Choosing a word for the year 2012 was a difficult task, but it allowed me to lay focus to different goals that I have set for myself.  Some of the words that did cross my mind were “Focus” and “Lead” and those two really suit me well, but I found a word that fits me even more. “Brand” a word that stuck out to me for the year 2012.

The American Marketing Association defines the word Brand as a “Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller’s good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.”

Brand is the word that I selected for the new year. I chose this because I thought about some of the goals that I have set for myself, both short and long term.  I noticed that in order to make a good impression in the business world  you have to market yourself appropriately which also means branding yourself.  I was able to evaluate myself and work on my overall brand. I thought about past experiences and the things that really make me who I am.  I figured that I have started to make a name for myself but it is not quite where I want it to be.  Branding myself will give me the capabilities of getting out into the world and introducing myself to different people and learning different.  One of the biggest goals that I have set for myself is to focus on the detail of things.  Sometimes we look at something and see the big picture but don’t take the time to look at what makes the picture work.  Minor details can make or break an event, idea or even a proposal.  One question I have asked myself is, “How can I not only make this experience better, but how can it make me better as well?” I have realized that sometime failure is the best success.  What I mean is because you have failed numerous times at one task it has made you realize how to pay attention to every aspect of the job and succeed, and doing it without giving up.

I understand that branding myself will come as a challenge, but it is one that I am ready to take.  We all travel this long road called life, but it depends on you to decide your destination.  Branding with social media is one thing that I am already starting to implement.  Using social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, WordPress, and LinkedIn are all ways to improve my marketability.  Twitter and Facebook are two big sites that can make or break anyone just by the things that are posted on the site.  That is why in college it is very important to pay attention to the things that are said or posted on your accounts.  LinkedIn is a great social media site to use to brand yourself; LinkedIn is a professional network that allows you to connect to individuals that are in your profession or that have attended the same educational venue that you received your education from.  The key is to keep your LinkedIn profile updated and make sure to join groups that are in your  field of study.  Wordpress is a new site that I am using which allows me to express thoughts through words.  Having a blog is an important tool in the branding and it also helps in developing writing and thinking skills.

I thought long and hard for other reason why the word brand would be the best fit for 2012 and I realize that, we brand ourselves everyday rather we like it or not just by the things we do.  So choosing the word brand is a way for me to work on myself and make myself a better person than I was in 2011.  In a business the key is to build brand equity, which is making your product known to the customers and consumers to deliver. That is my goal, to let people know that when I am called on for a job I will deliver and that I will give 100% effort in what I am doing.  We have to remember that perception is reality and once a person states that you are not a hard worker and can’t get things done, people will believe what is being said and might not put the same amount of trust in you.  I want to a go-to person, someone who will give you the results that you are looking for.

Brand not just the word for 2012 but for life.