Vicsport Professionals Network (VPN) Members enjoyed an evening with special guests Andrew Ford, David Lowden and Bianca Chatfield providing advice and their personal experiences in the Build Your Personal Brand session held on 28 October at the La Trobe University City Campus.
With experience leading digital marketing strategies for worldwide organisations and advising high profile celebrities and senior executives on their personal brand, Andrew Ford was well versed on the topic of personal brand. Andrew explained the concept of People Marketing and believed that a positive personal brand is the best branding for business – Steve Jobs and Sir Richard Branson being key examples.
David Lowden’s positions from Television Reporter to Executive Producer for a current affairs program and current role as Senior Lecturer (Communications and Media) at La Trobe University provided practical examples of how the media influences the personal brand of athletes and coaches and how these themes relate to VPN members. A key message from David’s presentation was that your personal brand can undergo a transformation – however it takes time and effort.
As a Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and World Champion with the Australian Netball Diamonds, Bianca Chatfield is in the public spotlight. During the session, Bianca provided insights into her experience as an individual in a team environment and the impact team messaging has on defining your personal brand. Bianca’s advice resonated with the VPN attendees – You don’t get to decide what people think of you – but you can control the messaging that you send out.
Andrea Mansfield was the major lucky door prize winner, taking home a signed 2015 Australian Diamonds Netball – an invaluable prize in a successful World Championships year. Chris Schleusener and Sarah Chamma walked away with Matilda’s and Diamond’s scarves.
The Vicsport Professionals Network (VPN) provides the opportunity for sport and recreation professionals and volunteers to network and gain professional development opportunities in an engaging and dynamic environment. Membership is open to all those working (or with a desire to work) within the sport and recreation sector. Click here for more information on how to join the VPN and upcoming events.
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