Social Media and Personal Branding
Photo by zaozaa09
What Is "Personal Brand" And Why Is It Important?
People are often well aware of brands and what they stand for. Think of Patagonia, an American company that sells high-quality outdoor clothing. Patagonia is a B-Corporation but it is so much more than that. Patagonia stands for high-quality, environmentalism, and activism. That is the Patagonia brand. People, too, have brands. A "personal brand" is how individuals promote and differentiate themselves from other people.
Having a personal brand you control can ensure that people (potential clients or employers) see you in the way you want them to.
In today's digital era, everyone has a personal brand whether they are aware or not. Being cognizant of what you stand for and how you come across to others is more important now than ever with the broad, fast, and everlasting presence of the Internet.
What Is Your Current Personal Brand?
If you want to know what your current personal brand says about you, try Googling your name and see what comes up! I share my first and last name with a Chicago reporter. Therefore, my efforts to differentiate myself as a marketing and international business student looking to enter the workforce need to be evident so my name is not confused with the Chicago reporter.
Because I am, or at least try to be, a very private person online, when typing my name on Google I only see my public LinkedIn account. The bad news is that there is only one search result that leads back to me. The good news is that it is my LinkedIn page. According to Neil Patel, "LinkedIn is the online center for meeting people, sharing content, and creating and building business relationships."
Because I am, or at least try to be, a very private person online, when typing my name on Google I only see my public LinkedIn account. The bad news is that there is only one search result that leads back to me. The good news is that it is my LinkedIn page. According to Neil Patel, "LinkedIn is the online center for meeting people, sharing content, and creating and building business relationships."
How Can You Use LinkedIn For Your Personal Brand?
Optimizing your LinkedIn account is step number one. Your personal LinkedIn profile needs to be equipped with:
- Professional headline
- High-quality photo
- Differentiated background image
- Complete contact information
- Customized LinkedIn URL
- Good summary
- Showcase media, articles, and your experience
- Skills and endorsements
It is important to keep a consistent theme throughout your LinkedIn. Your personal brand should reflect your personality, skills, and strengths.
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