“Act as if what you do makes a difference.
It does.” -William James

It really does. Live who you are and be the difference not only in your own life, but in those around you as well. Each and every moment is a opportunity. The subtle inter-connectedness we have with those closest to us ripples outward from the pebble plunk touching even the most distant connections.

However, it’s our responsibility to manage the plunks. Being mindful and purposeful is what makes all the difference in the ripple effect.

Every Point of Presence is a “Plunk”

This is the new age of transparency and personal branding; you have to own each and every moment and every opportunity. Even for those of you who stay in the social shadows online, the light will find you at some point. Professionally speaking, that is. The world of work has new rules of personal branding and marketing today. Even if a prospective employer requires you only to submit a traditional resume and cover letter, odds you’re being vetted online in every way publicly possible – starting with a search engine query.

You are your own subdued reality show — so why not exploit the new branding and marketing rules for your own benefit? Why not be accurate, consistent, accessible and personable in every point of presence you “plunk” in?

The Medium is the Message

Brand marketers today know that everyone consumes content a little differently, so keep that in mind as you create content that supports you and your personal brand. Diversify the ripple with a variety of good stories about who you are and what you aspire to be and do — bring those stories to life across multiple media — written word, video, audio and/or visual imagery.

Make a difference and be a difference. Those who feel the ripples of warm, reassuring water passing them by will stop and take notice. That’s the bottom line lesson from this week’s TalentCulture community focus on “brand you.” Below are several other takeaways to consider, along with links to archives of the week’s activities.

1) Every Brand Tells a Networked Story

Each of us has a professional pathway, triumphant successes, and painful failures. All of these “brand you” elements are increasingly visible, and connected with others. Whether or not we proactively develop a personal brand strategy, our collective actions and associations reflect upon us, individually and in relation to our employers. And similarly, our employer’s brand reflects upon us. It’s a delicate symbiotic relationship.

2) There’s Nowhere to Hide

Assume everyone is watching, even if no cameras are in the room. Social media captures and exposes interactions. It blurs the lines of communication among job candidates, employees, customers, business partners, organizational leaders and recruiters. So, what are the issues and opportunities that come along with this fluid, open digital village?

3) Listen to Smart Brand Guidance

That’s why #TChat called-in brand management big guns to lead the way this week:

• Chris LaVoie — Creator and executive producer of “Top Recruiter, The Competition Miami”
• Rayanne Thorn — VP of communications and branding at EvenbaseUS, and a “Top Recruiter” judge

If you missed any of this week’s events – or if want to revisit insights anytime – just follow the links below…

#TChat Week-in-Review

SUN 2/24
In a Forbes.com post, TalentCulture CEO, Meghan M. Biro outlined the premise for this week’s focus on career strategy and branding: “5 Steps to Discovering the Brand You”

Listen to the #TChat Radio recording

MON 2/25
#TChat Weekly Preview laid out key questions for the community to consider: “Empower the Brand You”

TUE 2/26
#TChat Radio Show: Our hosts sat down with Chris LaVoie and Rayanne Thorn for an up-close and personal brands – and their role in the world of work

WED 2/27
#TChat Twitter: Rayanne returned to moderate our freewheeling #TChat Twitter forum, and we set the stream on fire! By the end of the hour, the #TChat hashtag was trending globally on Twitter – a sign of tremendous “signal” strength. But we care most about the quality of the conversation. What were people saying? And did others find it useful?

Participants included job-seekers, recruiters, consultants, writers, thought leaders, social media specialists, marketing professionals, and even a couple of CEOs. Now that’s proof of the relationship between individual brands and the world of work! And what were they talking so fast and furiously about?

To see highlights from yesterday’s #TChat Twitter forum, please watch the Storify slideshow below:
#TChat INSIGHTS Slide Show: “Empower the Brand You”
[javascript src=”//storify.com/TalentCulture/tchat-insights-empower-the-brand-you.js?template=slideshow”]

Closing Notes

THANKS: Again, thanks to Rayanne Thorn and Chris LaVoie for sharing your personal stories, aspirations, and professional expertise with the TalentCulture community this week. You bring context, dimension and personality to the concept of employer/employee branding.

NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events inspire you to write about career management or recruiting issues? We’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.

WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, we’re looking at the power of collaboration tools and techniques in helping diverse minds work together more effectively in today’s workplace. Save the date for #TChat Radio, Tuesday, March 5, at 7:30pm ET. And #TChat Twitter Wednesday, March 6, at 7pm ET. Look for more details next Monday via @TalentCulture and #TChat.

Until then – we’ll see you on the stream!

Image Credit: Pixabay

#TChat INSIGHTS: Empower the Brand You

Storified by TalentCulture World of Work· Wed, Feb 27 2013 17:37:25