First impressions make lasting impressions. That is certainly true of the image you project via social media channels such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter—where colleagues, partners, bosses and clients head to check you out online.
No matter your professional or personal path, it makes good business sense to take control of your online image. Recently, more than 35 College of Business Administration alumni, students, faculty and staff took positive steps in that direction by attending a special “You: the Online Brand” presentation hosted by the Business Alumni Chapter (BAC).
Held on the main Florida International University (FIU) campus, the evening event featured Michelle Villalobos, entrepreneur, trainer and consultant, who delivered an innovative session on self-marketing and promotion strategies to help individuals learn how to own their online reputation.
According to Michelle R. Joubert (MBA ’10), assistant director, advancement, alumni and corporate relations, Villalobos offered solid, actionable steps using the no-cost and low-cost tools available to help even social networking novices manage their online persona successfully.
“We are the CEOs of our own image.”
Tailored for this event, Villalobos’ presentation provided a short list of simple tips to get people started. These ranged from setting Google alerts and establishing key words to blogging regularly and developing email marketing campaigns.
Omar F. Cordero (BBA ’06), who sits on the BAC board of directors, believes self-branding is essential to career advancement.
“The need to establish a unique web presence is a must if you intend to be influential in any way, either in or out of the virtual world,” Cordero said. “Regardless of our age, position or business, we all need to understand the importance of online branding. We are the CEOs of our own image.”
