Leadership Language: Finding Your Professional Voice [National Assembly Recap]
Event: Leadership Language: Finding Your Professional Voice
Presenters: Don K. Egle, MBA, APR, ABC, PRSSA National Professional Adviser, vice president for marketing and communications and chief marketing officer, LeTourneau University
Kelly Davis, APR, public relations director, Riggs Partners
Emma Finkbeiner, PRSSA 2015–2016 National Publications Editor in Chief
Nolan Miles, PRSSA 2015–2016 National vice president of public relations
Recap: What is a personal brand?
While the definition of a personal brand can be as unique to the individual as their actual brand, Don Egle defined a personal brand as “a promise that you keep.”
Egle said students should ask themselves two questions: What promise are you making? And how can you keep that promise? Egle said that finding your personal brand is just as important as your professional brand. If you succeed in your personal brand, you’ll succeed professionally as well. Living a life of integrity, sincerity and character is the way to succeed in your personal brand.
Kelly Davis also offered her advice on building a personal brand. She said to be mindful and smart when applying for jobs. Be sure that the company culture fits you and your personal brand. She encouraged session attendees to ask themselves two questions before applying for jobs: Where do you fit into that culture? What can you bring to the table?
“Branding isn’t just about getting your first job. It’s about getting your second, your third and so on,” Davis said.
Takeaways:
- Don’t lose your personal voice when working for a company. Translate your voice to match your company’s voice.
- What you present on social media can reward you or haunt you, so be mindful of what you post.
- Your personal brand begins at the first handshake and includes your social media even if it is private.
- Your professional brand and personal brand should be one in the same.
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Krista Watson is a sophomore at Loyola University Chicago and the public relations chair for the Loyola PRSSA Chapter. Follow her on Twitter @watson_krista or connect on LinkedIn.
