HBCU SWAG Your Marketing and Branding
|
Posted By: William Jackson on May 05, 2017 HBCU SWAG Your Marketing and Branding by William Jackson, Prof. Edward Waters College Jacksonville, Florida @wmjackson Twitter “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” William Butler Yeats Students attending HBCUs should be engaged in educational and leadership building opportunities. Students; freshmen to seniors marketing themselves and having a strong personal Brand helps to set the foundation of building a career before graduation. In my Educational Technology, Social Media and STEM class students present how they Brand themselves and what tools to Market their Brands. The provides key insights in the process of networking, volunteering, digital content and building knowledge to apply in real life. SWAG is being academically and socially competent in a highly competitive environment that is global and diverse. Diversity is not just color or culture, it is lifestyle, political and religious beliefs. The fabric of a person that embraces their uniqueness and respects those quality in others. The Brand a HBCU student chooses will set the stage in how people view them, establish a relationship that is both virtual and realistic. Your Brand is the promise you make to the world that you can be trusted and of ethics. HBCU students are making career decisions not thought of just 5 to 10 years ago so information is needed and even mentorship. Decisions driven by values, morals and the opportunity of growth potential and independence. These decisions influence financial stability, professional growth and security that influences social and economic well-being. There are many things to consider as a developing adult. Marketing has been shared by the five ways below: 1. Connecting with people of similar abilities and interests using Social Media and attending networking opportunities that may require you to think out of the box or not to see a box. 2. Avoiding people with personal dramas, negativity and rebellion for educational success, and social/professional conformity and even the norms of setting boundaries that transgress morals and values. Malcolm X stated if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. 3. Seek mentors for guidance and sharing common sense. Mentors should not be the same age as you, because they do not have “life experiences” as those that are 15 to 25 years your senior. 4. Volunteering in service to the community to create a positive personal Brand and “paying it forward” to help lift those who are still struggling and finding their way. Mentoring builds personal accountability and respect for the power of personal connections. 5. Participating in activities that build strength, vision, social skills, leadership abilities and cultural exposure. HBCU students need to know where they came from so they know their potential for greatness and have a direction for where they are going. Strategically placing yourself to increase visibility to others who have similar interests and goals is not egotistical, it is a realization that competition is fierce and having confidence and SWAG are needed to show your abilities to a global economy and why you should be considered for employment. First impressions are always important and forever influential. HBCU students cannot afford to be rebellious to guidance and wisdom, many are quick to be outspoken without all the facts and refuse to apply themselves and challenge themselves. Even those that have made mistakes and been incarcerated deserve a second chance. Malcolm X has stated: “To have once been a criminal is no disgrace. To remain a criminal is the disgrace.” HBCU student’s reputation is important so preserving it and keeping it “clean” is important. HBCU students walk in the light of gaining knowledge and applying knowledge to gain power and influence. Maya Angelou has an appropriate quote that can be shared with HBCU students, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” In this world of constant change, competitiveness and diversity HBCU students must leverage and utilize their greatest asset THEMSELVES!!! Malcolm X stated simply, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Video Resources: Branding is a Planned Process https://youtu.be/6R6ijNW7pqw Branding and Marketing to build your Brand https://youtu.be/dS6Y9frOYlg Using Vblogging to Build your Brand https://youtu.be/OimvIg-aYFs If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
William Jackson
Educational Technology and Social Media Instructor, Edward Waters College South Carolina State University class of 1985 Member Since September 2008 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
What does “verified” mean on an Airbnb account?On an Airbnb account, “verified” means that Airbnb has confirmed the identity or information of the user. This can include:
Email verification – confirming your email address.
Phone number verif ...more
Harry Canee • 52 Views • February 3rd, 2026 |
 |
2026 honors and Deans ListHonored to be recognized on the 2026 Honors List and Dean’s List. Grateful for the journey and excited to keep pushing forward ...more
Camren Caldwell • 51 Views • February 2nd, 2026 |
 |
2026 honors and Deans ListHonored to be recognized on the 2026 Honors List and Dean’s List. Grateful for the journey and excited to keep pushing forward ...more
Camren Caldwell • 58 Views • February 2nd, 2026 |
 |
Who’s cafeteria has the best H2oHow many times do I simply request agua from the Cafe
My beverage of choice in college had to be fruitopiA
Water from the fountain YES
Shower water NO
Figi Water https://share.google/t2Hrz1rpg9 ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61 Views • February 1st, 2026 |
 |
S.P.I.T. Spoken Poets InTellectualizing™ Honoring Nikki! -Call for Submissions-S.P.I.T. Spoken Poets InTellectualizing™ Honoring Nikki!
-Call for Submissions-
Gumbo for the Soul Publications is in the process of developing our first “strictly poetry” publication by the vision ...more
Beverly Johnson • 55 Views • February 1st, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,289 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,104 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,472 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,396 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
