The power of a brand in the selling process can be a product, service, idea, or even a person. The most important product, brand, or idea you will ever sell is yourself. You are not just a person; you are a brand. When you look for a job, you must sell yourself to employers. When you effectively sell yourself, you can sell your ideas, the value you will bring to the employer, and your skill set to get the job of your dreams. You will update and grow your brand through the years as you acquire new skills and more business experience. As you assess any product, consider the benefits you will bring to the transaction. In this unit, you will reflect on your brand and learn how the selling process can help you get a job.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.
You are a "brand"! Like a product, we market ourselves to employers, colleagues, etc. How do we differentiate ourselves from others? What value do we bring to others? How do we want others to perceive our brand? What is our reputation? These are all things to consider when developing our personal brand.
While you read this section, try to formulate three "brand points" that make up your personal brand. What are the three key things that differentiate you from others in a positive way? Complete exercises 1 and 2 at the end of the section.
Watch this video explaining how we use our "superpowers" to differentiate ourselves from others.
What is the point of a personal brand? The #1 reason is that people want to work with people they know, like, and trust. A truly effective brand delivers education, differentiation, and inspiration. Does your brand do that?
How do we differentiate ourselves from others? What value can we bring to an employer? How do we want to be perceived during the interview? On a job interview, you are selling yourself.
Watch this video on defining your personal brand. Focus on how to define your true self. Be open, honest, and transparent, and reflect on how an employer might look at your characteristics.
This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.
Watch this as you work through the unit and prepare to take the final exam.
You can also download the presentation slides so you can make notes.
We also recommend that you review this Study Guide before taking the Unit 10 Assessment.
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.