Personal branding is not just a reflection of our personalities but a powerful tool that shapes how we are perceived in the business world. Richele Maramis, former Executive Vice President of Permata Bank, shared her invaluable insights on etiquette and personal branding during a guest lecture on Business Communication and Negotiation at the SBM ITB on Thursday (6/8).
Richele stressed the importance of comprehending the industry and the specific role you aim to fill in shaping your branding. The industry’s character dictates your attire and grooming, and understanding your position in the back office or the front line is equally crucial.
“We have to understand where we are placed. We have to know the industry, culture, and stakeholders to express professionalism,” she explained.
In discussing office etiquette, Richele emphasized the importance of separating personal and professional life. As a former employee in the banking sector, she emphasized the importance of keeping your desk clean to protect the confidentiality of documents.
Richele also shared her experience about dressing neatly and choosing a quiet online meeting place. In offline meetings, she emphasized the importance of shaking hands warmly and firmly and maintaining eye contact. In addition, Richele discussed etiquette in replying to emails and WhatsApp messages and using social media to maintain professionalism.
Richele underscored the significance of grooming in personal branding, discussing various attire types from casual to business and how to dress professionally. To facilitate understanding, students were encouraged to dress formally and received direct feedback on their grooming.
In Business Communication, Richele highlighted that communication and grooming are integral to personal branding, which can garner respect and prevent miscommunication. She also stressed the importance of maintaining authenticity in your communication style.
Richele also discussed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in personal branding. If not, the use of AI can eliminate personal branding.
“Make sure you adapt the AI to your personality,” she advised.
She also shared the ABC tips for personal branding: Authentic, Bold, and Consistent. According to Richele, our branding shapes others’ impressions of us, making it a crucial aspect of our professional lives.
“If they respect you, they will remember you,” she said.
She reminded us to remain professional, ethical, and respected businesspersons to open up more significant business opportunities.
