83 thoughts on “Connecting The Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding”

1. Hi Dr. Green,

   Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree that building the right competencies and personal brand are very important to our future. There are three general core competencies: competencies dealing with people, competencies dealing with business, and self-management competencies (Cripe, 2002). One of the core competencies that relates to my personal brand is the self-management competency. That was why all my former employers did not want me to leave. It is easily neglected by people who tend to pay more attention to competencies dealing with people and business. However, self-management competencies such as confidence, responsibility, and credibility are very important too. If competencies dealing with people and business are the reasons why employers hire people, then self-management competencies are the reasons why employers will keep them.

   Reference:
   Cripe, E. J. (2002, September 3). 31 Core Competencies Explained – Workforce Magazine. Retrieved September 11, 2017, from http://www.workforce.com/2002/09/03/31-core-competencies-explained/

   Reply

   • Hello Huazhen,
     Thanks for your considerate thoughts!

     I would like to expand on your points. You stated: “…self-management competencies such as confidence, responsibility, and credibility are very important too. If competencies dealing with people and business are the reasons why employers hire people, then self-management competencies are the reasons why employers will keep them.”
     In my professional world, we would call ‘self-management competencies’ soft skills. As engineers, we often devalue soft skills. We want things we can measure.
     However, high performing organizations understand the value of core competences. Draft (2014) argued that effective leaders depend partly on developing diagnostic skills and being flexible to leadership behavior.
     Reference:
     Daft, R. (2017). Leadership. United States: Cengage Learning.

     Reply

     • Hi Dr. Green,

       Thank you for your time to read my comment. Sorry I was not clear by saying that self-management competencies are the reasons why employers will keep them. I think competencies dealing with people and business and self-management competencies all include soft skills. Competencies dealing with people and business are more easily noticed by employers when people have interviews, through their resumes and conversations with the employers. However, it takes time for employers to recognize employees’ self-management competencies. Employers need a certain amount of time to find out if employees have the credibility to do what they commit to doing. Self-management competencies such as credibility and commitment are some of the skills employers look for most in workplace (Brooks, 2013). Therefore, it takes time to measure people’s self-management competencies, but they are valued most by employers and why employers will keep them.

       Reference: Brooks, C. (2013, March 14). 10 Job Skills Every Employer Wants. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2013/03/14/10-job-skills-every-employer-wants.html

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2. Greetings Dr. Green,

   Your perspectives are quite insightful. I agree with your ideas, “The right brand can transform an individual’s life while the wrong brand can destroy a person’s career hopes. Thus, spending adequate amount of time in developing your personal brand can create invaluable opportunities.” The creation of a personal brand is no easy task. These things often take time, energy, and effort. I first created my personal brand of “live F.O.R.T.E.” while brainstorming for a pageant platform. What started as a simple acronym to help me recall information has transformed into my life mantra. I even include “Forte” in the title of many of my personal business ventures. Glenn Llopis for Forbes.com takes a similar approach, “View your personal brand as a trademark; an asset that you must protect while continuously molding and shaping it. Your personal brand is an asset that must be managed with the intention of helping others benefit from having a relationship with you and / or by being associated with your work and the industry you serve.” (Forbes 2013).

   Reference: Llopis , G. (2013, April 8). Personal Branding Is A Leadership Requirement, Not a Self-Promotion Campaign. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2013/04/08/personal-branding-is-a-leadership-requirement-not-a-self-promotion-campaign/amp/

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   • Hi Taylor,
     Thanks for your delightful posts! I love the concept of trademarking personal brands.
     I must ask you. What does “F.O.R.T.E.” stand for?
     What is it about?
     Dr. Green

     Reply

     • Hello Dr. Green,

       Musictheory.org.uk defines the word “Forte” as “loud” or “strong.” The acronym I developed from the word is as follows: Foundation, Objective, Range, Time, and Expression. This concept applies to many aspects of my life including my faith, my business, my teaching style, and more. I have had many opportunities to encourage others to “Live F.O.R.T.E.” in their own unique way. Personally, I strive to live F.O.R.T.E. by remembering my foundations, by continually building on those foundations, and by celebrating my progress. As I set challenging yet realistic goals and objectives for myself, I grow and learn the value of perseverance and hard work. I work to utilize my vast range and ability to excel in a variety of areas. I make frequent use of one of my greatest skills, time management, and teach others to do the same. Finally, I strive to showcase my own style and expression in everything that I do. With “Live F.O.R.T.E.” as my personal trademark and brand, I am constantly reminded of my own philosophy of living loud, being strong, and staying true to who I am.

       Reference: “Italian Musical Terms.” Italian Musical Terms, http://www.musictheory.org.uk/res-musical-terms/italian-musical-terms.php. Accessed 14 Sept. 2017.

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   • Hi Taylor,

     I thought your post was great! I also thought it was great that you have already developed your own trademark. I think that it would be huge for you if when people saw “live F.O.R.T.E.”, they instantly thought of you and/or your services or products. I also believe that trademarks are very important, and I hope one day yours helps you go places in business and in life.

     Thank you for sharing!

     Samuel Smith

     Reply

   • Dear Taylor,

     Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the topic. I concur with your statement of, “The creation of a personal brand is no easy task. These things often take time, energy, and effort”. A brand begins as a gift and then once discovered has to evolve. In order for a brand to develop it takes quite some time, as it needs to be challenged and chiseled to its perfection. Taking control of your personal brand may mean the difference between an unfulfilling job and a rewarding career (Clark, 2012). As Longfellow noted, “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.” Individuals needs to boost their confidence and not sell themselves short, each and every person is capable of achieving so much if they believe it.

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     Reference:
     Clark, D. (2014, December 16). Reinventing Your Personal Brand. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://hbr.org/2011/03/reinventing-your-personal-brand

     Reply

3. Hi, Dr. Green,

   Building a personal brand is an important step toward forming your identity in the professional world. Core competencies are important defining traits that can help you stand out from the crowd. One such competency you mentioned that I believe that I possess is that of analytical thinking. This will become an increasingly important competency to possess as, according to Rentz (2014), the ability to “adapt to a quickly changing business landscape requires being able to assess information quickly, focus on what’s relevant, and interpret information reliably and usefully.” Analytical thinking allows a person to see the patterns and make the correct decisions when faced with a difficult decision. With core competencies such as analytical thinking, it becomes easier to build a personal brand which makes you more appealing to businesses looking for the right person to hire.

   Reference:
   Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014) Lesikar’s Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World (13ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

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   • Hi Kevin,
     Thanks for your interesting post!
     I love analytical thinking. You stated: “With core competencies such as analytical thinking, it becomes easier to build a personal brand which makes you more appealing to businesses looking for the right person to hire.” I agree with you.

