Personal Branding Interview Mary C. Gentile - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Mary C. Gentile - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke to Mary C. Gentile, who is a Senior Research Scholar at Babson College and author of Giving Voice To Values: How To Speak Your Mind When You Know Whats Right. In this interview, Mary talks about brand integrity, the benefits of having a personal brand, personal branding risks, and more. What do you mean by Brand Integrity? Usually when people talk about brand integrity, they are talking about creating and maintaining a product identity that is consistent...so people know what theyre getting when they invest in it. But what if your personal brand WAS integrity? That is, what if people knew that when they worked with you, they would really hear what you thought; that you would bring your best gifts to any situation; that although you spoke with tact, you would not hold back if you thought there was a problem â€" practically and/or ethically â€" with the strategy or decision you were pursuing? It is this kind of personal reputation for having the courage of your convictions that I mean when I talk about Brand Integrity. What are the benefits of such a personal brand? To begin with, its a more comfortable and natural way to live your life. Rather than always trying to second guess your colleagues, your boss, or your customers, you can be yourself. I find that people are attracted to this kind of relaxed lack of affectation. But beyond that, the fact that you are not worrying about pretending to believe something you do not or to be someone that you are not, frees you up to really focus on what the other person has to say and wants/needs â€" enabling you to better address their concerns. And you can therefore focus your energy on helping them to see how your position can fit with their concerns. And finally, in a time when trust is at a premium in the business world, not to mention the rest of society, a reputation for integrity can be a real asset, both for those you deal with and for your own peace of mind. So what does it take to build personal Brand Integrity? Often when we talk about integrity and values, we focus on preaching about why we should behave in an ethical fashion, or we focus on the moral courage needed to do so. But instead, if we think of integrity as part of our identity, as our personal brand, then whats needed is neither some Herculean store of bravery nor some sanctimonious self-sacrifice. Instead, we simply need to focus on what our own values truly are, and to think about how to be more of who we already want to be. The approach I take, which I call Giving Voice To Values, is all about recognizing and playing to our strengths; anticipating the kinds of challenges we are likely to encounter in our chosen profession and industry; and then literally practicing crafting and delivering the scripts that we can use to respond to those values challenges. So for example, if I like to take risks and enjoy being assertive, then I am not going to be very comfortable with the idea that I may need to be more cautious and conservative. So for me then, I would want to frame my values positions as bold and creative. It can take nerve to be ethical! But on the other hand, if I see myself as more shy, more fearful in my interpersonal dealings, then I will want to frame an ethical position as the safer route. But regardless of how I frame and pursue the challenge, I will be seen as the person who walks her own talkThats personal Brand Integrity. Are there risks to this kind of personal branding? If you present your positions in self-righteous little speeches, you are not only less likely to make the impact on a decision that you hope for, you are also more likely to antagonize the very folks whom you want to influence. But is this really any different from any other position that you might want to take? So if you dont want to give the self-righteous little speech, what can you do? Just as you will benefit from playing to your own strengths and finding ways to use your best gifts in the service of your values â€" whether thats story-telling or financial analysisâ€"you will also want to consider what kinds of approaches have been more impactful on your target audience in the past. When have you ever seen this person change his or her mind? What made the difference? Does she or he tend to listen to certain people? If so, perhaps you should approach them first? Does your target audience respond well to visual arguments? If so, perhaps you can work to develop a graphic representation of the position you wish to take. And if that is not your strength, reach out to someone for whom this is easy! Just because you are taking a values-based position, that does not excuse you from using all the talents and tactics that you would use when making any other business case. In the end, developing this kind of personal Brand Integrity will enable you to take a stand and make an argument more effectively, because you will be acting from your center and freeing yourself to be who you really are at work. Mary C. Gentile, Ph.D. is Director of an innovative curriculum, Giving Voice to Values, launched by Aspen Institute and Yale SOM, now supported by Babson College . This pioneering approach to values-driven leadership has been featured in New York Times, Financial Times and Harvard Business Review and is being piloted in well over 100 business schools and organizations globally. Her book, Giving Voice To Values: How To Speak Your Mind When You Know Whats Right, is forthcoming from Yale University Press in August 2010. Gentile, educational consultant and faculty at Babson College, was previously at Harvard Business School. She is author of numerous books and articles, with her B.A. from College of William and Mary and Ph.D. from State University of New York-Buffalo.

