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Self Brand 10/13/2009
 
Self branding is becoming a relevant way to market yourself, “you” not just your company as we begin to emerge out of this recession.  Recently I read an article that has changed the way that I conduct business.  It is a full time job branding “you” but the rewards are endless.  Clients will pay a little bit extra if they like “you” and will go the extra mile to convince their boss to purchase whatever it is “you” are selling.  It is the year of change with all of the free Social Media outlets it is time for you to build your own brand.  Our marketing efforts will have to change into 2010 to develop great relationships and keep our clients buying from us the professional, not just the company you work for. 

How do I start?

The best way to start is with one of the larger Social Media networks.  Such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Myspace.  You may ask how do I decide which one to start with?  My suggestion would be to search for your clients by employee or company name through each site and go with the medium that generated the largest return.  Once you have decided on a specific network you will have to create a user name and password all very simple if you can do your banking online it is easier.  Then start to populate your network start with your email contacts or searching that specific site for other clients and ask them to join your network.  It is very important if you do not have a client base yet and you are just starting out connect with your colleagues and classmates first.  No potential client will appreciate a random person asking to connect with them.

What do I put on my account?

Now that Social Media has become main stream every potential client/employer will do a search of your name.  This may not be entirely true as some clients/employers still have not caught on to Social Media but you must think this way as you do not want to take a chance.  The main thing about content for your new account is to keep it very professional and up to date.  It is OK to indulge in some personal information (i.e. hobbies, clubs, awards, etc) but you do not want to inundate clients/employers with your personal life.  You want your account to be an online resume not only for potential employers to look at but also potential clients so that they can see your qualifications.  You will also want to continuously do updates to you’re your name in front of people.  Your content of the updates is very important put new facts or links to industry related articles to show that you are staying on top of your game.  This part is essential to self branding I would consider it to be your logo in traditional branding terms as this background and your qualifications will be what you will be known for.  Nike would not be what it is today without the swoosh, and “you” will just be another person without your qualifications (Self Logo) out there for everyone to see.

Now that I have set up an account where do I go from here?

Like I stated earlier it can be a Full-Time job updating and keeping your name out there to continue your Self Brand.  Once you have reached into the Social Media market and you have accounts with various sites to help grow your brand there are a couple of options.  One option is to start a blog, there are many free blog sites available Blogger, Wordpress, etc.  All very similar in how they operate I use weebly it is a very fluid and user friendly interface for easy access and updates.  You will want to update your blog at least once a week if not more.  Writing about industry news here or you can use this space to make your voice heard throughout your network, it is imperative to have valid information here.  This will confirm your industry knowledge and if you put up interesting articles it will continue to expand your network.  I would post links up to all of your Social Media avenues every time you make an entry in your blog so that it drives traffic there.  If you are feeling good about the direction of your blog then you may want to think about creating your own website.  I have found my own website to be very beneficial in networking and building my own Brand.  Like I stated earlier it is all about your Self Logo how does yours compare to some of your competitors?  In this new era we are entering in you must strive and work your way to the top position or be comfortable with residing at the bottom position.  You must ask yourself which position do you want to be in?

 

-Creator of Destinies

 

 

 

 
 


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