     All,
     What are ways that college students can build analytical thinking into a personal brand?
     Dr. Green

     Reply

4. Dear Dr. Green,

   First off, thank you for sharing your thoughts, knowledge, and ideas on the importance of personal branding. I thought it was very interesting that there is such an emphasis on the way you dress, especially when you do not know you are being evaluated. You stated, “never dress inappropriately in a business setting or showcase a less flattering image on social media platforms like Facebook. Your future employer could be watching.” I completely agree with your thoughts on this, and I also believe that behaving in a professional manner at all times is important as well. You never know when you might meet a future employer. From personal relationships to business meetings, people form opinions of us in a few moments, and we should be ready to show our best at all times (Hedges, 2014). First impressions have actually played a large role in how I was hired to work for the medical distributorship RX Medical. I met the Central Executive Officer of RX Medical when I was 16 years when I had gone to work with my dad at a hospital. I remember firmly shaking his hand, introducing myself, and having a full conversation with him. Four years later, I was able to land an interview with RX Medical largely based off of the CEO’s remembrance of me that day. This why I believe you must be aware and behave in a professional manner throughout your daily life.

   Reference:
   Hedges, K. (2014, September 5). Stocks to Buy Now How Important Is Your First Impression Really? Retrieved September 12, 2017, from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2014/09/05/how-important-is-your-first-impression-really/#7da360ff53de

   Reply

   • Hi Samuel,
     Thanks for the personal story! I loved the rich truth in your observation: “First impressions have actually played a large role in how I was hired to work for the medical distributorship RX Medical. I met the Central Executive Officer of RX Medical when I was 16 years when I had gone to work with my dad at a hospital. I remember firmly shaking his hand, introducing myself, and having a full conversation with him. Four years later, I was able to land an interview with RX Medical largely based off of the CEO’s remembrance of me that day.” Great job! Professionalism counts at any age.

     Unfortunately, most people (especially college students) don’t want to hear that some employers are making hiring decisions based on first impressions (i.e. what they see).
     Is this too superficial or what?
     Dr. Green

     Reply

     • Hi Dr. Green,

       Thank you very much for your feedback.

       You stated: “Unfortunately, most people (especially college students) don’t want to hear that some employers are making hiring decisions based on first impressions (i.e. what they see).
       Is this too superficial or what?” I do believe it would be superficial if an employer hired someone instantly off of their first impressions; especially they were hired solely based off of appearance. However, I don’t believe it is superficial to be able to get an interview based off of first impressions. I believe in many cases employers have an ideal look for their employees (i.e. clean shaven, good posture, eye contact, etc.). As I said in my last post, I was able to get an interview because of how RX Medical’s CEO remembered meeting me for the first time. However, I did have to go through an interview process (meetings, performance grading, background check, drug testing) before I was offered a position with the company. I personally would not want to work for an employer who hires off of first impressions only, but I have no problem with an employer giving someone a chance at a job because they made a good first impression.

   • Hi Samuel,

     What an awesome article about your experience of how acting in a professional manner at all times helped you land an interview with RX Medical based upon the CEO’s remembrance of the first time he had met you. You stated, “I remember firmly shaking his hand, introducing myself, and having a full conversation with him. Four years later, I was able to land an interview with RX Medical largely based off of the CEO’s remembrance of me that day.” I completely agree with you that we are constantly being evaluated amongst people we come into contact with. Generally, the first impression you leave with someone is how they will perceive you from that point on, or it takes about eight other interactions to change their opinions that were previously formed. Carol Goman states, “every encounter, from conferences to meetings to training sessions to business lunches, presents an opportunity to meet people, network, and expand your professional contacts by making a positive first impression” (2015). This statement aligns perfectly with your personal experience of how that one encounter you had with the CEO left a positive impression that lasted with him, which in turn landed you the job interview. Congratulations.

     References:
     Goman, C. K. (2015, August 25). Seven Seconds to Make a First Impression. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2011/02/13/seven-seconds-to-make-a-first-impression/#4d31f1dd2722

     Reply

   • Hello Samuel Smith,
     First off, I would like to commend you on a very well written and deliberate article. Your outlook on personal branding is great and it seems as if you are doing a great job of it yourself.
     I agree with what yourself and Dr. Green discussed how your personal image can play a vital role in gaining and obtaining a job. As Hedges stated, “From personal relationships to business meetings, people form opinions of us in a few moments, and we should be ready to show our best at all times (Hedges, 2014). People need to have this outlook because you never know when you might run into somebody that could change your life forever. My father used to tell me that sometimes it is not what you know it is who you know, that is why it is critical to build up a professional network and to focus this heavily on those first impressions.

     Reference:
     Hedges, K. (2014, September 5). Stocks to Buy Now How Important Is Your First Impression Really? Retrieved September 12, 2017, from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2014/09/05/how-important-is-your-first-impression-really/#7da360ff53de
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5. Hello Dr. Green,

   This article provides great insight and information on personal branding and how critical it is! I side with you in regards of, “Developing a good personal brand is essential for building a successful future. Personal branding showcases your public image. Building a personal brand may be the cornerstone of sustaining success in the future”. It is vital to establish an excellent personal brand in order to set oneself apart from others when companies are deciding who to hire. Having remarkable communication skills and being a great problem solver are just a few ways to set oneself apart. Developing great communication skills is a key to professional success; “professionals today are expected to show polished “executive” communication skills earlier in their careers, to a wider network of audiences” (Hedges, 2014). Each individual has to look within themselves to determine what their “gift” is. Upon discovering that, they must utilize and develop it in order to have a reputable and impressive personal brand.

   5 Essential Communications Skills to Catapult Your Career. (2014, October 11). Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://hbr.org/2014/09/5-essential-communications-skills-to-catapult-your-career

   Reply

   • Hi Chad,
     Thanks for the response! I do think your statement is true: “Each individual has to look within themselves to determine what their ‘gift’ is.”
     Yet, this personal assessment is often difficult to do.
     How?

     Dr. Green

     Reply

     • Finding ones true “gift” can be seen as a difficult personal assessment because many of us feel as if our skills aren’t “good” enough. Being blessed with an ability is one things, but developing it is a whole other story. It is a craft, and cant be rushed.

   • Hello Chad,

     I like reading your response on this article. I do agree with you when it comes to being successful that it does take great communication and superior problem solving skills. Those two traits are difficult for many people to develop without certain training’s. You couldn’t had said it any better when you mentioned “each individual has to look within themselves to determine what their “gift” is.” God gives us such a great variety of traits that we have as individuals, thus we need to utilize them and use them for our personal branding. Overall, I liked your response to this article. Thank you for sharing your insight.

     Reply

6. Dear Dr. Green,

   I totally agree with your article, I have a new view on the relationship between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Personal competence can be understood simply as the ability to work, to lead, or to handle a problem. We can practice this competent in many different ways but high education may the best. The personal competencies are malleable, and they are enhanced most effectively when given focus in the curriculum, school culture, and instructional practices (Redding, 2014).

   On the other hand, personal branding is very important for every person. It is what you define in the minds of other people. It could be your looks, personality, values, or talents. You more stand out, your personal branding more power. It means many people will remember you. When they need human resources in a field or job, you are the first choice. If you have a good personal branding, you will have a good, stable job, a deserving salary and conditional capacity development in the work process. In my opinion, when you have your own brand, you will understand yourself and be more confident with the values you have.

