Sociology

Personal branding is a representation of a process in which individuals together with their occupations are viewed as brands (Lair, Sullivan  Cheney 2005. Initially it was held that self-assist leadership techniques were geared towards improving an individual. On the other hand, personal branding is all about repackaging oneself (Lair, Sullivan  Cheney 2005). Though attributes like clothing, knowledge and general appearance play a significant role, the main aspect remains centred on individuality.

Self branding is also viewed in reference to the kind of choices that an individual makes. This view is used in regards to consumption of products. In this respect, people or consumers make choices with a view to matching certain brands with own self concepts.

The media as a medium of communication serves to aggravate the changes or choices made in reference to consumption (Arruda, 2007). The media holds much influence as it alters the perceptions of people regarding different brands. Through advertising, people get convinced and select the type of brands they use. However, I use the media in making the right choices.

The wider economic variables keep on shifting each passing day. What constitutes the present day economic challenges did not pass in the same way in the past (Arruda, 2007). To cite an example of economic changes that affect individual branding, one needs to look at the recent economic downturn. With events like down turns and other economic circles, uncertainty is bound to strike (Arruda, 2007).  The biggest problem with uncertainty is premised on the fact that it spreads a form of insecurity in relation to achievement of personal goals. It is thus in the interests of each individual to re-brand themselves in order to overcome the effects of economic shocks. This may be attained through the achievement of better qualifications, a feat that I have accomplished.

Culture is popularly viewed as a way of a peoples life(Schawbel, 2009). The way people live determines the manner in which individuals are nurtured. Simply put, a grown and fully developed individual reflects a good number of societal elements. If one is expected to be a breadwinner, then that person must repackage himherself in order to sufficiently soldier their roles. This is used to explain why several men especially in the African and the Asian continents strive to achieve success. Women do not pursue it with the same gusto as men (Schawbel, 2009). In this case, society has helped shape the way individuals brand themselves. However, technological developments especially in the media industry appear to have emerged as a big source of information. In this light, I am a well informed individual that stands to benefit any organisation. This is reflected in the kind of self achievement I seek.

Just as any other element, technology changes fast. Change in technology has led to a number of changes in the ways of life. Technology is credited with the development of mechanisms and designs that help make work easier. This generation can easily pass as a machine generation (Schawbel, 2009). This is supported by the fact that most aspects of life are executed by use of machines. An individual looks for ways of self actualisation. Changes in technology may threaten careers of other people as their jobs may be lost (Schawbel, 2009). In other cases technological changes may present opportunities for development (Schawbel, 2009). This will thus change the way individual brave themselves for life. Those threatened will find alternative s while those to benefit prepares for the opportunity by honing their skills. In reference to this, I have honed my skills through acquisition of more knowledge.