Creating 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?

View Upload your own

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:

"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.

"Is YouTube the Next Google?"

As we often study how people use media in our courses, I thought I'd share this post with you from a website called ReadWriteWeb.  The article discusses the idea that one day, we may use YouTube as our primary search engine.  Essentially, we would prefer video information over text.  Anything relevant we would need to search, surely there's a video or two on YouTube about it!  

You are the experts, you tell me.  When you want information, do you go to Google first, or to YouTube?  Can you see the progression the author is talking about?  With the lure of rich media, will we begin to prefer video over text?  

The article got me thinking of recent examples where I've used YouTube, instead of Google, and I immediately began to understand.  Just last week I was curious about a treacherous ski run in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Well if the ski run is that infamous, certainly there are YouTube videos for it!  And sure enough a few seconds later, I find Corbet's Coulior is chillin', just waiting for me to click, like the 11,575 times it's been watched before.  

Not only did I learn from this video that there's no way on God's green earth I will EVER ski down this thing, but I also picked up a phrase that I have already repeated at least 15 times just to be funny..."he just did yard sale".  Modeling would be the academic phrase for mimicking, right?  (don't act like you haven't picked up lingo from YouTube videos)

And almost immediately, I'm reminded of the truly fascinating media world we live in.  Isn't it crazy, that somehow, after watching this video, I feel as if I have experienced this mountain and feel compelled to repeat phrases from it?

These are the things that keep me up at night and so excited to be teaching media courses at this stage in the game.  

Speaking of YouTube, did anyone notice the change in video player size?

Expect More Ads at the Movies...That Is, If You Still GO to the Movies...

There's no doubt that advertisers are trying to find us, wherever we make be lurking. But this article from AdAge surprised me a little. It talks about how retailers like Gap are placing more targeted spots in movie theaters, hoping to reach consumers there. Do you think this is a good idea on their part? My first thought is, aren't movie sales shrinking as Gen Y occupies itself with other sources of entertainment?

As we've discussed in class, there are two things that happen with movie advertisements: 1) if you show up on time you are a captive audience 2) you know you can be an extra 15 minutes late and don't see the ads at all.

To me, I find ads before movies incredibly annoying. I mean, I just PAID money for a movie ticket and these media companies are still trying to profit? Irritating. I will say, they do a good job of at least making the ads entertaining. (On a media literacy front, I guess it's better to see the clearly labeled ads at the beginning, as opposed to keeping an eye out for hidden product placement.)

So what do you think? With today's economy and a bleak holiday shopping forecast, are more targeted ads in movie theaters the answer retailers are hoping for?

Obama's Half-Hour Pitch

Tonight, Sen. Barack Obama will air a 30-minute campaign program on all the major networks, except ABC, at 7:00p.m. It's reportedly a push to get those undecided voters.

I'd like you to weigh in after the program tonight. Was this move effective on Obama's part? What production values and connotative images did you notice? Was there anything in the video you believed worked against him and perhaps helped Sen. McCain?

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.

Obama Ad Appears On Video Game Billboard

Talk about a changing media landscape! AdAge.com put this link up about an ad appearing in a video game called Burnout Paradise. Check out the article, and tell me what you think. Is this a good idea? What else is appearing in video games these days now that many gaming systems are connected to the Internet?

COM 327 - Campaign Ads Analysis Links

Media Literacy students, here are the links for your next assignment:

Pick One Positive and One Negative Ad:

Positive:
From Sen. John McCain’s Campaign (Pro-McCain):
“Leadership”
“Week”

From Sen. Barack Obama’s Campaign (Pro-Obama):
“America’s Leadership”
“Mother”

Negative:
From Sen. John McCain’s Campaign (Anti-Obama):
“Dangerous”
“Folks”
“Passed Over”

From Sen. Barack Obama’s Campaign (Anti-McCain):
“Don’t Know Much”
“Strong”
“Destination”

COM 130 students, which ad is your favorite and why? Which ones are funny to you?

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?

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?

Trend Alert! Sarah Palin's Glasses

Listen up, people! We have a trend alert! Sarah Palin is sparking a glasses frenzy! And that is certainly more important than the weighty issues on the campaign trail.

I'm being facetious here.

Check out this feature story from CNN's Jeanne Moos about Sarah Palin's glasses. Keep in mind Ms. Moos is their feature-type reporter. She's the same one who covered Obama sneezing, so this isn't the lead story of the newscast, if that's what your wondering. But it is making news, nonetheless (along with news of her e-mail being hacked).



Anytime a female politician's wardrobe becomes the focus of attention, I can't help but wonder why? We aren't talking about Barack Obama's shoes or John McCain's suits. What does this media attention say about our values regarding women's appearances? Remember Michelle Obama's speech at the DNC? It was all about her blue dress.

I'm also thinking about the media impact angle here. Let's think celebrities for a second. Typically, we are emulating them by copying their shoes, handbag or car. But with Sarah Palin being the new political celebrity, it's just so funny to me that people are modeling her "look". I can only imagine how various companies must be clamouring to give her free stuff so she will be photographed and videotaped wearing it. Aren't there more important things to talk about?

Tell me what you think.

A Spiffier Media Talk

I bet you're doing a double take right about now, wondering if this is the right blog or not. Hope you like the new look! I have to give props to a certain Multimedia Production major here at Lindenwood (you know who you are). He's the one who created the banner. I only dream of being that artistic.

In class you hear me nag about how communications students should be creative, well it was time for me to step up to a custom banner. If you get the urge to create one for your blog (or find someone who can), let me know and I'll be sure to direct attention your way so everyone can appreciate it.

As this blog grows, I'm sure I'll be tweaking things again. So, what's the verdict, you like?

Russell Brand - Funny or Offensive?

I'm starting to feel old. After watching snippets of MTV's Video Music Awards last night, I became curious about one thing...what do my students think of this? I mostly curious about the host, Russell Brand.

These awards have changed from the days I remember them as the "must watch" event at the beginning of the college school year. Well, you are the students now, you are the show's target audience. Tell me what you think. Funny or offensive? Great show or poor performances? Do shows like this set the agenda for what is "cool" and "popular" among young people anymore? Are they still relevant?

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.