Let’s take a step back into 1997 when Friends aired, CDs were popular, and Tamagotchis were the must have Christmas present with the 1997 Fast Company article “The Brand Called You.” In this article, Tom Peter revealed that regular people could learn a lesson from big companies and become a brand themselves. From then on the term personal brand has been a buzz phrase that gets thrown around quite a lot. As a Business Administration major I get to attend classes and resume workshops focused on professional development where personal branding is a major topic. Now, it is thrown around even more so with the popularity of social media. So, what does it take to build your personal brand?
Well, Tom Peters put it simply when he stated, “When you’re promoting brand You, everything you do — and everything you choose not to do — communicates the value and character of the brand.” In 2014 not only can you communicate your personal brand through emails, personal meetings, and your resume but also through social media. Here are some steps to build a consistent personal brand online:
1. Clean up!
The first and most important step to creating your personal brand and making it consistent is to clean up your social media profiles. This means getting rid of anything you wouldn’t want your grandma or potential employer to see.
2. Get on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the best way to connect and network with any professional. A LinkedIn profile is not a just an online resume though, be sure to make it personal by using a first person narrative for your profile summary. This profile also differs from a resume by growing with you as you learn and add new skills while resumes are strictly about the past. You can even have a profile picture but try to find one that represents your personal brand and not one that screams “Seflie!” LinkedIn is a great tool, I can’t tell you how many times it has given me amazing opportunities because a recruiter or a mutual connection has checked out my profile.
3. Unlock Twitter
Twitter is another way to connect with professionals, but on a larger scale. Using hashtags such as #socialmediamarketing, I’ve created conversations with professionals all over the U.S. On Twitter you can post anything that goes along with your personal brand. For instance I’m interested in the startup, tech, and marketing areas so I constantly post articles in those areas using scheduling platforms like HootSuite and make comments about them. Unlock your protected profile and use it to your advantage by making it a part of your online brand.
4. Start a Blog
In a recent job interview, I was told that more and more companies are looking for people who know how to blog especially companies focused in marketing or looking for marketing positions. Even if you’re not going into marketing starting a blog is a great idea! You can blog about anything that interests you and it gives you more opportunities to learn about those interests. Just make sure it is consistent with the brand you are trying to set for yourself. Some other positive benefits of starting your own blog are becoming a better writer, a more confident person, and a better thinker.
After taking a look at these steps to build up your online brand, you will be on your way to becoming “the CEO of ME, INC.” as Tom Peters would say. Just remember to be consistent in every aspect of building your personal brand whether it’s online or in person.
Well, Tom Peters put it simply when he stated, “When you’re promoting brand You, everything you do — and everything you choose not to do — communicates the value and character of the brand.” In 2014 not only can you communicate your personal brand through emails, personal meetings, and your resume but also through social media. Here are some steps to build a consistent personal brand online:
1. Clean up!
The first and most important step to creating your personal brand and making it consistent is to clean up your social media profiles. This means getting rid of anything you wouldn’t want your grandma or potential employer to see.
2. Get on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the best way to connect and network with any professional. A LinkedIn profile is not a just an online resume though, be sure to make it personal by using a first person narrative for your profile summary. This profile also differs from a resume by growing with you as you learn and add new skills while resumes are strictly about the past. You can even have a profile picture but try to find one that represents your personal brand and not one that screams “Seflie!” LinkedIn is a great tool, I can’t tell you how many times it has given me amazing opportunities because a recruiter or a mutual connection has checked out my profile.
3. Unlock Twitter
Twitter is another way to connect with professionals, but on a larger scale. Using hashtags such as #socialmediamarketing, I’ve created conversations with professionals all over the U.S. On Twitter you can post anything that goes along with your personal brand. For instance I’m interested in the startup, tech, and marketing areas so I constantly post articles in those areas using scheduling platforms like HootSuite and make comments about them. Unlock your protected profile and use it to your advantage by making it a part of your online brand.
4. Start a Blog
In a recent job interview, I was told that more and more companies are looking for people who know how to blog especially companies focused in marketing or looking for marketing positions. Even if you’re not going into marketing starting a blog is a great idea! You can blog about anything that interests you and it gives you more opportunities to learn about those interests. Just make sure it is consistent with the brand you are trying to set for yourself. Some other positive benefits of starting your own blog are becoming a better writer, a more confident person, and a better thinker.
After taking a look at these steps to build up your online brand, you will be on your way to becoming “the CEO of ME, INC.” as Tom Peters would say. Just remember to be consistent in every aspect of building your personal brand whether it’s online or in person.