ME 2.0

On my last post, for the benefit of new subscribers, we made a step backward by reviewing web 2.0. On this issue, allow me to discuss  online reputation and responsible use of digital media.

In one fora, someone asked, “sir, what is an online reputation?”.  I  replied, “try typing your name in search engines [google, yahoo, bing] then analyze the results.

1. What is on the first page?
2. [assuming you own a blog or maintain different SNS accounts like Facebook & Twitter] Do you see your online accounts/profile?
3. Are others talking about you?
4. Can they find your career milestone?

You may repeat the exercise, this time do it inside a Social Networking Site where you maintain an account. i.e.,  Facebook, Multiply, Twitter, LinkedIn, Plurk.

We are in the age of digital media where distance and time  is no longer an issue when accessing information. When your potential client or employer, or even old classmates or friends, or long lost relative tried to locate you using web 2.0 applications, they will do what you just did and chances are, they may get similar results. Unless you don’t like what your current online reputation is [or lack of it] and would want to take action.

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Sonnie Protecting Your Brand, Responsible Blogging Blogging, Social Media

“I don’t have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen.” – Corazon Aquino

On the historic day of EDSA 1986,  I was a 17 year old idealistic young man, 1st year college and unhappy with the social injustices around me. And because I am not qualified yet to vote in the snap national election, I became one of the warm bodies who supported the uprising against the alleged dictator and supported Tita Cory’s presidency.

Unfortunately, the plight of ordinary Filipinos during her term and beyond has not changed.

Despite freeing the political prisoners, the political left was still unhappy and waged the urban war. The dreaded “sparrow unit” became popular during her term. Likewise, the “welgang bayan”during her time would result to public utility buses getting burned.

The political right was also unhappy. The series of coup during her time speaks for itself.

During her term, the government began giving up control of  important utilities like electricity, petrol, media, water and telecos. I will let history judge this act because these are matters of national interest. Fast forward to the present, we are a witness that the gov’t. seems to be helpless when these private entities decide to jack up prices.

During her term, farmers marching towards Malacanang were fired at resulting to several deaths.

Before the end of her term, she also lobbied for the extension of the US Military bases stay in the Philippines.

Add to the woes during her term were the series of national disasters– the Baguio earthquake, Ormok flood and the Pinatubo eruption.

At the end of her term, so is the “black out season”, brought about by the shutting down of BNP project, also commenced.

Despite of all of these, she is still the most respected post martial law President.

What  is Tita Cory’s Brand that kept her influence for more than 2 decades, even to the younger generation of Filipinos? What lesson’s in brand management can we learn from Tita Cory.

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   Sonnie Promotions, Protecting Your Brand Brand Management

Are you a brand or a commodity?

I came across an article at Inquirer.net written by Karen de Asis about commodities and brands. While it talks about products and services, I would like to explore how it can be applied in Personal Branding

Marketing a commodity is something temporary, after it reaches the intended market, it settles down. But marketing a brand is permanent. It looks beyond the immediate accomplishment, it strives to  to evolve and adopts the changes in the market.

Now how do we apply this to our personal brand?

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Sonnie Brand Management, Protecting Your Brand Employment, Promotions

Ohh well, the world can’t seem to get enough of Michael Jackson. the self proclaimed “king of pop”. Today, the world is watching at the memorial service of MJ at the Staple Center, California, as the world bade goodbye to the greatest pop artist to date.

Let’s blog for a while, the “brand” left by MJ.

The title “king of pop”,  as discussed in various entertainment shows, was “claimed” by MJ. Though it was not bestowed upon him,  nobody dared challenged him on this. The world agreed and his music and classic dance moves changed the standards of pop music from my generation and for more than 2 decades. Michael Jackson chose this brand, introduced it to the world and lived it!

But there’s another side of the MJ brand, he was also know as “Wacko Jacko”, this time the brand was bestowed to him by people.  Though this allegedly saddened Michael, his behavior off the stage earned him this moniker. His child molestation case, his obsession to change his image and remain young and his affinity to cosmetic surgery. His marriage and family life added to the perception battle of his brand. Long after MJ is gone, his professional image, as well as his personal life will always be talked or debated about.

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Sonnie Creating Your Brand, Protecting Your Brand Brand Management

Before Transformers 2, Revenge of the Fallen, hit the big screen on June 24, my son and I was able to watch the movie at IMAX theatre (SM Mall Of Asia).  The cars and jets transforming into robots fascinated me since I first watch the cartoons version in the 80’s.

Transformers, as we all know, were defined by two brands, the clash between  the “Autobots” the good rollling bots,  and the “Decepticons” the bad flying bots. Their brand is further enhanced by their symbols.

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Sonnie Creating Your Brand, Protecting Your Brand PR