As Britney says – “OOPS! I did it again!”
This time, it’s another project I’ve been working on for the past year.
Yes, I know what you are thinking. Is it a new book? Yes. However, it’s not just a new book I am announcing. It’s a new courseware program with a book and new simulation with Stukent on personal branding!
Let’s start from the beginning
You might be asking about how this all happened. Well, it’s easy! I’ve been connected with Stukent now for the past few years. I have been really impressed and grateful for all of the work they have done in working with educators over the years with their courseware – both in their simulations and books.
However, I had never worked with them on a project until now. Why? Well, for the past few years, I have been working on my social media books and PR books. Stukent throughout the years said to me: “Karen – I wish there was an area we could collaborate on!”
I felt the same way – and I started thinking about what I could do with Stukent that 1) I had not done yet and 2) that would be unique and valuable for students and educators.
One day – the answer was literally staring me in the face. I realized when I was preparing for my latest ProfCon conference last year, it was all about personal branding. In fact, all of the work I had done with Stukent for their conferences and digital events was on personal branding.
So – that is what I pitched in my note to Stukent. Let’s create a partnership around personal branding. But I proposed not just a book, but a personal branding simulation. This had not been done before.
What to expect from the book
The book is for anyone who wants to get a blueprint of what it takes to create a brand, build one, and look at the potential obstacles that comes with personal branding. The book comes with a test bank, assignments, lecture slides, and of course the new personal branding simulation.
This was really a team effort from start to finish. I had a chance to work with Stukent and their team across the board with the chapters, ideas for the simulation, and even the cover. When we are covering personal branding – it is all about making sure you have all of the pieces needed to have a solid presence that is unique, authentic, and impactful in the field. It’s all about being creative and strategic – as well as knowing when to execute these approaches at the right time, right channel with the right audience to reap the biggest benefits for your personal brand. Essentially, that’s where the blueprint idea came from.
Plus, whenever I think of blueprints – the first thing that comes to mind is LEGO’s. Why? They are building blocks that spark creativity amongst their consumers, but you have to have a plan in order to create the biggest impact.
With the courseware and book being launched soon, I am also really excited about the integration of the simulation called Mimic Personal Branding because it will allow the student to do two things:
- First, they are in the role of consulting someone else about their personal brand. Why is this important to have as a key skill? Because this is a trend we are seeing in the industry where employee branding and personal branding for companies is one of the fastest growing areas for consulting out there. Also, students may want to help their fellow classmates who are athletes with their personal brands with the NIL coming out.
- Second, the simulation will provide students with activities that will help them apply what they are learning with their own personal brand – which is the complete circle for personal branding. There really has not been a simulation that has really done this, so that’s exciting!
I will be covering more in detail about the book and the simulation for personal branding in a webinar in December. Stay tuned for more announcements!
In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions and I would be more than happy to answer them!
I am really excited about this new project and working with Stukent in helping students in the area of personal branding.
Hope all is well and have a great day.
Best Wishes,
