Finish means to bring [a task or an activity] to an expected end, but it also means to complete. In my fury to move on to the next speaking engagement, I would bring the event to an end but not to completion. Let me explain a little further. In a day and time, we are our brand. It does not matter what your sphere of influence or area of expertise, the current workplace dynamics, and multimedia environment have made the individual the product that requires marketing. To prepare for a workshop or a training assignment, I amass an abundance of information but can only use a small quantity for my presentation. In one sense, I end a task or activity. Nevertheless, without producing a marketable tool, I have not completed or finished my assignment.
For years, I tried to shy away from a multimedia presence. I did not want to be reachable 24/7 because I enjoyed my quiet and my privacy. In this world, we become our brand and having a multimedia presence can be critical to our marketability. It is essential how we distinguish ourselves in the eyes of our followers, customers, potential employers – our market. Employers will look at our Facebook page, our websites, and our YouTube channels to determine who we are and what we believe. Our multimedia face will determine our future. Employers will look for whole, well-rounded people whose character they can trust whether for short term or long-term employment. Why not produce deliverables that demonstrate our capabilities which allow us to manage our image and how others perceive us.
After years of education, work, and volunteerism, I have very few finished deliverable products that represent my accomplishments. My new objective is to develop a deliverable in conjunction with my brand. There are many options, such as a book, ebook, vlog, or blog? I ask myself if the information accumulated during the process of developing my deliverable warrants a position paper or an informed observation? If I took a survey of my audience, what was the result, and does it merit further discussion, a more detailed explanation, marketing to a broader audience, or a research project? I suggest you ask these same questions. Create your website. Be mindful of your Facebook presence. Being considerate of any confidentiality agreement that you may have signed, take time after a project, and convert your notes into something that represents your brand to colleagues, friends, followers, or future employers.
Faith Reflections:
Living in an information age allows us to communicate personal integrity and our professional accomplishments. Our lives might be the only Bible read by those around us. It is vital that our lives reflect faith and fortitude. Not only should we pursue moral excellence, but masterfully finish our race. Jesus was a finisher. He did what he was sent to do. According to Hebrews 12:2, he found joy in enduring death so that we might have eternal life. His delight was to finish his work so much so that his last words “it is finished” reflected this truth.
In finishing, he left behind a legacy that still invites others to join him. Because he finished his race, we can passionately pursue ours with confidence. Moreover, our work testifies to the world that we are a people of integrity and excellence, just like our Heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 instructs us to let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father, which is in heaven. One way to do this is to produce finished projects and products that reflect our brand.
Scriptures:
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.