Many times, the hardest part of the competition is before it even starts. This is the same for athletics, academics, and the workplace – the key to success is to be focused, determined, and motivated to see the end of the tunnel. Presently, there is a lot of competition that is happening right now. Whether it is for certain positions at work or spots at conferences or athletic competitions – it is important to see where everyone is at. However, I have felt that the best competitor and critic should be yourself. Professionals who are internally charged in being the best that they can be and constantly evolving will prevail. Mashable had a very good post regarding this for consumer products and Apple, but it raises some great points about what you need to do as a professional.
meeting fellow on-line staff, faculty and administration at beautiful West Virginia University ... CLICK on this picture to see what we were up to!
In many ways, you are your own consumer brand and persona – and you have to constantly monitor what is going on in the business environment you are in (or athletic environment) as well as look at how other brands are implementing social media strategically to manage their persona with technology. There are some benefits with having this mindset, but there are also some challenges that you have to be aware of as well. By being determined to make yourself separate from the rest of the crowd, you will be putting a target on yourself. Keep your eye on the prize and be aware that you as a person, professional, and personal brand will continue to evolve and change with the technology and changing business environment. However, your values and personality characteristics need to be constant since they are the core of who you are as a person. In addition, we are viewed as consumer brands – whether you see yourself as an athlete for a sports team or even a researcher at an academic institution – you are representing the university, the school, and other individuals are investing in you. For researchers (ex. students, parents, alumni, donors and boosters, administrators, community leaders, etc) and athletes (ex. coaches, community residents, fans, students, boosters, media) have many different groups that want them to perform.
Hope you all are having a wonderful day.
Best Wishes,
Karen
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