It’s that time of the year again when we pay tribute to the patriots and radical thinkers that allowed us to break free all those years ago. So while you’re having fun, wherever you may be, keep in mind that just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean there can’t be lasting repercussions on your personal brand. So with that in mind, here are 2 tips on what TO DO and 2 on what NOT TO DO.
TO DO #1 – Expand your network:
People at parties and holiday events are usually more friendly and open to talking to strangers, use this to your advantage! This doesn’t mean you need to astonish them intellectually, but anyone that you can add to your rolodex or reference in the future is always beneficial. In networking remember to always give value before asking for value – so bring a big blanket for your friends to share with you without telling them beforehand. This is a great way to meet new people.
NOT TO DO #1- Be careful of the flash:
Not every picture of you online needs to be a professional image. Just be careful of what’s in the picture with you. A picture is worth a thousand words, not just to you but to the professional world as well, and sometimes your memories are just as vivid.
TO DO #2 – Dust off that elevator speech:
Everyone is at the point now that when you go to a social gathering, you ultimately end up talking about work. To build on the point above, if you want to expand your network you will need an elevator pitch or personal branding statement. Not only will this impress anyone you meet but it will also give you a firm understanding of what you do.
NOT TO DO #2 – Don’t be a “Negative Nancy”
You may have heard this term before, but it more or less describes someone who is always skeptical and never supports other people. You don’t want your personal brand to be known as negative! When a person starts describing their job BE INTERESTED and engage them with thoughtful questions. As I mentioned in my last post, being humble and supporting others is a huge part of personal branding.
- Author: Trace Cohen
Trace has always been fascinated with technology and how stuff works. Once he gets his hands on a new gadget, rest assured it will be taken apart and put back together in a matter of minutes. Trace is a hands-on kind of guy whose first love was video games, which he loves to this day.
