Written by By: Dr. Stephanie Diana Eubank DBA
Every term that I teach Operations Management, I ask my students why they enrolled in the course. The answer is remarkably consistent: “Because I want to start my own business, and I think this class will help me.”
They are absolutely right. Operations Management provides an excellent foundation for entrepreneurship. Understanding processes, quality management, capacity planning, supply chains, project management, and continuous improvement helps future business owners think strategically about how work gets done.
However, starting a successful business requires much more than understanding operations. It requires knowledge of branding, marketing, finance, leadership, compliance, technology, customer experience, and business strategy. This is one reason I am excited to see so many business schools developing entrepreneurship programs that help students understand where and how to begin.
The reality is that the starting point depends on the type of business you want to create. A consulting company has different startup requirements than a retail store, nonprofit organization, online content business, or technology startup.
That is why I am launching a series on this channel focused on how to start a business. I have personally started and operated three organizations, including two nonprofit organizations and Wicked B of the West Business Consulting. My consulting work is grounded in my doctoral research and focuses on helping organizations and workers future-proof themselves in a rapidly changing workplace.
One of the first areas entrepreneurs should focus on is building the right brand. Your online presence is often the first interaction potential customers, employers, partners, and investors have with you. For many students, social media profiles tell a story that may not align with the professional image they hope to project.
Too often, I see students with public photos, inappropriate posts, controversial comments, or outdated content connected to their LinkedIn profiles and professional identities. Whether you want a job or plan to promote your own company, your digital footprint matters.
Tips for Building an Authentic and Professional Online Brand:
• Audit all social media accounts regularly.
• Remove content that does not support your personal or professional goals.
• Update profile photos with professional, authentic images.
• Ensure LinkedIn reflects your current accomplishments and career goals.
• Create consistent messaging across platforms.
• Share content that reflects your expertise and interests.
• Set clear boundaries between professional and personal accounts when appropriate.
• Avoid posting confidential employer, client, or customer information.
• Think before posting emotionally charged content.
• Build a reputation for professionalism, kindness, and credibility.
Protecting Your Privacy and Peace:
• Review privacy settings on every platform.
• Limit location sharing.
• Avoid posting personally identifiable information.
• Never share banking information, passwords, or security details.
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Create private groups or accounts for family and close friends.
• Be selective about who can view personal photos and family updates.
• Regularly review tagged photos and posts.
• Remove old accounts that are no longer monitored.
A strong brand is not about creating a fake persona. It is about intentionally communicating who you authentically are while protecting your privacy and maintaining professional credibility.
Services Available Through Wicked B of the West Business Consulting:
• Remote Work Development
• Remote Leadership Training
• Business Design and Development
• Process and Systems Design
• Workforce Development Programs
• Organizational Development Consulting
• Assistive Technology and Workplace Accommodation Consulting
• Personal Brand Development Training
• Leadership Development Courses
• Future of Work and Remote Workplace Consulting
In addition, I am developing my annual brand development project into an online course designed to teach the fundamentals of personal branding. I also offer leadership and workforce development learning opportunities.
Book Spotlight
Remote Work Is Here to Stay: Rethinking Operations Management in the Modern Work Era
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H5BPJCHJ
As businesses continue adapting to changing work environments, operational excellence and effective remote leadership remain critical skills for success.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoy this content, like and subscribe. If you are interested in consulting services, please feel free to connect with me through my social media channels.
Remember: Remote is here to stay.
Website: wickedbofthewestconsulting.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-diana-eubank-dba/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wicked-b-of-the-west-business-consulting
TikTok: @drstephanieeubank
Blog: drstephaniebeardbaremoteresearch.org
Email: wickedbofthewestconsulting@gmail.com
