Thanks to social media, big brands have established a voice for themselves while connecting with customers like never before. As social media keeps growing, there is talk of new brands emerging on these platforms that don't involve big business or a large bank account. Social media now gives everyone the opportunity to develop their personal brand, but what exactly does that mean? Your ever-changing personal brand is a unique collection of your triumphs, ideas, insight and more.
You may not be selling a tangible product (so you thought), but once on the web you've already agreed to 'sell' your ideas and yourself as a brand. Because social media is an integral part of business and communication, it gives you a better opportunity to create a good lasting impression among peers, employees, future employers and more. However, stating who you are and where you work is simply not enough to declare yourself as having a successful personal brand. Whether you're just starting out or need some extra help, these are some great tips to help you find your inner self on social media:
- What's Your Expertise?
What is your job? Think about that for a second. Maybe you work in marketing, but what type of marketing do you do? How can your expertise in this field help you to connect with others on social media? These are important questions to consider because quite possibly you could be the source of new information for others. By staying relevant to what you do, it gives people a better feel for what you're good at. - What's Your Personality?
Aside from your expertise, it's important to show a glimpse of your personality. After all, it is your personal brand. Perhaps you like fashion, writing, the outdoors, etc. Talk about it, share photographs, experiences and more to engage with people sharing similar interests. By showing your personality, you're distinguishing yourself from others and providing them with an overall impression of yourself.
Bonus Tip: Skim your current content to see what it is you like sharing most to help you decide what your voice is in the social world. - Link Your Social Media Accounts
Make sure your social media accounts link together. If someone is searching for you on LinkedIn, give them an opportunity to learn more about you by sharing your Twitter or blog. Sharing your various social media accounts will allow you to showcase you and your work which is beneficial in the long run. Besides, the whole purpose of creating a personal brand is so people can get to know you better on a professional level. - Clean Up!
A mistake most people make is not ridding their social media of inappropriate content. Untag yourself from pictures or content on Facebook that can negatively affect your image. Browse through your personal Twitter feed to delete any tweets that aren't meant to be seen by current or future employers. Most importantly, make sure you're overall self is positive because no one wants to connect with a downer!
Think of your personal brand as a long version of your pitch in a job interview. You want to make a good impression, and now social media you gives you the chance to showcase a deeper more profound side of you.
How else can you find your inner personal brand? Share your thoughts below!
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