{"id":42021,"date":"2014-09-18T15:17:48","date_gmt":"2014-09-18T19:17:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/lcpw\/?p=42021"},"modified":"2015-07-20T12:03:18","modified_gmt":"2015-07-20T16:03:18","slug":"building-a-personal-brand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/lcpw\/2014\/09\/18\/building-a-personal-brand\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a Personal Brand"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Just<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s culture, a\u00a0r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is practically a formality. It can be a great reference for a potential employer, but to be considered an expert in many fields, a digital identity is crucial. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn offer insights into the life of any professional\u2014whether or not they\u2019re on the clock. Just like the brand development of an organization, development of your personal brand must be strategic, purposeful, and genuine.<\/p>\n

Value Proposition<\/h2>\n

When you look at the brand platform of a company, there is a clear value proposition. A value proposition will tell someone what a company has to offer\u2026 not just in tangible product, but in quality of life. How will this product or service improve an area of your life to the point that it\u2019s worth paying for? A value proposition also delivers something unique about that company\u2014arguing that it\u2019s better than the competition. Consider Evernote:<\/p>\n

“Your life\u2019s work.\u00a0For everything you\u2019ll do, Evernote is the workspace to get it done.”<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"evernote_1\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"evernote_2\"<\/p>\n

In concise messaging, Evernote<\/a> delivers who they are, what they do, how that can help you, and what they offer that is unique.<\/p>\n

As a professional, you have to answer similar questions about yourself . What are you offering and where are you going? Identify where you want to be in 5 or 10 years. Knowing your goals as a professional, and understanding what you can uniquely offer to the world, will guide your branding process.<\/p>\n

Relevant Content \u2013 Relevant People<\/h2>\n

After a basic value proposition has been developed, begin building your audience. Social media is all about building a network of people that you can influence, and that can influence you.<\/p>\n

Remember that if a personal brand and professional goals are at the heart of what you want to accomplish, then only following friends and family will do little to move you toward success. Keep them as friends and followers, but take the time to expand your social horizons.<\/p>\n

Use Twitter and LinkedIn, especially, to branch out of your network. Begin finding people that are like you, or that you aspire to learn from, and make the connection. Search hashtags about relevant topics on Twitter, and befriend people that care about the same things you do. Comment on their posts, engage in conversations, and tweet things with those same hashtags. In my network, #print, #design, #web, and #brand are all frequently used. Keep your \u201cI\u2019m craving Ben & Jerry\u2019s\u201d tweets to a bare minimum. While you\u2019ll want those 140 characters to feel personal and natural, the topics should remain close to your professional interests.<\/p>\n

On LinkedIn, groups are a great way to get involved and make connections with others in a relevant field. Don\u2019t be afraid to request connections with potential employers, as long as you\u2019re profile is well-populated with content. It can take time to find an audience and group of peers, but once they\u2019ve been identified it will make engagement much easier.<\/p>\n

When it comes to a personal brand, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest won\u2019t be the best way to expand your audience. However, they are reflections of you as a person. Many hold the view that Facebook is an appropriate space to share anything and everything. However, remember that every post is giving insight into your brand. There is no need to be fake, or only post your successes. These particular social channels are meant for interacting with people you know and love. But, be sure that the pictures you Instagram, or the venting sessions you share on Facebook, are something you want ANYone to see (including potential employers, current clients, etc.).<\/p>\n

Blogging<\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve all heard this before: \u201ccontent is king.\u201d But really\u2026 content IS king. If you have any type of social account, it\u2019s crucial that you have the time and strategy to maintain it. Major corporations have teams of people that form marketing messages. When developing a personal brand, you are in charge of that messaging. Everything you post on the internet becomes a piece of that puzzle. Your network is forming an opinion about who you are, what you do, and why you provide value.<\/p>\n

While Twitter and Facebook can be considered \u201cmicro-blogging,\u201d starting a real blog takes ten-times the effort to sustain. If you\u2019re considering starting a blog, more power to you! But, don\u2019t take the task lightly. If you aren\u2019t sure you have time to devote to a weekly or bi-monthly post, then try guest blogging. Find a professional peer that wants a break for a week, or that knows someone who needs a blog about your expertise. You\u2019ll have the added credibility of being featured on someone else\u2019s blog, and you\u2019re only committing to as many posts as your schedule allows.<\/p>\n

Tips and Tricks<\/h2>\n

Here are some things to note as you\u2019re developing your image via social media:<\/p>\n