the phrase "you don't understand" to Obama several times.

A Gen Y note...both respective YouTube channels already house propaganda videos from tonight's debate. (Obama, McCain)

Okay, that's enough from me...now it's your turn.

What do you think? In your opinion, who won? What lines did you find memorable? In addition, are there relevant issues you didn't hear discussed that you think should have been? Do these debates matter to you?

Your Wireless Future and the Campaign to "Free the Airwaves"

In one of your communications courses you should have studied the electromagnetic spectrum as a means for how we enjoy "free" radio and television over the airwaves. Perhaps, you've learned of the digital changeover that's scheduled for February 2009. Once television broadasters move their signals from the spectrum, there's going to be some free space up for grabs.

What to do what to do. Certainly, there's some money to be made somewhere by media companies, right?

Well, Google and various others have started a Free the Airwaves campaign. They are requesting the FCC allow use of these new, open "white spaces". Google argues it will allow more room for "wireless" devices to operate and help provide WiFi-type services for more people. Check out their YouTube channel for more background on the issue.

Sounds great, but one problem...some broadcasters don't see it Google's way, and they certainly have friends over at the FCC. To further the debate, Google co-founder Larry Page has even gone so far as to accuse broadcasters of "rigging" tests on use of the airwaves for mobile devices.

You weigh in. As complicated and scientific as this debate is, check out the links above and leave your thoughts below. This will certainly impact the future of wireless communications. Do you agree with the Free the Airwaves campaign? Would you like to see the white spaces used for more wireless commerce? Or, do you agree with the broadcasters that Google's plan doesn't work?

COM 130's LTTGYE Links

Hey, I'm just trying to be like you with the acronyms...

Anyhow, here are the links to today's COM 130 articles. We used these as material for our mini-speed presentations for Let's Talk Tech and the Gen Y Effect. All five are fab and all five are from AdAge.com.

Surprise! You text more than you talk!

Does the iPhone have competition now?

Shia's new movie, follow on your phone

KFC monitors 90210

Better late than never in the social networking world, MTV

So, tell me, did you like this second installment better than the last time? I think we were talking about SpinSpotter and campaign ads then. I tried to keep a marketing to Gen Y theme today. You tell me...what kinds of topics to you enjoy debating the most?

Is Gen Y Getting Left Behind in the Classroom?

Hey, Gen Y, I found a fascinating article from PBS' MediaShift blog. I would love for you to check it out and leave your thoughts. It's written by an NYU journalism student and blogger. It has since caused some scandal at the university.

But it did get me thinking, are you feeling left behind? What would you like to see more/less of in your college courses? I'm asking this out of my own curiosity. (I request you don't name specific names here, just general comments about what you would like to see improved in your classrooms.)

What do you expect to learn by pursuing a communications or journalism degree?

New Seinfeld Microsoft Ads - Your Thoughts?

Just curious, because you are the "cool" generation and all...

What do you think about the new Microsoft ads featuring Jerry Seinfeld? Apparently, it's an effort to revamp the company's image. I'm sure you are all very familiar with the Mac is cooler than PC ads. Are these supposed to answer those?

I'm going to go on the record here and say that I am thoroughly confused. I do not understand the Seinfeld-Microsoft commercial. You tell me what you think...



Update: Here's a link to another one of these ads, courtesy of Jacob. Again, I'm a little confused. Do you think these are funny? I guess these ads are a series, as this newest one picks up where the above left off.

Can You Identify With Gen Y?

COM 130 students, Friday in class we discussed your generation, "The Millenials" or "Generation Y". Here are the links from today's presentation:

What generation are you? Take this media test from Penelope Trunk, blogger for the Gen Y network, The Brazen Careerist. I would encourage all of you to visit their site, and check out the bloggers.

In class, we also watched these two segments about The Millenials from 60 Minutes. Click here for Part 1 and Part 2.

I'm sure all of you have opinions about your generation. So, here's what I'm curious to know and read about in your blogs:

•Is this you?
•Do you agree with these assumptions made about your generation?
•What do you disagree with?
•What advice would you give older generations to effectively reach out and communicate with you?

The Millenials blog post is due on Friday, September 5th. As for how long it needs to be, I say make it a full page (double-spaced) in Microsoft Word, for example. Don't forget to jazz it up with hyperlinks, video or photographs that may pertain to your post. This should also be submitted to TurnItIn by 9/5.

Also, now that your blogs are linked to this page, take time this weekend to visit your classmates and comment on their passionate posts.