First Impressions

Personal Branding, I know corporate branding, Coca-cola specialist in FMCG, IBM – corporate computer solutions, Disney – family entertainment. Colleen Chan – Business Analyst, brand? Hmmm….

I began with my story, the number of connections I had made and how many groups I had joined. Being a statistician the story was based on the number of 2^nd and 3^rd degree connections, the locations and the industries. I was pretty proud of my networking efforts for somebody who had never networked before with my 60, 1^st degree connections.

One day while I was surfing my network I found Barrack Obama’s profile then realised he was 3^rd degrees away from me. I thought that was pretty exciting so I include this in my story. My exhilaration was let down at the conference when I heard that Barrack has many, many, many 1^st degree connections so is not that tough to achieve but now I am only 2^nd degrees away.

During this time my mother was rushed to the emergency rooms so no time to write. I start thinking about why I should win the prize. The campaign ad was let The Face sex-up your brand. Sex-up a business analyst, how are they going to achieve that. Business analysts are known as one of the most boring people, they look at their spreadsheets all day. Make me sexy, right.

I had found a role in LinkedIn jobs but could not apply as it was not feasible. I had all the experience and knowledge but believed my profile did not show my full potential to accomplish this role. How could a personal brand help me reach my goal? I just could not understand how they could brand me, other than with a soldering iron and a logo on my forehead. I have more questions than answers while I was thinking about what to write. Though, I did remember that I would be posting discussions on all my group boards if I won the prize.

It was the day before JobCAMP. I had to pick up my nephew from school and take him to my parents place. Ok, I still have time to get back and finish my words. When we get there, the little one comes running out expecting his mother and there are tears. I pick him up and sit on the lounge. The older one points to the ground and says the little one has done a wee wee. I get up, look down at my jeans and there is a stream of wee going down my leg! Can’t leave now, I have to wait until my sister gets back. Mum has recovered but not to look after a crying child. Eventually I sent my story in late that night. I mean, who works 9 to 5, I certainly hadn’t for many years.

JobCAMP, camping in a tent means casual and it does say casual but I was going to be networking, so smart casual. Smart casual is too hard so a suit, much easier.

I’m ready for JobCAMP. The only thing was to make sure I get there on time. Registration time was at 7am for 7.30am start. That means my alarm has to go off at 5am! I am just not a morning person at all and I have been unemployed so there is no rush in the mornings. Just hope that alarm screams at me in the morning.

Next post in The Story -> JobCamp