No Law Degree No Problem! - CareerMetis.com

No Law Degree No Problem! Having a successful career in law requires determination and grit, an understanding of how law courts work, and a strong moral compass. One of the things it doesn’t require, despite what you may have heard, is a law degree.While becoming a lawyer or other legal professional required a strong academic background at one point, the landscape has changed a lot, and there’s now a whole generation of legal pros who have taken a more vocational path.Here are a few ways to start your career, without an impressive Law Degree.1. Legal Service ApprenticeshipsPhoto Credit â€" Pixabay.comevalLegal service apprenticeships were once a fairly small niche, but today they’re taking the sector by storm. Legal firms all over the western world are beginning to recruit promising school leavers and people looking for a career change.Some of these vacancies can pay a typical graduate’s entry-level salary, making them a fantastic way to get your foot in the door. Academic credit can help, but general ly isn’t required, provided you can show good literacy and numeracy skills.You’ll be employed by an active law firm, and will be able to put everything you learn into practice right off the bat. Seen as the company will be sponsoring you to undertake the apprenticeship, it’s very unlikely that they’ll let go of you easily, and will do everything in their power to help you towards a successful career.2. Become a ParalegalPhoto Credit â€" Pixabay.comThe role of a paralegal is the overarching goal for a lot of people working in law, despite the big salaries and sheer prestige that comes with being an attorney.Legal firms have plenty of need for them, it’s very rewarding work, and can pay extremely well. It’s also a great way to network with other legal professionals, in case you ever need some trusted advice or an experienced DWI specialist to defend your rights.Getting a job as a paralegal usually means that you have some legal qualifications under your belt, and a decent knowledge of the law in general, as you’d generally be working under a qualified lawyer, supporting them in the handling of their cases.At some law firms, paralegals can even take on roles that are very similar to a lawyer. Having said that, some places will have you focussing mainly on admin and secretarial work. This can be a very flexible job role, and lead onto a range of other great opportunities.3. Become a Legal SecretaryPhoto Credit â€" maxpixel.freegreatpicture.comevalLegal secretaries are the foundation of every smooth-running legal firm in the world, despite the tiny amount of limelight they get compared to other legal professionals. There are a lot of qualifications at various levels, but most of them can be taken without any demonstrable knowledge or experience in the legal sector.While some experience in admin and secretarial work can be advantageous, it’s not essential, and by the time you complete these qualifications you’ll have a sound understanding of whatev er practice area you have your eye on.After getting your foot in the door with this job, you may even have opportunities for further training and education, making you a valuable fee earner for your firm.

Small Branding Issues That Make a Big Impact

Small Branding Issues That Make a Big Impact Your branding is where people first begin to form an opinion of who you are, what you stand for and what your business is. Good branding might not happen overnight; it might be a progressional thing, But, when you have finally nailed it. It is time to invest in a few small items that will leave your clients and potential clients impressed. 1) Get an email signature built. If you happen to great at design and a bit of coding, this shouldn’t be a problem for you to do by yourself. You can play around with the layout until you get something that you think aligns itself with you and the message you are trying to get across. If you can’t build it yourself, you can use a free options WiseStamp or hire freelancers perhaps. Things to include are: Name Job Title Company Name Address (if in office space, think about whether a home address should be on there) Phone Number Email Address Website Include your professional social media links. Branded colors Logo Photograph of you 2) It is all too easy to let your single logo image be used on all of your social media platforms. However, each display picture and cover photo require different sizes. It looks much cleaner and professional to have each social media platform set up with the right sized images. Twitter has a theme colour option, so make use of this and make the page the same color as your primary color in the branding. 3) Now you have taken care of some of the online stuff; it’s time to move to offline. Take a look at the space you work it, does any of it represent your brand? If you had clients, would they be able to see a logo or branded colors anywhere? If not, then it’s time to consider your office aesthetic. Pick up some simple things like a branded mouse mat, brand color pen pots, custom labels, personalized pens. It doesn’t have to be expensive it just has to reflect you and your brand. 4) Once you have branded your surrounding, it is time to brand yourself. Although it has been more accepted in ‘creative’ office environments to wear a t-shirt and jeans, and while that is very comfortable, it isn’t always giving off the impression you might like. If you are a freelancer or in the middle of a start-up, what you wear and how you wear it can tell your potential clients a lot about you. Invest in a few staple pieces. Check out Pinterest for working wardrobe ideas. (men here and women here) 5)   Remember invoices, envelopes, letterheads, and most online project management software has the ability to have a logo added and some have space for a tagline too. Make the most of it and make some time to ensure you have your logo and brand colors everywhere possible. Those are a few small things that you should look to implement as soon as you can.

