Get Ready for Your Digital Close-up (Personal Branding)

Get Ready for Your Digital Close-up
Crosby Noricks

Establishing your personal brand online and carving out a niche for yourself through social media may not be quite as dire asthat early exodus to gold country, but it’s important to take a step back and think strategically about your goals, approach and how to effectively express your individuality and unique talents online.

It’s said that we make up our minds about how we feel about someone in seven seconds, and it’s arguably less in the chaotic wonderland of the Internet. Your profile image, along with the colors you use, voice and tone are your first impression online and as such, should be treated with care. Consider the following as it relates to your blog, Facebook page or Twitter account.
A picture’s worth…more than a thousand testimonials

It goes without saying that potential employers will do a search about you, and smart ones will do an image search, so keep anything you wouldn’t be thrilled to have your granddaughter find 40 years from now off the Internet! Too late? Remove everything you can and add captions and alt tags to all the images you can and over time, watch as those start showing up first.
Show your face

People want to see you, not your pet duck, adorable baby or rockin’ company logo —especially on sites like Twitter where you are obviously a person talking to other people. Most of the time, give fans and followers the close up and save the full body shots, artistic shots of your eyes/feet, or vacation photos for your personal, private pages. (and lock those security settings down tight!)

Find your look
In a world of mostly static images and text, you want to stand out. Unless you are a stodgy old lawyer who never cracks a smile,put away your tired headshots, fold up your crisp white t-shirts and find an outfit that speaks to who you are. Play around with your expression, laugh, smirk, wink —find the look that looks like you and use that. If you can’t afford a professional, ask a creative friend or learn how to use your self-timer and fake it ’til you make it, baby!

In addition to the photos you use, think about what you want your personal brand to feel like. Is it fun and funky, calm and serene? If your personal brand was a store —what would the store feel like? What colors, scents, fabrics and textures would there be? Are you grapefruit and glitter or tulips and tulle?
Keep it together
As legions of fans follow you across the Internet, give them a cohesive, branded experience. Use the same or similar photos, design elements and tone. Let anyone who stumbles upon your page know instantly that it’s you and not an imitation!

Your First Impression ( Personal Branding)

They say that the first impression is made within 60 seconds of meeting. Besides a few words, most of what comprises this first impression is unspoken —your actions and appearance are subliminally telling someone the story of who you are. What you are wearing on an interview or your first day of work can significantly impact what kind of first impression you make. What do you want your clothes to say about you?

Your First Impression

Christine Alvarez
The Interview

In an interview, you have only a short amount of time to state why you are right for the job, so let your appearance help paint the picture. Whether male or female, it is appropriate to wear a suit for almost any job interview, as you will look professional, polished and sophisticated. It's important to remember that several people may be applying for the same job as you, and you need to standout not only on paper but in person as well. Many men swear by the "power tie," and I agree that a strong pop of color can add adistinctive and memorable touch to a plain suit. A red tie or a crisp blue shirt can make a world of difference in a room full of black suits. Don't forget that strong handshake!
The Job

You nailed the interview and got the job, now what? Casual, business casual, formal? "Dress for success" is a relative term. Every office has its own dress code and rules. A good rule of thumb is to always dress for the job you want, not the job you have. In a casual office where everyone wears jeans, consider wearing khakis, or dress up your nicest jeans with a tailored shirt and leather loafers or heels. You will stand out among your T-shirt–clad peers. Even in a casual dress office, flip flops, jeans with holes,logo shirts and anything you would wear to a club should always be avoided.

In a business casual environment, tailored pants should be a staple in your wardrobe. Black is a common color choice, but khaki,navy blue, pinstripes and grey are all appropriate as well. Women can also wear skirts and dresses provided they are not too short. Pairing pants/skirts with tailored shirts, blouses or sweaters are all suitable options, and you can express your individuality by experimenting with different colors and prints.

Business formal dress codes are typically characterized by requiring a suit to be worn. This means that your pants or skirts need a matching jacket. Suits come in all sorts of colors and styles, including skirt suits and dress suits for women. Consider a business formal dress code to be like going to an interview where you need to look polished and professional yet can usually differentiate yourself through your choice of shirts, ties and appropriate accessories.

The RulesDressing for success at work can come easily with just a little thought. If anything, remember these basic rules:

1.If you have to think twice about your clothing choice, it is probably not appropriate.

2.Don't wear anything too low, too short or too low cut. Also, undergarments should NEVER be visible.

3.Ill-fitting clothes do not look professional or polished. To look your best, have your suit tailored.

4.Experiment with color. Being a professional does not mean sacrificing individuality.

5.Dress for the job you want!