Thinking Like a Brand And Amplifying Your Professional Persona

The trend of professionals who control their public narrative, engage with authenticity, and do so by creating a personal brand is seeing increasing rewards – both for them and the organisations they work for. Professor Jonathan A.J. Wilson’s Leqture explores how you can grow your reputation, network, and visibility, with inclusivity – in a collaborative way that amplifies and energises your good work, along with that of your organisation.

During the expert session, Jonathan A.J. Wilson engages the audience through methods like a Q&A session, live demonstrations using PowerPoint slides, and interactive exercises with the Mentimeter app. He discusses the importance of building a strong personal brand for professional success and reputation management. Wilson also introduces concepts such as coolness and authenticity in communication styles and provides tips for introverted individuals to build their online presence. The audience participates by asking questions and sharing experiences through the chat function or Mentimeter polls.

• Building a Unique Professional Identity: Establishing a clear and distinct professional persona on LinkedIn through regular profile maintenance, content creation, and effective interaction with others can increase visibility and memorability, helping you stand out in your field.
• Communication Styles and Neutrality: Understanding different communication styles and adopting neutral tone in various contexts can help de-escalate situations, maintain objectivity, and effectively reach a wider audience.
• Authenticity and Diversity: Expressing yourself genuinely on professional platforms and being open to alternative ways of thinking can lead to building trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, broadening your perspective and fostering personal growth.

In this expert session, Jonathan A.J. Wilson delves into the intricacies of perception and identity, using the analogy of brands in marketing as a framework for building personal brand and reputation. The speaker underscores the significance of being top of mind and easily recognizable, emphasizing that forgiveness for mistakes comes more readily to those who are memorably present.

Wilson also discusses the role of stakeholders – individuals or groups with power, legitimacy, and urgency – in shaping our reputation, as well as the influence of cultural differences on perception. In a digital age where communication occurs predominantly electronically, Wilson emphasizes the importance of adapting behavior to engage effectively with different personalities.

Moving onto the topic of online presence, Wilson encourages consistent engagement and interaction with others through content creation on LinkedIn. He advises owning one's domain name and accumulating assets to establish control over one's digital identity. The ultimate goal is to become a thought leader in your field by providing valuable insights and regularly contributing to the platform.

The session then shifts towards understanding coolness and authenticity in professional communication. Coolness, Wilson explains, originated as a coping mechanism for African-American Jazz musicians and servicemen during stressful situations, involving drawing from deep places while also protecting oneself. Authenticity, on the other hand, is defined as a genuine expression of oneself.

Wilson provides tips for introverted or shy individuals to begin building their online presence through text and collaborating with others on content creation. He encourages experimenting with various social media platforms and finding comfort in those that best resonate with you. Wilson advocates for open-mindedness towards diverse ways of thinking and understanding, emphasizing the importance of forming trusting relationships with individuals from different perspectives to broaden your worldview.

No other sessions available at this moment.