Company Resume Writers

Company Resume WritersA company resume is not as simple as it used to be. These days, it seems that everybody has a website with the only difference being the cover page. The big difference is that you have to find a professional company resume writer to help you write one.Company resume writers can get you the results you want, but the task is daunting. We've all heard how easy it is to put together an email to send to our contacts, but putting it on paper is another matter. Fortunately, it's easier than ever to find a professional company resume writer. The easiest way to find them is by searching online.You can find these writers through various professional directories. This is an excellent resource for finding someone who will help you write your resume. If you're searching for someone, make sure they list writing as a specialty of their services.Some people have a busy schedule that prevents them from sending out a traditional resume. It's possible to write a professional resum e yourself without the help of a professional. The key is to know what skills to emphasize when you are composing your resume.If you are having a hard time getting started, then consider hiring a writing service. You don't have to worry about plagiarism, because these writers are paid to get the job done. The best writers will present a concise resume that includes the information that you are seeking.Online websites provide assistance with your resume and cover letter. They will teach you everything from the basics to advanced skills. The best way to write a great resume is to practice at home or in the office. This way, you are able to produce a resume that is both professional looking.Company resume writing can be time consuming. It will be worth your while if you find a reputable writer. Get some practice in writing a resume. Then when you're done, check out some online samples to see what they look like before you hire one to do the job.Remember, company resume writers will hel p you put together a professional resume that will land you the job you're after. So, if you're not sure if you need one, get one today. It will pay dividends in the future.

How to Write a Resume Profile

How to Write a Resume ProfileIt's easy to understand why most people find it hard to write a resume profile. Writing a resume profile is really no different from writing a resume in any other format, and there are many more nuances that go into the process. In this article I will highlight some of the key elements that you will need to know to help you with your resume profile writing.The first thing you should think about is your own alphabet, and where in the alphabet you want your information to appear. What I often do is put all my work experience first, followed by my education, followed by my professional or volunteer experience. Then I list all my credits under career, as well as my non-professional credits under volunteer. This ensures that you'll get the information you want on each line of your resume profile.Another thing you will want to keep in mind when writing a resume profile is how much you want to sell yourself. Some people like to add their particular expertise, wh ile others will only need to let people know what skills they have. Your resume profile has to convey who you are, and what you can do. You'll also want to put a few sentences that briefly describe what you will be doing when applying for a job.The last thing you should consider when writing a resume profile is making sure that the information on your resume doesn't include personal references. If you're hoping to use references when getting interviews, this is not something you should include in your resume profile. It's too likely that it will be used in an interview, and you will seem desperate. Instead, focus on what makes you unique, and don't include references to people or organizations that aren't specific to the position that you are applying for.In addition to writing a resume profile, you'll also want to use it as part of the application process. If you plan to apply for a position in a nonprofit agency, for example, you may want to include a resume profile that describes who you are and what you can do. Make sure that you make reference to all your accomplishments in your application, as well as any volunteer work you may have done in the past.Last but not least, when it comes to writing a resume profile, you will also want to include your contact information. You can usually find this in the form of an email address, or you can leave it out entirely if you don't want people to be able to contact you.Remember that the most important part of a resume profile is the summary, and that you should include at least as much information as you can during the resume writing process. By writing a resume profile you will be better able to sell yourself and what you are looking for, and you'll also make sure that you will have a great opportunity for employment.

The Truth About Resume Writing at Wake Forest University

The Truth About Resume Writing at Wake Forest University You've got an extremely good opportunity of raising your score, which will significantly boost your probability of getting in. So if you'd like anything in life, you will need to work for it and hard. Together with, there's really significant money at stake. There is not anything wrong in making changes. The Downside Risk of Resume Writing at Wake Forest University Wake Forest would like to know you will benefit from the distinctive resources their school has to offer you. Or you prefer to become a professor, but get bored when attempting to compose a 20-page assignment. If you're thinking of attending Wake Forest University, you will need to thoroughly consider if it is going to be realistic to create the post graduation loan payments based on your expected salary. Whenever you have the last score that you're content with, after that you can send only that score to all of your schools. The 30-Second Trick for Resu me Writing at Wake Forest University Career counselors must be in a position to read their customers in a lot of ways, from their general impression of the client, to using analytical skills to rate the customer's tests and reports, to uncovering what information the customer might not be sharing. There are not any participation or other fees connected to the Program. Applicants are needed to finish a Personal Statement for each application that's submitted. Others are beginning to take notice. Facts, Fiction and Resume Writing at Wake Forest University A job doesn't define the person that you are. At least 6 months before applying, you still need to doublecheck simply to make certain, and that means you have sufficient time to choose the test. For instance, a man who has unsuccessfully been seeking employment for over a year might be highly emotional during a counseling appointment. It's only natural you will seek your parents' advice whenever you are getting prepared to be gin your own career. Besides the necessary personal statement, several our academic programs need supplemental material like a writing sample. Study Skills Organization is the secret to success in regard to studying and time administration. Students who aren't adequately covered by their parents' health insurance plan will be asked to buy health insurance. Writing places the study of internet tefl training course. Resume Writing at Wake Forest University - the Conspiracy The capability to influence the direction of someone's life by supplying the tools and knowledge to attain their career goals is simply one of the perks of being a true career counselor. Fraternity involvement demonstrates that you're a socially prosperous person who's capable of juggling many diverse obligations. As easy as a consequence more candidates do not have to be an empowering position. It's lovely to hear that but every one of us knows there are a few skills that we simply don't look able to lear n them of the appropriate way. What to Expect From Resume Writing at Wake Forest University? Your aim is to present a good beginning. The program isn't intended for or targeted to anybody below the age of 16. Wake Forest provides a great number of intercollegiate sports, with extensive varsity, along with club, offerings, for both women and men. Career counselors ought to be nonjudgmental and welcoming to all kinds of people and personalities. Larger, more customary businesses have less ability to provide flexible internships. Finding local organizations willing and equipped to provide short-term flexible internships was a significant part of creating the program.

