Personal branding is much like starting your own business. That business is you. The way that you present yourself to the world is all a part of personal branding. This is one of the best sites I have found explaining personal branding. There is an amazing slideshow breaking it down in an easy to follow format. Career paths are changing. The way our parents worked no longer seem to be working. 

When branding yourself using social media I suggest starting with the four most basic social media tools. I have included some links to help get you started!

-Blogging: Blogging gives you a platform to show the world what you have to offer. It is a place for you to start conversations on your favorite topics and interests. Whether it be parenting, business, social media, or just a rambling of event in your life.

-Twitter: Twitter is a great way to become a part of the community of bloggers. There are people from all areas of expertise on Twitter. Many are leaders in their industry looking to start a conversation. Do you know how few people use twitter a career building tool? Take advantage! 

-Linked-In: I think of Linked-In as an online resume. A place to showcase all of the work experience and education you have received. Linked-In is a great way to search for people in your industry! 

-Facebook: Facebook is still confusing to many social media experts. It is very much like a high school reunion. Finding a way to stay professional while showing the world your personality is hard. It can be done!

The next step should be obvious, find a job! There are many resources to help find jobs online:

-Post your resume at Urban Interns

-Sign up at Guru

-Check out out this job listing site

My last suggestion is to find people in your industry. Pay attention to how they are branding themselves. Follow their footsteps!

Some of my favorite corporate bloggers:

Public Relations:
Stephanie Smirnov
PR Sarah Evans 

Marketing:
Seth Godin 

Advertising:
Adver Girl 

I have heard professors warning students about the use of their facebook accounts. My own family members have warned me about employers searching your facebook before hiring you. There has been constant talk about how a few drunken picture strewn across the web could ruin your careers.  I am sure young people have lost job opportunities thanks to a few pictures that were carelessly tagged. Still, why are we not teaching young people how to take advantage of social media? How to present themselves on facebook to help them advance their career? Why are we not teaching college graduates the uses of Twitter to create a brand for yourself? Teaching the younger generations about creating content for a blog. All of  these tools should be a part of the college curriculum. Yet it is not. Social media is still so new and many college professors have yet to work with it. So how are we going to pass this information on to our youth in a positive and educational way?