We all get bad press

Everyone could benefit from a publicist. Just think of how well celebrities say "I can't reveal any details" yet they leave you with just enough to leave you hanging. Do you know how many times I wish I had said that? They know exactly how to build up a celebrity's image, and how to quickly do damage control when something goes wrong. All those times you've been screamed at in the face, not that they could avoid all those attacks, but they could certainly help you deal with the situation appropriately. They are like personal brand builders. This concept is so important right now because people need to maintain a pure image in the mind of their employers. Granted not even the best publicist can recover from incidents caused by people like Eliot Spitzer, but they certainly prove their abilities when the celebrity's image does recover. Think of Bill Clinton! Many people thought he was despicable (many people still do), but today we've moved on to remember him as a effective leader and environmental warrior.

Self-Branding

Today, the art of branding yourself is more important the product you are trying to sell. Once you are able to find a job, there is always the possibility that you can be laid off the next day. Luckily there are several bloggers jumping to the rescue of the rapidly growing unemployed to teach us how to stand out from the crowd.

http://mashable.com/2009/02/05/personal-branding-101/
This article about personal branding shows the marketing steps you can make to help create your own brand, no longer just for the celebrities. Its amazing how similar it seems to a regular marketing campaign: research your passions & strengths, find a niche market that fits these strengths, creating your Personal Branding Toolkit including business card, resume/cover letter/references, portfolio, blog/website, LinkedIn profile, Facebook profile, Twitter profile, video resume, wardrobe (yes! an excuse for that new coat), and even your email address! An awesome step-by-step process to taking your professional career to the next level.

http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/09/20/creative-business-cards-that-make-you-look-twice/
These are fun and creative business cards that I promise will set you apart from the crowd. Mine would be similar to the Diesel Design organization-based cards, but perhaps more colorful. Just reading these have convinced me to jump on the bandwagon... I'm already part way there!