Personal Experience of Determination and Marketing in Business

Throughout the duration of this course, I have had the opportunity to engage in various experiences that have significantly impacted my personal and professional growth. These experiences have allowed me to refine my personal brand identity and have broadened my perspective on ambition, mission, key roles, and personal branding, as identified by Rampersad. In this business experience essay, I will discuss the evolution of my personal brand, the impact of readings on my outlook, and the transformative experiences I encountered during this course.

A Reflection on Marketing Experience

Evolution of Personal Brand

One of the most significant takeaways from this course has been the evolution of my personal brand. Initially, I viewed personal ambition as synonymous with financial success. However, as I delved deeper into the course materials, I realized that financial stability alone does not equate to fulfillment. Rampersad's emphasis on understanding personal values and beliefs resonated with me. It became evident that my personal brand should focus on aspects such as family, mental health, and physical well-being. These elements contribute to a holistic and attainable vision of success.

Additionally, my perception of key roles shifted from being solely a student to encompassing roles such as a boyfriend, son, brother, and contractor. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of my identity allowed me to craft a more comprehensive personal brand statement that aligned with my values and responsibilities.

Impact of Readings on Personal Branding

Two specific readings profoundly influenced my understanding of personal branding. Rampersad's exploration of personal ambition and branding highlighted the importance of aligning one's actions with personal values. The concept of making time for self-improvement and assisting others resonated with me. It underscored the idea that individual growth is intrinsically linked to societal progress. This perspective on personal branding shifted my focus from self-centered ambitions to actions that contribute positively to society.

Moreover, Heath & Heath's "Made to Stick" emphasized the importance of simplicity and clarity in conveying one's brand message. This reading encouraged me to refine my personal brand statement, ensuring that it effectively communicates my core values of family, values, and commitment. Understanding the significance of clear communication has enabled me to convey my personal brand concisely and effectively.

Transformative Experiences

Two activities during this course had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth: the individual pitch project and the group pitch project. The individual pitch project allowed me to explore my creativity and develop persuasive communication skills. Winning the individual pitch instilled confidence in my ability to effectively convey ideas and products.

During the group pitch project, I assumed a leadership role and delegated tasks to team members. Collaborating with my teammates to refine our pitch provided valuable insights into the pitching process and our competitive positioning. While we did not win the competition, the experience enhanced my leadership and teamwork abilities.

Application of Learnings

As I embark on my professional journey, I intend to apply the lessons learned during this course. When interviewing for jobs, I will emphasize my personal brand by dressing professionally and effectively conveying how I can add value to a company. I recognize that interviews are opportunities to pitch myself as a valuable asset.

Furthermore, I will incorporate the principles of clear communication and simplicity in conveying my brand message during interviews and professional interactions. By consistently articulating my core values, experiences, and skills, I aim to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Throughout the course, I have identified strengths and areas for improvement in my communication and leadership skills. As an ISTJ, my leadership style tends to be reserved, and I prefer written communication. I excel in organization and punctuality, which are valuable assets in a professional setting.

To further enhance my leadership skills, I plan to focus on delegating tasks and improving my public speaking abilities. While I excel in one-on-one communication, addressing larger audiences can be challenging. Winning the pitch competition boosted my confidence in public speaking, and I intend to continue honing this skill.

Future Professional Development

In my pursuit of professional development, I will prioritize the following areas:

1. Practice and Preparation: I will allocate time for extensive practice before significant presentations or interviews to ensure clarity and confidence in communication.
2. Delegation: I will continue to refine my ability to delegate tasks effectively, recognizing the benefits of teamwork and efficient collaboration.
3. Active Leadership: I will actively seek leadership opportunities and take on leadership roles when appropriate, ensuring that projects remain on track and productive.

As the multimedia manager at the Rollins newspaper, The Sandspur, I will apply these learnings to my role, fostering a more efficient and collaborative team environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this course has provided invaluable experiences that have shaped my personal brand and professional growth. Through the evolution of my personal brand, insights from readings, transformative experiences, and plans for application and improvement, I am better equipped to navigate my professional journey with confidence and purpose.

References

1. Rampersad, H. K. (2008). A new blueprint for engaging people. Industrial and Commercial Training, 40(1), 33-39.
2. Heath, C., & Heath, D. (2007). Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. Random House.
3. Guffey, M. E., & Almonte, R. (2015). Essentials of Business Communication. Cengage Learning.
4. Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
5. Riordan, C. M., & Vandenberg, R. J. (1994). A central question in cross-cultural research: Do employees of different cultures interpret work-related measures in an equivalent manner? Journal of Management, 20(3), 643-671.
6. Grant, A. M., & Ashford, S. J. (2008). The dynamics of proactivity at work. Research in Organizational Behavior, 28, 3-34.
7. Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (8th ed.). Pearson.