Find Fulfillment In Your Work 5 Steps To Feel-Good Franchising - Work It Daily

Find Fulfillment In Your Work 5 Steps To Feel-Good Franchising - Work It Daily 5 Steps To Feel-Good Franchising Always wanted a career that allowed you do well and do good? Whether that be tutoring, promoting the use of green energy or helping people cope with aging, franchising offers many opportunities to advance your career while satisfying your spiritual goals. Related: Career Changers: Consider A Franchise In 2015 For starters, you can enter a career based solely on interests rather than experience, allowing you to make a clean break from a 9-to-5 existence that provides no personal fulfillment and toward something about which you care deeply. So if you hate spending your days looking at spreadsheets full of numbers or selling the latest throwaway widgets from China and wish you could have a direct impact on people’s lives, a franchise can give you the tools you need to succeed in this entirely new line of work. A good franchisor will help train and guide you in your new profession and offer a proven system for operating your business. You will also gain the advantage of a network of franchisees, who can offer additional support and expertise. By contrast, with an independent startup, you would have to figure out your operating model from scratch and guess how much working capital you will need to succeed. With a franchise, you can get answers to your questions: How much money will it take to get your business up and running and how long will it take to get to profitability? And you can find out well before laying out any money whether you have the skills and the inclination to operate this type of business. 5 Steps To Feel-Good Franchising In five simple steps, find your way to a feel-good franchise that is right for you. 1. Set Your Goal You need to figure out exactly how you want to have an impact on your world. Look around and notice the arenas in which you might have the most to contribute, whether this connects more to personal skills, such as sales expertise, or interests, such as working with children. Browse the web. Make lists. 2. Inventory Your Personal And Professional Strengths You may not want to stay in your current career, but what skills have you gained that can transfer well to another field: Are you good with people? Do you have a knack for the mechanical? Are you detail-oriented? Or do you prefer to work on your own? You will likely fare better in a field where you can draw on strengths you’ve honed over years of professional development. 3. Research Franchise Categories Let’s say you want to help improve the environment but know nothing about environmental science. Did you know there are franchises that help people adapt their homes with everything from insulation to solar panels. Or maybe you want to work with children. You’ll find everything from tutoring to child care among franchise opportunities. 4. Meet With A Franchise Coach Get a whole extra layer of extra vetting through the franchise coach, whose profession it is to study different franchisors and whether their support systems are up to snuff. Their experience matching clients with franchises makes them a font of expertise about why some systems work better than others. 5. Talk To Franchisees Once you have selected a franchise or two to research in depth, get their Franchise Disclosure Documents â€" which they are required by law to provide to prospective franchisees â€" and find the list of franchisees, currently operating and defunct. Write up your list of questions â€" you may want to consult your franchise coach for help with these â€" make your calls. Politely ask them for their time, then, at their convenience, learn how they’re doing, whether they would buy this franchise again, and how long it took for them to start operating in the black. If you’re ready to find meaning in a career of your choosing and expand your financial horizons, start your five steps to feel-good franchising today! Related Posts Think You’re Ready For A Franchise Discovery Day? Not So Fast Worried About Starting Your Own Business? Try A Franchise The Image Factor In Buying A Business About the author Ready to make your dream of becoming an entrepreneur come true? Get your free evaluation today! Contact Dan Citrenbaum to help you create the career you’ve always wanted. As a business coach, Dan brings years of experience helping people select and buy a franchise or existing business. You can reach Dan at dcitrenbaum@gmail.com or at (484) 278-5489.   Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!