   Therefore, the relationship between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding is very important. We need both skills because it will complement our work. Both will help increase the chance employers pay attention

   Reference: Sam, Redding. Personal Competency: A Framework for Building Students’ Capacity to Learn. Center on Innovations in Learning, 2014.
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7. Dear Dr. Green,

   I found your blog post to be very informative. I would like to expand on your points. You stated: “…The right brand can transform an individual’s life while the wrong brand can destroy a person’s career hopes.” While this is certainly true, one must also be extremely cautious not to fake their personal brand. Smale (2015) argued that people connect with other people. If you do not appear to be a real person, or if it just looks like you are faking it, how likely do you think others are to trust you? Even if they do buy into your pretend persona for a while, the slightest bit of inconsistency could prove problematic. It is best to portray your true self along with your actual strengths and core competencies to extinguish any doubts others might have about you. This will not only serve you well with your personal brand but with your professionalism as well.

   Reference:
   Smale, T. (2015, September 23). 5 Steps to Build Your Personal Brand. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250924#
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   • Hi Irvin,

     I completely agree that in order to be successful one must be true to one’s own personal values. If you are unable to be true to yourself how could you be honest and trusted with those you work with and for. As we, students, continue to grow and learn it will be of paramount importance to learn who our true self is so that we can be trusted by others. According to Rentz (2014) trust is “critical to the success of a business. The more an organization builds trust among its employees… the better for the business.” That trust is built by employees being honest with themselves and thus each other. The trust between employees can either be the success of the business or its downfall.

     Reference:
     Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014) Lesikar’s Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World (13ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

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   • Hello Irvin,
     I one hundred percent agree with your statement. It is definitely in your best interest to commit to branding yourself in a true and honest way. Like you said, one tiny inconsistency could give it away that you are faking a personality and then the trust with your client is gone. A popular saying nowadays is “fake it till you make it.” I have heard this all over school growing up and even outside of school in real life business situations. I believe that “faking it” is the wrong way to go about your business, it hinders your potential, because if you aren’t yourself then your potential is never maximized. As Hedges explains, “professionals today are expected to show polished “executive” communication skills earlier in their careers, to a wider network of audiences.” I think this is easiest and best achieved whenever it is your true self you are polishing.

     Hedges, K. (2014, September 5). Stocks to Buy Now How Important Is Your First Impression Really? Retrieved September 12, 2017, from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2014/09/05/how-important-is-your-first-impression-really/#7da360ff53de
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   • Hello Irvin,
     The statement you make in your response above is very well thought and constructed. I agree with your claim that being true to oneself is extremely important on the road to success. If you are unable to be true to yourself and your own values, then, in the business world, how is one to truly know you. As you said, inconsistencies can give away the persona of a fake personality. This ultimately crippled the ability to live to one’s full potential. One cannot simply “fake it, til the make it.” One also needs to realize, that incorrectly branding oneself in the sense of inconsistency can really hinder their life. Trust is vital to the success of a business, according to Rentz;yet for people to trust one another, they must be honest with each other and themselves (Rentz, 2014).

     Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014) Lesikar’s Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World (13ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

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8. Hello Dr. Green,

   Thank you for sharing the information that described well on the relationship between personal branding and core competencies. I agree with “personal branding can be defined as the process whereby people and their careers are marked as personal impression or brand.” Personal branding is “your authentic core” (Couladis, 2017), which it is important to find and enhance your personal brand before others select it for you. Developing an idea for exactly what this personal brand will be is the first step. Couladis explains there are five key behaviors that people must enhance in order to effectively cultivate and maintain your personal brand, which they are “competence, connection, courage, character, and credibility.” Each of them relates to the personal brand. Also, Couladis points out that there five behaviors are how people are judging you.

   Reference:
   Couladis, D. (2017, March 08). The 5 Behaviors that Determine Your Personal Brand. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://www.ivyexec.com/executive-insights/2017/behaviors-personal-brand/

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9. Hi Dr. Green,

   Thank you for an insightful article on how someone can create their own brand, and why personal branding is important. You stated, “The right brand can transform an individual’s life while the wrong brand can destroy a person’s career hopes.” I completely agree with your statement because while employers look at your skills and experience, they also look at your behavior and attitude outside of the workplace. Employers want their employees to represent their company/organization well and need suitable employees to do so. It is also important to build up a brand on social media. Smith states, “[job seekers] should work on building strong social networks and creating online profiles that do a really good job of representing their skills and experience in the workplace” (2013). While preventing a negative brand is important, creating a brand on social media is also crucial when searching for employment.

   Reference:
   Smith, J. (2013, April 16). How Social Media Can Help (Or Hurt) You In Your Job Search. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/04/16/how-social-media-can-help-or-hurt-your-job-search/#45d2e3617ae2
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   Reply

   • Hello Annette,

     I like the way you are using a quote from Smith, “[job seekers] should work on building strong social networks and creating online profiles that do a really good job of representing their skills and experience in the workplace” (2013). I completely agree with this statement. According to Gausepohl, “your actions online are negatively affecting your work, it may be grounds for you to lose your job”(2016), which employers look for culture fit as much as they check one’s references, and that includes a thorough stalk of one’s social media accounts. Also, Gausepohl lists four indiscretions people are doing on social medias that result losing their jobs. Your social media accounts are an extension of who you are.

     Reference:

     Gausepohl, S. (2016, December 02). Don’t Let These Social Media Mistakes Ruin Your Career. Retrieved September 14, 2017, from http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6758-social-media-mistakes.html
     Smith, J. (2013, April 16). How Social Media Can Help (Or Hurt) You In Your Job Search. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/04/16/how-social-media-can-help-or-hurt-your-job-search/#45d2e3617ae2

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10. Dr. Green,

    This is a great article, and applicable to the lives of college students. As you pointed out, job competition (especially for the inexperienced) is high. Those who are hired are the individuals who, not only are good at what they do but also have a reputation to back it. When it came to career advice, my grandfather used to say, “You’d better toot your own horn because no one else is gonna do it for ya.” I believe this can be accomplished many ways.
    Rentz (2014) notes that business professionals “are using social networking sites for purposes that are likely very different from your purpose in using them”. This means something as simple as your Instagram posts will either build up or tear down your personal brand. Although I do not have anything on my own social media that would harm my image, from the perspective of a hiring manager, I do not have much to promote myself either. I recognize this is an area I could use to my advantage and my brand.
    -Ashley G. Maxwell
    References:
    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014) Lesikar’s Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World (13ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
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    • Hi Ashley,

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I enjoyed the quote from your grandfather and I agree that if we aren’t helping ourselves in our career then who is going to do it for us? You stated “Those who are hired are the individuals who, not only are good at what they do but also have a reputation to back it”. I concur with this statement, and want to continue building an online profile that will interest future employers. Smith states, “A third (34%) of employers who scan social media profiles said they have found content that has caused them not to hire the candidate” (2013). What you post online matters to your future employer. While it is not impossible to be hired with little or no online presence, it definitely helps the job seeker if they have a good personal brand online.

