CHRISTOPHER C. NWACHUKWU PERSONAL BRANDING, INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM.pptx

For better or worse, in today’s world everyone is a brand. Whether you’re applying for a job, asking for a promotion, or creating a social media profile, your success will depend on getting others to recognize your value. So, you need to get comfortable marketing yourself.

“The problem human beings face is not that we aim too high and fail, but that we aim too low and succeed.” – Michelangelo

1. PERSONAL BRANDING, INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM; AND SKIT-MAKING. BY CHRISTOPHER C. NWACHUKWU [email protected] FOR 2024 COMMUNICATION WEEK FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES, MADONNA UNIVERSITY NIGERIA, OKIJA ANAMBRA STATE. MAY 17,2024.

2. INTRODUCTION For better or worse, in today’s world everyone is a brand. Whether you’re applying for a job, asking for a promotion, or creating a social media profile, your success will depend on getting others to recognize your value. So, you need to get comfortable marketing yourself. In today's world, everyone is a brand, and developing and marketing your personal brand is crucial for professional and personal success.

3. INTRODUCTION CONT’D Canadian scholar, Marshall McLuhan in 1964 predicted the global village, one world interconnected by an electronic nervous system. As of January 2023, Nigeria had 31.6 million active social media users (Statista,2023). WhatsApp is the most popular platform used in the country, with close to 95 percent of users. Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram followed as the   most used social media   platforms in Nigeria.

4. Marshall McLuhan

5. INTRODUCTION CONT’D Personal branding is a strategic practice to define and express your value proposition, significantly expanded by online search and social media. As Jeff Bezos states, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room,” reflecting the collective perceptions about you. Your goal is to ensure this narrative is accurate, compelling, and unique. A strong personal brand enhances visibility, expands your network, and attracts new opportunities. It also helps you uncover and share your unique abilities.

6. INFORMATION SUPER-HIGH-WAY SOCIETY In today's digitally connected world, the rise of social media has transformed the way people consume and interact with news content (Newman et al., 2020). Social media platforms, such as Twitter now known as X, Facebook, Tiktok and Instagram, have become popular channels for individuals to express their opinions, share news stories, and engage in discussions. Concurrently, traditional media outlets, including television news channels, are facing significant challenges as they strive to maintain their credibility and relevance in the digital age (Johnson & Kaye, 2018).

7. ACTIVITY

8. DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS Personal Branding This is the intentional and strategic practice of creating a unique identity for yourself that highlights your skills, values, and experiences. It involves managing how you present yourself to the world, ensuring that your personal and professional image aligns with your goals and aspirations​​​​.   Independent Journalism Also called independent media, refers to any news media that is free from influence by the government or other external sources like corporations or influential people. This includes television, newspapers, radio and online journalism.

9. DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS CONT’D It means that journalists feel no pressure to shape or sanitize their reporting, even if it may negatively portray the government or other power entities, even the owner of the news outlet or other individuals.

10. DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS CONT’D Skit Making Skit-making involves creating short, often humorous videos that convey messages or entertain. These skits are usually shared on social media platforms and can go viral, reaching large audiences quickly​​. SABINUS

11. QUOTE “ The problem human beings face is not that we aim too high and fail, but that we aim too low and succeed.” – Michelangelo

12. BUILDING YOUR BRAND T he personal branding process takes work. But we know from research and experience that it will allow you to better control your professional and personal image and thus the success and impact that you can have in the world. Lets look at a seven-step process that can help in personal branding

13. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D Define your purpose: First you need a long-term vision and mission. What difference would you like to make to the various audiences that are important to you, personally and professionally, and what values would you like to embody as you do so?

14. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D 2. Audit your personal brand equity: You need to identify and analyze the brand you are today so that you can fruitfully build on or shift it to stay true to your personal proposition. Think about the raw material you have to work with, including awareness (what people know about you), associations (their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes about you), and meaning (the stories they know and talk about you).

15. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D 3. Construct your personal narrative: A brand is not just a jumble of descriptors floating in the minds of other people; it’s built on the meaningful stories that you’ve communicated and that your audience has processed. You need to identify, craft, and refine the narratives that will communicate your brand. Think about times when you have felt most authentic, alive, positive, and productive; when you have stood out from others; when your uniqueness made the difference between success and failure; and when you’ve fully embodied the brand you want to have.

16. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D Note: Your personal value proposition becomes more memorable, resonant, accessible, and persuasive when you convey it with stories. Example, saying where you are from.

17. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D 4. Embody your brand: Each social interaction can move your personal brand closer to or further from your ideal. In casual conversations, at parties, in job interviews, people are forming opinions about you whether you like it or not, and consciously or subconsciously, you’re advertising yourself. It’s therefore important to be aware of the messages you’re sending. Example, Consider how you answer a simple question like “How are you?” to a course mate/colleague.

18. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D 5. Communicate your brand story: The next step is to create a “media plan” that specifies the channels through which you’ll formally convey your brand to others. Contemplate how you can use owned, earned, and paid media to spread your stories. As in product or service marketing, the goal is to increase discoverability, awareness, and understanding with your audiences. That might feel uncomfortable at first.

19. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D Owned media include social media, professional and personal websites, and the organic audiences generated by any content you produce, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, books, speeches, and articles in publications. Earned media include mentions in the public press; recommendations and ratings of your work on LinkedIn and other platforms; retweets, likes, and comments on your social content; and the introductions, referrals, and references that others provide for you. Paid media include all the ways you increase your exposure by paying others to help you, such as hiring executive search consultants, who can present your personal brand to potential employers; signing on with speakers’ bureaus or agents, who can identify audiences ready to hear your stories at conferences; buying ads on social media to promote your content; paying influencers to market you and your work; and pay-to-play speaking engagements or publication opportunities.

20. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D 6. Socialize your brand: Personal branding isn’t an individual exercise; you need other people to share your stories, thereby enhancing your credibility and helping you reach new audiences. So carefully identify which gatekeepers, influencers, promoters, and communities you might enlist to assist you on your journey. Gatekeepers are people who hold the keys to your success and without whom you’ll find it difficult to fulfil your mission.

21. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D 7. Reevaluate and adjust your brand: Personal branding is an ongoing process. So, you will need to regularly assess how your value proposition and narratives fit into your current professional and personal context and how they’re being received, and then tweak them accordingly.

22. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D Future Prospects: Building a strong personal brand can help you stand out in a crowded job market. It can make you a thought leader in your field, attract opportunities that align with your goals, and increase your visibility and credibility. By consistently showcasing your expertise and values, you can build a network of followers and supporters who trust and engage with your work​​.

23. BUILDING YOUR BRAND CONT’D Relevance in Nigeria: In Nigeria, personal branding is increasingly important, especially in our digital age where social media presence can significantly influence public perception. Successful personal branding can open doors to job opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. Prominent figures like Tony Elumelu, with his focus on entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, known for her literary prowess and advocacy for gender equality, have cultivated strong personal brands that resonate globally​​.

24. ACTIVITY What brand would you like to create?

25. INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM Independent journalism allows unvarnished facts to be shared with the public so that it may use the information to help them decide on important issues, like which politicians or policies to support or which companies are acting ethically and thus deserve their business. Independent journalism is an essential part of democracy.

26. INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM Relevance in Nigeria: In Nigeria, independent journalism is crucial for maintaining democracy and transparency. With the rise of digital media, independent journalists have more platforms to share stories that might not be covered by mainstream media. Websites like Sahara Reporters and platforms like Twitter have become vital tools for independent journalists in Nigeria​​.

27. INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM CONT’D Challenges Threats and Intimidation: Independent journalists in Nigeria often face threats and intimidation from powerful entities who may not want certain stories published. Funding: Securing funding can be challenging for independent journalists, who may not have the backing of large media houses. Access to Information: Gaining access to reliable information and sources can be difficult, especially in regions with restricted press freedom​​.

28. INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM CONT’D Future Prospects: The future of independent journalism in Nigeria lies in leveraging digital tools and platforms to reach wider audiences. By focusing on investigative journalism and storytelling, independent journalists can hold those in power accountable and provide a voice for the voiceless. This career path, though challenging, is rewarding and essential for societal progress​​. Examples of recent Independent/Investigative Journalists in Nigeria FISAYO FOSUDO DAVID HUNDEYIN

29. SKIT-MAKING Definition We stated earlier that skit-making involves creating short, often humorous videos that convey messages or entertain. These skits are usually shared on social media platforms and can go viral, reaching large audiences quickly​​.

30. SKIT-MAKING CONT’D Relevance in Nigeria: In recent years, skit-making has become a popular form of entertainment in Nigeria. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have given rise to numerous Nigerian skit-makers who have gained substantial followings. Skit-makers like Broda Shaggi and Maraji have turned their craft into lucrative careers, using humor to address social issues and entertain audiences​​.

31. BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL SKIT-MAKING CAREER Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific theme or style that sets you apart from others. This could be comedy, social commentary, or educational content. Quality Content: Ensure your videos are well-produced and engaging. High-quality content is more likely to be shared and go viral.

32. BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL SKIT-MAKING CAREER CONT’D Consistency: Regularly upload new content to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers. Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your viewers through comments, social media messages, and live sessions. Building a loyal and engaged community is crucial for long-term success. Collaborate with Others: Work with other skit-makers, influencers, or brands to expand your reach and gain new followers. Collaborative efforts can bring fresh ideas and increase your visibility.

33. BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL SKIT-MAKING CAREER CONT’D Future Prospects: The future of skit-making in Nigeria is bright. As internet penetration continues to grow, so does the potential audience for digital content. Skit-makers can monetize their content through ads, sponsorships, and collaborations. Additionally, skit-making can be a powerful tool for social commentary, allowing creators to influence public opinion and spark conversations on important issues​​​​.

34. QUESTIONS

35. CONCLUSION: Personal branding, independent journalism, and skit-making are three dynamic fields that offer immense opportunities. By understanding and leveraging these concepts, you can carve out successful and impactful careers. Embrace the power of your personal brand, commit to the integrity of independent journalism, and explore the creative potential of skit-making. Your journey begins now, and the possibilities are limitless.