Personal Branding - I LOVE IT!

Personal Branding: Developing Brand YU.0 (2.0)

View more documents from Hajj Flemings.

LinkedIn for Networking and Knowledge

A few years ago one of my former co-workers sent me an invite to join her LinkedIn network. I skeptically accepted the invitation. I am not a big fan of social networking sites such as Myspace or the other one that I cant think of the name right now...that's another topic for a different blog. Anyway, I joined, filled out my profile and then sent some invites to some people that I knew. Before I knew it I had a modest size network of friends, college buddies, coworkers and former coworkers. It was interesting to watch as others built their networks and the types of professions that were within their networks. I then discovered LinkedIn groups and was definitely hooked. I have learned so much from the people and resources that are in those groups. As a result, I find myself using LinkedIn as one of my main self development tools.... Thanks Nakiesha.

Great Resource

I discovered this via one of my groups on LinkedIn. This is a great resource on the latest thats going on with k-20 education. On top of that, the subscription to the hard copy of the magazine is free. Check it out.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/

Self Development Strategy

My strategy for self development is simple; set aside an hour a day to develop. This development includes a variety of resources, which I select from depending on the mood.

Blogs – The Gig http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/category/the-gig/, Kapp Notes http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/

LinkedIn Group Discussions – Instructional Design Professionals group (IDP), Learning, Education and Training Professionals Group, UVA, VCU, and Former MCI and CSC Employees groups


Certification Study – I am studying for a PMP certification

Networking – Former co-workers, Linked In group members, former classmates

Professional Magazines and Journals – Training Magazine, E-SchoolNews, elearn Magazine

Professional Organizations – ASTD, E-learning Guild

Webinars – Pod Casting, Virtual Training Worlds

Doctoral Program research – Researching doctoral programs

Software Refreshers – Practice using different software programs that are used in instructional design

Writers Block

It’s been a while since I have blogged. I believe I’ve had the worst case of writer’s block that I have ever had in my life. Between the pressures of work and home, I couldn’t even come up with topics to write about. Nevertheless, in my quest to get out of this writer’s funk, I’ve decided to at least report on what I have been reading and thinking about. Here’s what’s been going through my mind professionally lately:

• The professional differences of Gen X-ers and Gen-Yers
• Multimedia software programs – what’s the best development tool
• Government contracting – trends, tools, strategies
• Strategies to improve professional motivation and inspiration
• Starting a non-profit for teenagers – manners, etiquette, chivalry, etc
• K-12 Public education – Trends

Check Your University

During these hard economic times many of us have been touched or know people who have experienced layoffs. I personally know several. I was reminded today of a job hunting resource that is invaluable....your university. I received a reminder of this as I checked postings in one of my universty groups I belong to on a career networking site. There were numerous postings concerning positions posted with the university's career services. Curiousity got the best of me and I looked at them. Not only were there position postings, there were also various articles, career tools and counseling opportunities. When giving advice to people who have experienced job loss, dont forget this valuable resource.

2009 ...On a Mission!

This year I have been reading a lot about the following strategies and methodologies currently used to enhance learning.

Mobile Learning

Gaming for the teaching of facts and concepts

Virtual Learning environments

For 2009 I am still focusing on self development. These are the areas that I want to continue to delve into. All are fascinating. Some are old hat, just repackaged in a 21st century way...gaming has been around forever. However, corporate America and the government are now starting to embrace it. Karl Kapp does a wonderful job addressing effective learning techniques to use with gaming. Additionally, last year there was a fantastic workshop at the ASTD conference on Virtual Learning using Second Life (Where are my SLers?? raise your arm...your whole arm, lol).

I especially would like to explore mobile learning more. I just recently discovered that there were training videos on Youtube.com that can be viewed on your mobile device...duhhhh (Ok, I had a ditz moment with that one). My son and I actually learned how to change a front headlight on a car. It was a comical scene; me, him, the car, the headlight, and my Blackberry. Surprisingly, I think it is actually training that will stick with us. I don't know why I didn't realize that earlier... Nevertheless, I am sure there has been research of how to effectively train using mobile devices. In fact I am 100% sure of it.

Anyway, this is 2009's mission. So expect to see more information about these trends.

Good Times...Good Times

I once worked at a place where employees in our group had such a good time at work that it really didn't seem like work at all. Now mind you all team goals were achieved, all deadlines met, and all clients were ecstatic. However, the work culture and chemistry of our group created a dynamic environment where we all were happy to do our jobs.

• Teams were not micromanaged
• Self development was embraced
• Individuals set their own work schedules within a set of core hours
• Time lines were realistic
• Creativity and new ideas were embraced

Even if we disagreed with one another, there was a willingness to listen. We all knew that in the end the quality of the work was what mattered. Sadly, once our government project was delivered most of the group's employees were moved to new projects, moved to new companies, or fell to the downsizing axe that is so prevalent these days. However, the picture is reminiscent of the good times.