      Reference:
      Smith, J. (2013, April 16). How Social Media Can Help (Or Hurt) You In Your Job Search. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/04/16/how-social-media-can-help-or-hurt-your-job-search/#45d2e3617ae2
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11. Hello Dr. Green,

    I must begin by admitting, the development of the individual’s personal brand is extremely essential to forming your particular identity in a professional world. When talking about building a personal brand, the core competencies of a person’s identity are of most importance. These defining traits are the keys to helping oneself stand out from the rest of the crowd. A competency that you mention is leadership; a trait in which I believe I hold. I believe that when developing a personal brand, a person needs to radiate with the ability to lead and take initiative. According to Garcia, the rise of tension between the public and businesses has caused an increasing desire for innovative leadership roles (Garcia, 2008). Leadership allows a person to rally others behind their own ideals and make executive decisions when faced with a difficult task. With core competencies such as leadership, building a personal brand becomes easier and simpler. By taking the initiative, businesses become more attracted to the idea of hiring you.

    Garcia, E. (2009). Raising Leadership Criticality in MBAs. Higher Education,58(1), 113-130. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/40269171

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    • Hi Trevin,
      I enjoyed reading your comment and would like to expand on your thoughts. You stated: “… When talking about building a personal brand, the core competencies of a person’s identity are of most importance.” I agree with your statement and find this especially true when on the search for a competitive job or career. The skill set you bring to the table can be seen as your most valuable assets. Green (2017) further explains this idea by suggesting that developing core competencies that strengthen a personal brand is an investment toward the future. Employers not only want to know that you have a professional personal brand but also what skills and abilities you have to offer. It is important to invest in your future by always having a passion for education. Some of the most successful people in this world dedicate their success to their desire to learn something new every single day.

      Reference:
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 16). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 16, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/
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12. Dear Dr. Green,

    Thank you for sharing your thoughtful insight on how personal branding and personal competencies go hand-in-hand, and how if done correctly can boost one’s public imagine and success. You stated, “Furthermore, branding defines, promotes, and protects an individual’s image online and offline.” I completely agree that people are always watching what others do in their daily life while on the job site, and off the job site. This has played a big role in my family’s non-profit, “Food For The Soul”, by several school districts and news network stations interviewing our whole family. They look at how our non-profit holds itself out in the professional world, and in everyday operations to see if we are keeping our Christian moral standards we have set for the organization. Carol Goman stated, “every encounter, from conferences to meetings to training sessions to business lunches, presents an opportunity to meet people, network, and expand your professional contacts by making a positive first impression” (2015). That statement shows that as an individual, or a company, you always need to act in a professional manner, because you never know what first impressions you are leaving on outsiders looking in.

    References:
    Goman, C. K. (2015, August 25). Seven Seconds to Make a First Impression. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2011/02/13/seven-seconds-to-make-a-first-impression/#4d31f1dd2722

    Reply

    • Bob,
      I loved the last sentence you have stated: “because you never know what first impressions you are leaving on outsiders looking in.” You have one chance to make a first impression and you must always be prepared for that first impression. As a person goes through life, one will never know who they may meet from day to day, and this relationship or meeting you have with that person could change your life, even your career. “First impressions matter so much because they happen fast, and they are stubborn, says Whitney Johnson, the author of Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work” (Knight 2017). People are quick to judge, so we must be mentally and physically (clothing) ready for our first impressions.

      Knight, R. (2016, December 13). How to Make a Great First Impression. Retrieved September 14, 2017, from https://hbr.org/2016/09/how-to-make-a-great-first-impression

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      Reply

13. Dr. Green,
    I personally enjoyed the insight on personal branding and personal competencies. Building your brand as a student is vital. I find that a lot of college students just “get through” college without applying themselves in the classroom or retaining any information that is crucial when entering the world of business. So in a sense, students graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree and know nothing. I personally believe that having a good understanding of technology (Microsoft word, excel, and access) is important and can set yourself apart from the rest of the competition. These personal competencies can be expressed through conversation with future employees. This goes hand in hand with first impressions. Building your brand on social media can either be a big positive or a huge negative depending on how you present yourself to the public. “Successful personal branding entails managing perceptions effectively, and controlling and influencing how others perceive you and think of you” (Machaz 2016).

    Machaz, H., & Shokoofh, K. (2016). Personal Branding: An Essential Choice?. Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research (1947-2900), 8(2), 65-70.

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    • Hi Alex!
      I noticed how you mentioned that you feel as if most college students just “get through” college. I agree with your comments completely. For me personally I didn’t really think about building my reputation online until this class. I had always believed that building a good reputation just in life was crucial but after reading Dr. Green’s article I realized that I was going to fall victim to being one of those college students that just “get through” college.

      Reference:
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

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      Reply

    • Hi Alex,
      Thanks for your careful thoughts!
      Dr. Green

      Reply

14. Hi Dr. Green!

    Thank you for giving us thoughtful insight on what the current job opportunities for coming out of college may look like for us. I noticed how you said “Many students struggle to pursue the right major in college.” To me this could not be any closer to the truth. I noticed that when it came time for me to decide a major right before I came into college I instantly thought about what would make me the most money, what has the most job opportunities, and finally if I actually would like that field. The Princeton review said “One of the most exciting aspects of college life is that it introduces you to new subjects and fosters new passions.” (2017) It took me one semester as a Bio-Chemistry major to realize that is not what I wanted to do and even though the job field was wide open in that area I realized I needed to change. I found out that I had a passion for Finance and luckily for me that looks to be a more sought after position for graduating college kids.

    Reference:
    TPR Education (2017) Princeton Review. Princetonreview.com “Choosing a college major”

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    • Hey Logan,
      I liked your comments about your personal experience in choosing the right major, and the original struggle that it presented to you. You talked about how you were studying for a major that would eventually present you the highest paying job, but that you ended up changing your mind. I feel like many college students lose sight of the fact that “developing core competencies that strengthen a personal brand is an investment toward the future” (Green, 2017). When students initially fail to choose the right major, they begin to develop a personal brand for themselves that will no longer apply to their future as soon as they choose a new major. It is important for advisors to assist students in selecting the right major so that they are able to begin developing the right core competencies to strengthen their personal brand in order to set them up for success in the business world.

      References:
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/
      WC-175

      Reply

    • Hi Logan,
      “Amen to all your points!”
      Dr. Green

      Reply

15. Hi Dr. Green,

    Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge on this topic. I find this very beneficial for my future career.

