Personal branding essentially is how others view you. It is their impression of who you are. It is the image you portray to the world, especially the business world. Get used to hearing about it now because it will only grow in importance. It matters.
How can you begin to get noticed? If you want to move up that corporate ladder, land a better job, or just make a name for yourself, personal branding needs to be something you focus on. How others think of you is key in business. It could mean that you get the sale versus someone else, that you are looked at for that new position over someone else, or that you end up with a leg up on the competition.
The antithesis is also true. If others do not think of you at all in your business world, that is not good. They will not consider you for the promotion, you may not land that account, and your new business idea may flounder instead of prosper.
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Spending time on social media is no longer an option, it is becoming a necessity. You must update your social media regularly. This does not necessarily mean daily, but you must update it with your own personal goals in mind. Every picture posted of you is important. Every phrase is important. Every step in this process is important. It takes time. You cannot simply throw caution to the wind where your image is concerned. Here are a few ideas for you to consider when looking at your own personal brand.
1. Facebook: Don’t just hit the “Like” or “Laugh” emoji.
Use Facebook to your advantage, especially since HR Reps will look at this when hiring. Watch what pictures are there of you and how you are portrayed. You can alter your privacy settings to change who can see your photos — if you don’t currently do this, I suggest you start. Also, privately message people you know you need to stay in contact with. This can just be a small note from time to time. Keep your contacts informed so they don’t forget about you. Finally, watch what you share with others. Every share has a message that others will attach to you.
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2. LinkedIn: Connect with others.
Use LinkedIn to connect with others you may have never had the opportunity to connect with. Connect with those in your line of work. Message professionals with experience and expertise to get their career advice. Many times, they are more than willing to share and help out. Also, any blogging or writing you do can be posted here too!
3. Twitter: It’s not just for celebrities.
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As you gather a following, others will take notice of what you are doing and saying as well as your interests. They will see who you follow as your influencers as well. Remember to keep this in mind constantly!
4. Blogging: Set up a blog and get noticed professionally.
Get your name out there in your chosen field. It usually takes time to get going and get a following. I just recently started blogging myself. Give yourself a reasonable goal of one post per week or every two weeks. Remember to link your blog with your other accounts.
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5. Write: Write about topics in your chosen field and get published.
Relevant articles that you write can be included in your resume. Again, link them to your other accounts.
6. Website: Get a personal website.
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This is for those really trying to get out there and be noticed. Again, it takes up time to focus on but can be worth it! A personal website (where you can also host your blog) can be the perfect place to put your personal image on display.
photo credit: Pinterest
Featured photo credit: Olu Eletu via unsplash.com
