The Importance of Protecting Your Brand

You Are Judged by What You Do

Recently, I was reflecting on some of my most interesting workshop experiences, and one quickly came to mind: our unique workshop for the UC Davis, Graduate School of Management. It was an exciting workshop for me because I had to create much of it from scratch. The coordinator wanted bits and pieces of some of my standard workshops, such as “Dressing to Succeed” and “Branding and Protecting Your Brand,” but she wanted them all tweaked. Plus, I created a workbook to accompany all of it. It was an enjoyable challenge.

However, I couldn’t help but reflect upon a reality during the delivery of the workshop. Even though our young people are of the Internet generation, very few realize the power of Internet exposure. Fascinating.

Each workshop typically contains a multi-layered communication skills component. I also teach that everything we do matters and affects others, either in a positive or negative manner, most of which is through our communication skills.

Through our online portal, we can communicate with a vast audience. Knowing this, we would want this communication to be as flattering to our image (brand) as possible. This seems logical and self-evident but didn’t seem overly important to many of the young people I encountered. As one who frets about the success and happiness of others, this concerned me.

Consequently, please remember that everything you post on the Internet is public. Every. Single. Thing. Even your comments on articles are public and can be traced to you. No one is anonymous. Everything you write and post reflects who you are. So, decide how you want to be viewed and make sure your posts reflect that goal.

More by Rebecca

Time to Polish Our Professional Presence

Public vs Private Profile: How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image

How To Keep Your Current Job, While Preparing for the Next

Comments

When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors

Dear Rebecca, I've read your comments regarding office gift -giving online. What guidelines apply when gifts are to a departing supervisor? When the departure also causes the termination of others on the supervisor's team, should they also receive gifts? Thanks, Michael Dear Michael , Good question. It is always optional to give gifts , especially in the workplace. So, there is no firm 'guidelines' about giving to departing supervisors. However, if it’s customary to give gifts to those who depart in your workplace, then everyone who is leaving should receive one. It would be expected. The gifts shouldn't be expensive and could be a farewell lunch or office party with a cake and beverages. Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function Interview: business meals & ...

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Stealing Lunches, Burning Microwave Popcorn, Hogging the Fridge...Oh My! At work, the lunch or breakroom is often a place to mingle or hide out during breaks. Sometimes, though, it can be a place of crime. Crime in the workplace? Oh yes. As an etiquette consultant, one of the most common workplace complaints I hear concerns the lunch thief. Thievery isn't the only breakroom complaint, however. Therefore, I've developed a few tools to deal with this diverse group of breakroom irritants and offenders. What causes some employees to exhibit such poor behavior? When frustrated with coworkers, many will come to me with their workplace stories and questions. The first question is usually about why their coworkers would steal their lunch or warm smelly fish in the microwave. The answer is simple: Most forget that the workplace is a shared space, so they become too comfortable and forget to use their best manners. ...

Is a bottle of liquor a good holiday gift for a boss?

Dear Rebecca , Is a bottle of liquor a good holiday gift for a boss? Sincerely, Liquor in the workplace. Dear Liquor in the Workplace, Most places of business frown on alcohol. Your gift may be viewed in negatively. Plus, it could appear as apple polishing. If you are remarkably close to your boss, you could give him/her something a bit less questionable, like homemade cookies . Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How to Dress for Business Cruise? When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors Should I bring a hostess gift?

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