    I agree that as the economy and the job market begins to evolve, resulting in employers looking for better qualified employees leaving fresh graduated worried about if they will find a job. The focus of the article is setting yourself about with having a strong personal brand and a complete, relatable set of ‘core competencies’, which are developed through college level classes, personal development, and hands on experience. The article defines personal branding as ‘’the process whereby people and their careers are marked as personal impression or brand’. The first step in taking the opportunity of core competences is knowing what they are personally. I found the competences that really encompasses me is the communication category. I strive to always ensure I communicate with everyone is a positive way. Once identified, to strengthen and mold my core competence I should find trainings and personally do research. I hope to use this core competence to highlight on my resume and set me apart.

    References:

    Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

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    • Salutations Dr. Green,

      I really liked this article and the information that as presented. The information that you shared is quite true in many areas. Growing up my father always talked about personal branding such as carrying our family name with pride. When it comes to core competencies, they really set you apart. That what employers look for when they are interested in hiring someone. It is a “ dog eats dog world” out here you have to set yourself apart in order to survive. I really think that also ties with personal branding in different environments that you’re in. I agree with you a 100% when you said “…branding defines, promotes, and protects an individual’s image online and offline.” It is important to carry yourself in a professional way at all times, because you never know who’s watching.

      References:
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

      [WC-139]

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      • Hi Isaiah,
        Your father was a wise man. Carrying a family name is all about branding.
        Dr. Green

    • Hi Thiago,

      Thank you for your insight on this article. I especially liked how you said, “The first step in taking the opportunity of core competencies is knowing what they are personally.” Understanding yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses are crucial to being a leader. I am actually a part of an organization called Emerging Leaders here on campus that delves into finding who you are as an individual. The purpose behind this is to recognize your skills, strengths, weaknesses, communication styles, and etc in order to take advantage of your strengths and minimize weaknesses in order to become an effective leader in any situation. This knowledge will, in turn, help individuals build their personal brand like Dr. Green’s article addresses (Green, 2017).

      -Ashley

      References:
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

      (WC-146)

      Reply

    • Hi Thiago,

      Interesting points: “…employers looking for better qualified employees leaving fresh graduated worried about if they will find a job.”
      I believe we can’t live in fear. We have hope! College students who have a sense of purpose will not let economic crises stop their dreams.
      But-preparation is important. That is what a good education provides you.
      Dr. Green

      Reply

16. Hello Dr. Green,
    I enjoyed reading the information on personal branding. You said, “Developing a good personal brand is essential for building a successful future.” I completely agree and a great example of someone who I believe has done a great job is Oprah Winfrey. She has a very well-respected talk show, magazine, and has helped in many communities and served as a positive role model for many young women. In an article by Puris states, “Oprah’s personal brand is associated with celebrity, charity, education and successful launches of products.” (2011) I can only hope of creating such a great personal brand for myself as I near entering the workforce.
    References
    Goshtasbi, K. (2011, June 1). What We Can All Learn From “The Oprah Personal Brand” | Puris Personal Brand Solutions. Retrieved from http://www.purispersonalbranding.com/2011/06/what-we-can-all-learn-from-the-oprah-brand/
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    • Hi Mekayla,
      Thanks for your thoughts! I love the information you provided on Oprah: “Oprah’s personal brand is associated with celebrity, charity, education and successful launches of products.”
      Thus, a personal branding can carry many connotations with it.
      Dr. Green

      Reply

17. Dr. Green,
    I enjoyed what you had to say about the core competencies and personal branding. As you said, some core competencies are “analytical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, communication skills, and leadership.” Throughout my college career I have developed these skills as I know they will be used in my professional career. Although I sought to develop these for long term benefits, I find that I am using these skills often in my collegiate career. These are good skills to have when you work with other people.
    Personal branding is important. I have always been told that future employers will look at your social media to decide if you are the type of person they want to hire. I tend to steer clear of posting much on the Internet, but this does not help my personal branding either. It is good to be active on networking sights, just in an appropriate manner. As Rentz (2014) says, “the personal connections you make in your current employment (or schooling) will contribute to your future success” (12). These interactions will follow you, so make them good ones!

    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
    [WC – 183]

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    • Hi Jamie,
      Thanks so much for your contribution to this discussion! I like your revelation: “I tend to steer clear of posting much on the Internet, but this does not help my personal branding either. It is good to be active on networking sights, just in an appropriate manner.”
      Sometimes, we need to travel outside of our comfort zone. Online personal branding will continue to be a part of our image. Today’s students need to meet this challenge.
      Let’s go deeper!
      Dr. Green

      Reply

18. Hi Dr. Green,

    I would like to thank you for sharing your insight into this subject. Core competences are a huge part of an individual personal branding. Strengthening these core competencies creates a stronger personal brand, and you are able to revolve your personal brand around your personal strengthens. The website, Investopedia, defines Core Competencies as “are the main strengths or strategic advantages of a business, including the combination of pooled knowledge and technical capacities” (investopedia, 2017). Highlighting these core competences builds your personal brand, and makes you more appealing to employers in the highly competitive market. Harvard Business Review writes, “most companies have hiring profiles that identify the attributes that recruiters should look for”, so knowing how to market your skills and knowledge will at least get your foot in the door (In Sales, Hire for Personality, then Train for Skill, 2017) . Developing your skills is done through “with the right training, mentoring, coaching, support, and motivation programs “with the right training, mentoring, coaching, support, and motivation programs”. (Harvard Business Review, 2017). Again sharpen your core competence will help get your foot in the door in this highly competitive economic market.

    [WC-192]

    References:

    Staff, I. (2015, February 20). Core Competencies. Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/core_competencies.asp

    Andris A. Zoltners, PK Sinha, and Sally E. Lorimer. (2014, August 07). In Sales, Hire for Personality, then Train for Skill. Retrieved September 27, 2017, from https://hbr.org/2012/08/build-your-sales-force-dont-buy-it

    Reply

    • Hi Brooke,
      Thanks for joining this discussion!
      I like your point: “Core competences are a huge part of an individual personal branding.”

      Yet—
      Do all college students realize this point?
      Dr. Green

      Reply

19. Dr. Green,
    Your blog clearly expresses the importance of people understanding their own core competencies, and developing a personal brand. When I consider my own core competencies to help guide me towards a future career, I think my greatest strength is in working with people. I enjoy meeting all kinds of people and connecting with them on a personal and business level.

    I also was helped by your statement that “Branding includes personal appearance, oral and written communications, associations, or anything that identifies an individual.” This reminds me how valuable it is to build skills in speaking and writing clearly in English, because that represents me to others. Business Communications can help with that essential skill.

    Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.

    (WC-114)

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    • Hi Arsid,

      I appreciate you comment ” reminds me how valuable it is to build skills in speaking and writing clearly in English, because that represents me to others”. How you portray yourself to others through digital, in-person, and written is an essential core competences. The ability to communicate efficiency and effectively is an essential skill to have in the world of business, and will likely help you get your career started. In an article on Forbes.com entitled “Successful Business Communication”, the author writes a quote heard at a seminar ‘don`t communicate to be understood; rather, communicate so as not to be misunderstood.’ (Anderson, 2014). I do think a huge core competence is the ability to read and will make an enormous difference, if enhanced and heightened, in this competitive market for jobs.

