Personal Branding

Personal branding is hot! Social media are hot. So why not combine these two and create a strong brand for your own self! Before you start to use social media, you have to consider which feeling you want to carry out. It’s easy to talk about the things you want to do, but also think about why you want to do these things. Other things you have to take into account are the following:

Be outstanding
You can create your own business card and upload your curriculum vitae on LinkedIn. Fact is, that all members of this social network can create a business card. People have to get the feeling that you are different. Don’t use tags like “advisor”, but use instead more detailed words such as “advisor of social media”. You also will become easier to find on search engines like Google. An enormous amount of people are offering themselves on the labor market, so it’s important to gain attention of possible employers.

Be yourself
What is the use of creating a social identity which is not true when you stand in front of your new boss? You don’t have to share all your personal information, but personalizing your LinkedIn profile or Twitter account gives your readers more trust. A photo of yourself gives readers the feeling they know you. Look at other profiles, and use them as an inspiration, but don’t copy!

Be consistent
To bind people to yourself as a brand, it is important to maintain your own style and concept on all the social media. There must be no inconsistencies in your profile, it will be threatening your face.

Be relevant
Or maybe it is better to say: “Don’t overtweet!” Quality is better than quantity. Try to find your own topic and focus on that part.

Be tempting
Yes, you really have to be tempting! It binds people to you, when you are innovative and are interacting with other people on the world wide web. React, respond & retweet! People will become interested and will return to your blog, twitter account or LinkedIn profile. You can stay in touch with employers, on a daily basis. Still… you have to update regularly!

I hope you will get enthusiastic about creating a “brand” for yourself!
However, I represented social media in a very positive way. Are there people who experience the negative side of personal branding on the internet?