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 We would like to pass on our thanks to all who attended "Managing Your Online Brand" co-hosted with Microsoft on Monday 26th September 2011. The topic proved extremely popular with the auditorium packed to full capacity. Special thanks go to Microsoft for kindly hosting the event with us, to our keynote speaker Judith Lewis and to our Q&A panellists Sue Black, Senior Research Associate, Software Systems Engineering group, UCL and Senior Consultant, Cornerstone Global Associates; Rebecca Hollis, Founder and CEO, Big Biscuits and Microsoft employees Bindi Karia, VC/Emerging Business Lead and Jane Lewis, Senior Premier Field Engineer.
The event was chaired by Maggie Berry, Managing Director at womenintechnology.co.uk.
Judith Lewis was our keynote speaker whose cheery and knowledgeable approach was both fun and engaging. Judith's presentation explained what reputation management was, how employers are researching and what you need to be aware of. She discussed the notion that social media, and where you appear in search results, have an influence on what people see and think of you, how to build and rectify an online reputation and also how to monitor what's being said about you.
Key points from the presentation and Q&A session included:
- Blog smart - e.g. don't share company 'secrets' unwittingly.
- Keep on top of your privacy settings.
- Have a consistent name / handle online - e.g. bindik (Panellist Bindi Karia's online persona).
- When considering what you want to achieve online, write down your goals and work backwards from there to identify what you need to do to meet those goals. The worst mistake to make is not to have a plan.
- Remember that you can't control what other people write or say about you online. However you can control the search results that display on search engines when you search for your name.
- We often adopt online personalities for work but these can be enhanced by occasionally showing something of your non-work self too.
- Use your personal brand to your advantage - e.g. connecting on Twitter prior to an event can help to make connections with bigger names when you meet them at an event.
- Be helpful - when you come across useful things, share them, 'pay it forward'. Don't just broadcast, you need to connect and listen to people.
- Social media is not the be all and end all when building an online brand but it is a large part of the portfolio. Your online brand must be backed up. It's hard to hide online and pretend to be something you're not. If you don't encompass the attributes, standards and talents that you portray online then you will ultimately fall.
- It's okay to 'wear' different hats online - e.g. programmer, professional speaker, voice-over artist.
- Always think carefully before you post that message or that picture or that comment. Is it appropriate, does it form part of the online brand and message you are trying to build? There is no going back!
- Take it slowly, feel your way in, watch how others behave and learn from them.
- Most importantly, be authentic.
Our keynote speaker Judith Lewis has made her presentation slides available. Please click here to download.
We continue to work with Microsoft who are committed to developing and retaining their female talent and if you are currently looking for an IT job, you can check out their live job vacancies here. |