      Reference:

      Anderson, A. R. (2014, June 20). Successful Business Communication: It Starts At The Beginning. Retrieved September 28, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyanderson/2013/05/28/successful-business-communication-it-starts-at-the-beginning/#45bdf141db56

      Reply

20. Hi Dr. Green,
    Teenagers should be forced to read your article! It was a great read!
    You stated, “individuals should protect their personal brands. Never dress inappropriately in a business setting or showcase a less flattering image on social media platforms like Facebook. Your future employer could be watching.”

    I agree with this article completely, and I wish all people were told this at a younger age. It is important to be modest and careful when posting on the internet or presenting yourself in public because the internet lasts forever. I believe it is also important to present yourself well in your college classes. As Rentz (2014) says, “the personal connections you make in your current employment (or schooling) will contribute to your future success” (12). Your professors could easily help with a job opportunity in the future. Recommendations matter to employers, and professors are very good for a resume.
    References:
    Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.
    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

    [WC-189]

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    • Hi Taylor,
      Thanks for this thought provoking comments!
      Dr. Green

      Reply

    • Taylor,
      I agree with all your comments, both when you mentioned Dr. Green’s idea of the importance of personal branding, and the quote from Rentz (2014) when it says, “the personal connections you make in your current employment (or schooling) will contribute to your future success” (12). From my personal experience, after I finished my first degree in Albania, I still had connections with many of my classmates. In the business world, connections play a key role for future job opportunities. I think it is important for us at OBU to keep in mind that the relationships we build as students can, and should, continue after we graduate. I hope everyone realizes that the connections we make now as students can help us when we take our places in the professional world. Our personal brand we are known by, even as students, is important for future success in the workplace.

      Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
      [WC-144]

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21. Dr. Green
    I enjoy this article because you write about the same thing that you talk to us in class. You talk about how important writing is in the business world for your personal branding. The reason I love how much you talk about this is that, I love your consistency. You are always teaching about the importance of writing. You are not the only one who thinks that, “the personal connections you make in your current employment (or schooling) will contribute to your future success” (12) Rentz (2014) says in her book. The best way to make connections is through clear, strong and forward writing.
    Jack Cole Miller

    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
    [WC-127]

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    • Hi Jack, thanks for your comments! You point is interesting: ” The reason I love how much you talk about this is that, I love your consistency.” Perhaps, more college students will awaken to the critical need for good branding.
      Personal branding will continue to be a deal breaker.

      Reply

    • Hi Jack,
      Great Comment!
      You stated: “I love your consistency. You are always teaching about the importance of writing.”

      I agree with you, Dr. Green does a fantastic job of being consistent in class and in his writings. The personal connections are extremely helpful in all careers. Rentz (2014) says, “the personal connections you make in your current employment will contribute to your future success” (12). The connections we are making now are preparing us for our future jobs, meetings, and life. Writing is one thing that is so important to know how to do cause that your main form of communication in the business world.
      References:
      Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
      [WC-125]

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22. Hi Dr. Green!
    I enjoyed your post about core competencies and how they can transform students personal brand ultimately allowing students to pursue a job in a field they will love and be productive in. You stated, “Some examples are core competencies, which include analytical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, communication skills, and leadership.” I think this provides a great opportunity to build a brand around your specific strengths. Not everyone is good at the same things, but that is okay because the business world needs people with lots of different strengths to be the best it can be. Students understanding their personal strengths and striving to grow those during college is a very important part of building a brand that will help make the business world a better place.

    [WC-128]

    References:
    Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

    Reply

    • Hi Thomas,

      I enjoyed your comment!

      You stated: “Not everyone is good at the same things, but that is okay because the business world needs people with lots of different strengths to be the best it can be”.

      I agree, I believe this class has already shown us some of our strengths and weaknesses. It is very important to understand person strengths because you need to know what you excel at in the business world. Dr. Green states, “Many students struggle to pursue the right major in college”. If a student doesn’t know their strengths and weaknesses it is hard to determine what job field they will enjoy and excel in.

      References:
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

      [WC-133]

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23. Dr. Green.
    Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us, this was very well done.
    You stated “Many students struggle to pursue the right major in college.” It is actually really mind blowing because i just had a similar situation just like this one happen to me. Finding the right major. I had to realize that when finding the right major you can not always go to the one who makes the most money. especially if you’re not very skilled and you do not have the love for that career. my father helped me find mine by simply asking me this question “whatever you select to do son .. would you do it for free? do you have that much love for it that if you did not get paid would you still enjoy that career with your skills” of course he would not want me to just be working for free but he showed how he wants me to have a love for my job and be proud of what i do. Rentz (2014) says, “the personal connections you make in your current employment will contribute to your future success” (12). I feel having a love for what you do will give you a greater ability to be the best that you can be. This also why furthering your education is important you will learn a lot in the 4 years of college and be a step ahead in whichever career you chose

    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
    [WC-158]

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    • Good observation Anthony. I agree with the quote you pulled from Dr. Green’s article, “Many students struggle to pursue the right major in college.” (Green) This is mind blowing to me also because, although I have chosen a major, I do not completely know if this is the route I would like to send my life. Right now, I am wanting to be a salesman, but this could completely change. I completely understand and sympathize with other college students who are still undecided.
      Jack Cole Miller
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/
      WC- [107]

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24. Hello Dr. green
    I like how you mentioned two vital life lessons that need to be developed in your time in college. That is picking the correct major and taking the right classes and developing a personal brand. You mention “Many students struggle to pursue the right major in college. Others follow the latest trend on reality TV for selecting their ideal major. Finding the ideal job is a combination of personal interest/passion, values, and skills/abilities.”(Green) Picking the right major is the extremely important first step in success. Next you mention Personal branding. Personal branding is something that makes you stand out. Everyone personally brands themselves everyday if they know it or not. For example, I typically dress in jeans and cowboy boots. I have long hair and wear hats often. Just the way I dress gives off the perception that I am more of country person instead of a more urban person. This will come in handy if I am applying for a local farmer however, it hurts me if I am applying for a job in Oklahoma city. You say “This article focuses on how building the right competencies will help individuals brand their personal brand and increase their opportunities for job opportunities.” (Green) Branding yourself for the Job you want is a very important first step in getting a job.
    (WC 199)
    Reference:
    Green, Dr. (2017, September 16). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 16, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

    Reply

25. Hello Dr. Green, as you stated “branding defines, promotes, and protects an individual’s image online and offline. The right brand can transform an individual’s life while the wrong brand can destroy a person’s career hopes (Dr. Green 2017)”. I couldn’t agree more that proper branding can set an individual on the road to success, while poor branding will doom them in the workplace. The first thing that I have been asked going into a job interview is if I had any social media pages. As an employer social media pages are a goldmine of information on prospective workers. They are a direct pipeline into the values, morals, and acumen of that person. Proper branding starts with what you do online, any and everything you do can help build that brand. “A strong personal brand can yield tremendous ROI whether you are working with an organization or leading one (Forbes 2014)”. Demonstrating yourself as competent and moral online can lead new avenues and connections, and it doesn’t stop once you have a job.

