Along with academic advising of students and parents at the UNHS, I enjoy shopping and comparing products and services in stores and online. Of course, it is exciting when I have found the best price, but I also make sure to look at the merchandise or service carefully. The hangtag always grabs my attention, because it usually conveys the price, the designer or manufacturer of the product and much more important information needed to make your buying decision.
So how do you convey to someone why they should “buy” into what you are saying? I personally think we each have an invisible hangtag that explains our professional branding image to each person we meet. I personally want my hangtag to tell others that I am a hard worker and that I care about my students. Everyone’s hangtags are different—we all have unique styles and brand images that separate us from others.
Even though we cannot all wear a physical hangtag, we can all take steps to make sure we are communicating to others our positive and professional brand image, one that stands out from the others.
How to live your hangtag:
- Actively think about how you want others to see you.
- Be true to yourself.
- Separate your professional life and personal opinions.
- Learn from your coworkers or colleagues.
- Surround yourself with those who can help you grow.
- Talk positively.
- Ask for constructive feedback and make changes accordingly.
- Be respectful.
- Have great online etiquette.
What would your hangtag say?
The Independent Learner 