Your personal brand is all about who you are and what you want to be known for. Whether you are just starting out in your career, making your way up the corporate ladder or sitting comfortably in the C-suite, establishing a solid online presence will play an important part in building and maintaining your professional reputation.
How do you get started? First, you must identify your niche. Your niche can be found in that spot where the things you are passionate about, the things you are good at and the things someone will pay you to do intersect. Your vision, values and goals will help as you identify your passion and figure out how all of the pieces fit together to create your brand. Don’t be afraid to develop your own style! Own the things you are good at – and those you aren’t. Being honest up front will help make you happier in the long run.
Once you have identified your brand, determine what online platforms you will use to tell your story. Social media platforms provide a quick, inexpensive way to communicate with your audience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you begin:
- Snap pictures with care. A picture is worth a thousand words, and nothing could be truer on social media. The pictures you post say a lot about you. Be certain they communicate what you want.
- Read each post twice (and edit when necessary) prior to posting. Take your time when posting and never post in haste. Each word used should be carefully considered.
- React with caution. It’s easy to take others’ posts out of context and react with emotion to a “snarky” or inappropriate comment. Don’t forget that not responding to that kind of behavior is a response as well and can sometimes be the best one.
- Be consistent. Create a posting schedule/calendar to ensure you post the right content on a regular basis. Be present when your target audience expects you to be.
Building and maintaining a personal brand can be challenging but controlling that story is powerful. Interested in learning how to do it successfully? Call us, we’d love to chat.