    WC-172
    Sources:
    https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/#comment-16645
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/shamahyder/2014/08/18/7-things-you-can-do-to-build-an-awesome-personal-brand/#265a30193c3a

    Reply

26. Hi Dr. Green
    Thank you for the great article. I agree that personal branding is a critical aspect in everyone’s lives. One point you brought up in your article really stood out when touching on protecting your personal brand. If someone wants to protect their brand they should never “showcase a less flattering image on social media” (Green 2017). This includes posting your thoughts, pictures, and even sharing videos and pictures posted by other people. I believe that people that don’t know you, specifically potential employers, create an image of you based on your online presence and whether or not you will be a good fit in their organization.

    Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.

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    • Brad,

      Your response to Dr. Green’s article showed a great deal of understanding of this issue especially the issue of protecting one’s personal brand.

      You stated: “I believe that people that don’t know you, specifically potential employers, create an image of you based on your online presence”. I believe that this is definitely true. Potential employees are sure to find your profile online to make sure that you line up with their values. If they find something that they don’t like, one can be assured that they will not be receiving that job. Consequently, one has to make sure to uphold their personal brand. One way to do this is to make sure that one’s social media shows that they have a variety of interests. For example, Rentz (2014) states that Athletic experience might be helpful for work for a sporting good distributor” (288). In this way one can build a positive personal brand on social media.

      Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
      [WC 157]

      Reply

    • Brad,

      You made a great point when you said, “I believe that people that don’t know you, specifically potential employers, create an image of you based on your online presence and whether or not you will be a good fit in their organization”. I really agree with you on this point, and I believe young people today are making the mistake of posting so many photos that put them in a “bad light”. I agree that a person should not post a photo that “showcases a less flattering image on social media” (Green 2017).

      I wonder how one would remove unflattering photos of oneself that other people took? There are a lot of photos of me out there that I would personally like to remove, but they were posted by other people, so I feel at a loss. There must be some way.

      Antother important point is that people are continually posting inapproprate and somewhat vulgar things online that they will regret later. Good questions to ask yourself before posting something would be: “is there anyone that I really wouldn’t want to see this? Could I regret this in the future?” It is important to think it through!
      WC [197]
      Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.

      Reply

27. Hello Dr. Green,

    Thank you for exposing us to some of your knowledge in the subject of business professionalism. Your expertise is truly shown throughout the whole article.
    In the first section of your article you talk about many subjects I can relate to such as wondering if I will be able to find a job after I graduate college and wondering if I am studying the right major. Not only that but you also emphasize the importance in “core competencies, which include analytical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, communication skills, and leadership” and personal branding.
    Personal branding is an important part of being a professional and it includes everything you do from what you post online to how you communicate with other professionals. Rentz (2014) says “the personal connections you make in your current employment will contribute to your future success.:” (12) That statement means you have already started building your personal brand.

    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
    [WC 152]

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28. Dr. Green,

    I completely agree! I personally have lately been reevaluating my social media and the content on it. It is definitely becoming true that “building a personal brand may be the cornerstone of sustaining success in the future” (Green 2017). Especially in the growing technological world today, people will be assessed based on what they have conveyed to the whole world on the internet.

    There are some great ways to effectively brand yourself. One example that you gave in class was making a well thought out Linkedin Page. But like you say, “branding defines, promotes, and protects an individual’s image online and offline.” This means offline too. Students and young people need to make sure they are giving off a professional persona and having integrity. Rentz says, “Although not an official part of the business’ operations, personal communication can have a significant effect on their success (11). This means that in contact with co-workers or a boss, for example, always be kind and courteous so there is nothing bad to say about you.

    [WC 174]
    Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.

    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

    Reply

    • Oliviana,

      I find it outstanding that you “personally have lately been reevaluating (your) social media and the content on it.” As foolish juveniles it is common to not be mindful of what we have posted in the past and partaken in. However, as we reach a stage in our life’s that is one step closer to becoming business professionals who we are on social media is reflected directly to our personal brands.
      Sometimes it may seem hard to refrain from posting online about emotional situations so you do not let the moment make a fool of you. Rentz (2014) mentions “you’ve got to have not just the business skills, you’ve got to have the emotional intelligence.” (7)

      Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin
      [WC 117]

      Reply

29. Dr. Green,
    One of the most important things I believe you said in the article was “Developing a good personal brand is essential for building a successful future. Personal branding showcases your public image” (Green). There are so many young people that do not think about their personal brand at all and are doing nothing to build themselves up through it. However, many kids do not realize that the things they are posting on social media could actually be negatively affecting future opportunities they might have. It takes maturity and direct action in order to portray yourself in a manner that is appealing to future employers, and many people would be more successful if they took the time to work on their personal brand.
    Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.
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    • Hello Joshua
      I to agree with you about Dr. Greens comments about personal brands. Developing a personal brand that make you stand out is vital in almost every aspect of life. We humans learn this at a very young age to develop are idea of self. you say “There are so many young people that do not think about their personal brand at all and are doing nothing to build themselves up through it. However, many kids do not realize that the things they are posting on social media could actually be negatively affecting future opportunities they might have.” I think that humans also unknowingly self brand them selves in positive lights just by being decent human beings. I think as long We strive to be good people are self brands will fall in line. (wc135)
      Redmond (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.

      Reply

    • Joshua,
      I admire your intake of Dr.Green’s article especially when you mentioned: “kids do not realize that the things they are posting on social media could actually be negatively affecting future opportunities they might have.”
      I agree with you. In today’s time, individuals of all ages forget to realize what you say online interacting with your personal life can be viewed from your professional life. Even in 2017, professionals damage their personal brand or future opportunities posting something online they forget is permanent. Your message alone is not all you should look out for. It can be as simple as posting an unprofessional picture on social media. “When online, you can do tremendous damage by posting inappropriate photos” and even “using a selfie or a blurry photo doesn’t send the right message”(Brooks). When aiming to impress your future employers, their first judgment of you is what they see, make sure your personal brand is strong enough in order to succeed. Your personal brand could hinder your chance of showing what core competencies you possess, and no one would want that.

      Reference:
      Chad Brooks, Business News Daily Senior Writer. (2014, March 18). 7 Ways You’re Tarnishing Your Personal Brand. Retrieved September 28, 2017, from http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6085-destroying-your-personal-brand.html

      [WC – 182]

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    • Joshua,
      I liked your response to Green’s message because it really brought to light one of the big problems with social media in this connected age.

      You stated: “However, many kids do not realize that the things they are posting on social media could actually be negatively affecting future opportunities they might have.” In my own personal experience I have found this to be true. In looking at someone’s profile posts from a long time ago, I noticed some things that really worried me. Because of this, I was very hesitant to become close to this person. Rentz (2014) states that “When you are ready to search for a job, you should being the effort by analyzing yourself” (286). To do this, you can look at past posts to make sure that there is not anything that you would be upset with other people seeing.

      Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin

      Reply

    • Hello Joshua you stated “There are so many young people that do not think about their personal brand at all and are doing nothing to build themselves up through it”. I couldn’t agree more that most college students are completely oblivious to building their personal brands and preparing for their future careers. “Your brand differentiates your offering from your competitors’. It is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be (Entrepreneur 2017)”. In reality building you brand is the single most important tool to help you in your future, and it should be treated almost as an extension of yourself. It is the information that you are in control of online and can willingly share with others. In short your brand is in your control, but many choose to not being a major detriment to themselves.

      WC-146
      Sources:
      https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/77408#

      Reply

30. Hi Dr.Green,

    Reading your article spoke volumes to me, especially when you mentioned: “building the right competencies help individuals build their personal brand toward greater job opportunities. “(Green). As a freshman Business major, this brings extreme awareness to my eyes. As an individual’s knowledge and experience grow successfully, it directly correlates with their personal brand succeeding. Throughout your class, you have taught your students and encouraged them to practice building their brand by actively using Linked In, a media platform that connects the business world. You have also taught us professionalism and have encouraged us to create and present case study reports over real-life business situations. We were successful in these reports because of our core competencies like analytical thinking and communication skills with cooperating with our group members. Rentz (2014) states “You should think about the personal qualities you have that enable you to be an accountable and productive worker”(286). I agree with you that in order to be successful in the business world it is critical you maintain your personal brand to your level of competency with further experience and practice.

    Reference:

    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
    Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

    [WC – 182]

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    • Great comment Taylor, I enjoyed the quote from Dr. Green you used, ““building the right competencies help individuals build their personal brand toward greater job opportunities.” (Green) This not only speaks to you, but also speaks to me. I do also believe that the right abilities in the business world can build your personal brand. Not being able to write correctly and coherently could cause some bosses to wonder if you are the right man or woman to be hired. It is better to build up your competencies before you enter the work force, like I am trying to do here at OBU.
      Jack Cole Miller
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

      [WC-127]

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    • Hi Taylor,
      I really like how you have emphasized the importance of learning to use linkedIN early rather than having to try to establish an account and a persona right out of college. Doing this gives us a sort of starting point to build up on as we go throughout our college career. Having this helps us build up our brand as Dr. Green said, and allows us to be viewed by whoever has an account. I think this class may give each one of us a greater appreciation for business as a whole and expose us to the world we may one day be a part of. When Dr. green says that “Developing a good personal brand is essential for building a successful future,” he was absolutely right. Without a good personal brand our chances of being successful in the business world are slim to none.
      WC-[147]
      Reference:
      Green, Dr. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/

      Reply

31. Hello Dr. Green,

    I liked how your article addressed the issue of how a professional should behave in an online setting as to increase his business standing and build up his personal brand.

    You stated: “The right brand can transform an individual’s life while the wrong brand can destroy a person’s career hopes.” I believe that this is a true statement. The wrong social media post or a slip up in an email can totally change how they are perceived as a professional businessman. Before they made that poor post they could be considered professional, but after that they no longer were.

    Hanson (2013) adds to this by reminding the reader why focusing on your personal brand online is important. They say, “Think before you tweet. It doesn’t matter that you’ve added a disclaimer to your bio, saying the views are your own.” No matter what kind of disclaimer you put up, there is a possibility that your post can be linked to a place of employment and one could lose their job instantly

    Hanson, W. (2013, June 11). Managing your professional reputation on social media. Retrieved September 28, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/media-network/media-network-blog/2013/jun/11/professional-reputation-social-media-tips

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32. Hi there Dr. Green,
    Growing up as a millennial you see many instances where fellow students choose to brand themselves in the wrong way. Whether its through social media or daily instances it seems as though kids our age don’t worry about their personal brand now rather than ten years down the line when they are looking for a job. More kids need to be taught nowadays that the choices you make in our generation will never go away with the way technology is set up. Children today don’t give themselves the chance of “building the right competencies to help individuals build their personal brand toward greater job opportunities. “(Green). Because of this we have kids all over the country applying for jobs they are no longer qualified for due to past mistakes. If you don’t keep in mind the way you want to live when you are young you may never have the opportunity to live like this when you are old.
    WC-[163]
    Reference-
    Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.

    Reply

    • Thomas,
      With much of the world changing in regards to business, it is important to find a way to brand ourselves in a professional manner. I like the point you made about the importance in how we brand ourselves. You stated that, “Growing up as a millennial you see many instances where fellow students choose to brand themselves in the wrong way. Whether its through social media or daily instances it seems as though kids our age don’t worry about their personal brand now rather than ten years down the line when they are looking for a job.” Even though we are not in the process of looking for a job as of right now, that opportunity will come soon enough. It shows that what we do now does have an impact on what we do in the future. By being cautious with how we brand ourselves, we are setting ourselves up for success down the road.

      Reference:

      Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017,

      (WC-156)

      Reply

33. Hi Chris!
    You stated “The wrong social media post or a slip up in an email can totally change how they are perceived as a professional businessman.” I agree with this statement and believe it to present one of the largest opportunities to destroy ones’ professional brand that the business world has seen. With the access that we have to the internet today it is much easier than it has ever been to post your thoughts for anyone to see instantly. Many people post to social media as an easy way to share their feelings with their friends in an unprofessional way, but with more businesses checking employees’ social media accounts these unprofessional comments intended for friends may lead to their loss of their job. We should always remain conscious while using social media. As Brooks says, “Because people will see your online image often, your photo should portray a sense of professionalism” (Brooks). It is important to always present yourself professionally on social media because anyone could be watching, including future employees.

    [WC-173]

    Reference:
    Chad Brooks, Business News Daily Senior Writer. (2014, March 18). 7 Ways You’re Tarnishing Your Personal Brand. Retrieved September 28, 2017, from http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6085-destroying-your-personal-brand.html

    Reply

34. Dr. Green,
    Our abilities to succeed outside the classroom come from major points that bring up in your article. The ability to analyze and communicate are of the utmost importance in the field of business as well as in life. In addition, I appreciate that you acknowledge core competencies and their importance. You share that, “A unique set of core competencies is an advantage in the marketplace because these unique abilities are often difficult to others.” We all have our specific skill that we excel at in the workplace. This is especially important when dealing with everyday problems. However, problems are not necessarily a bad thing. Rentz shares that, “A problem isn’t always something negative; it can also be an opportunity to improve a situation or do things in a better,” (15). Our ability to accomplish these things to the best of our ability ends up benefitting those who work around us.

    References:

    Green, D. (2017, September 14). Connecting the Dots Between Personal Competencies & Personal Branding. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://nuleadership.com/2017/09/11/connecting-the-dots-between-personal-competencies-personal-branding/.

    Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2014) Lesikar’s Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World (13ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

    (WC-150)

    Reply