Virtual Environments: Is one life enough?

CLASS SUMMARY:

The reading for this class included an article in Forbes and Chris Brogan’s blog post on personal branding. We discussed the difference between corporate and personal branding and looked more closely at the latter. The importance of distinguishing between the professional and personal when it comes to our online presence was identified and this led to some consideration of the different expectations supported by different platforms. So, for example, LinkedIn is a specifically for professional promotion whereas Facebook is primarily personal, and twitter can be seen in either category.

The bio (or ‘about me’) piece you write is a very important element in establishing your ‘promise’, your possible value to a potential follower. It is a signal to those who may decide whether or not to follow you. But, your identity will really be formed by the content you add and that should reinforce your promise. Just as the corporate brand builds recognition by repetition and consistent delivery on its promise your personal brand will be shaped by your reliability also.

ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT CLASS:

1. Go: outside your established community/group (eg, this class group) in SL and make contact with at least two people relevant to your interests (artist, gallery owner, musician, shop manager, business owner, educator, builder, etc). Write about the experience in a post to your blog.
2. Decide: among your group what tools you will use for planning your project (how you will stay in touch and share information, etc.).
3. Write: the third post on your blog explaining your choice of communication tools and reflect on how the group arrived at the decision.
4. Read: this article from the Wall Street Journal that looks at what might happen when employees mix their ‘personal’ and ‘professional’ online identities. Your Employee is an Online Celebrity. Now What Do You Do? (accessed on 02/28/14)