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Whether you are seeking an entry-level job or you are a mid-career changer, building a powerful personal brand will help you stand out from the competition. In fact, in today’s job market, having a strong personal brand has become an urgent priority. Building a personal brand is all about identifying and developing the skills, talents, and personal qualities that make you unique and then communicating that brand to others.
A powerful online presence is essential in building and maintaining a brand. Social media sites like Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter can have a big impact on how you create, communicate, and sustain your brand. Here are a few ideas on how you can leverage these popular social media sites to best represent you.
Set up a Google Alert
As you set out to build or grow your online brand, Google your name and make sure the results are positive. If you don’t like what you see, go in and clean up your image. Then set up a Google Alert, a free service, to notify you whenever your name is cited. This will help you monitor and maintain your online reputation.
- What did you learn about your brand when you Googled you?
- Describe the Google Alert you set up.
Use the LinkedIn Grad Guide
GradsLinkedIn.Com will give you some great ideas and tools to build a strong profile, grow your connections, and collect and post your best work. Watch the 5-minute video explanation. If you follow their three steps to get linked in, you will be using one of the most powerful online resources to launch and sustain your brand.
- How does this site differ from the general LinkedIn site?
- What are the advantages offered in “Build the Good Word”?
Explore Facebook Apps
Facebook needs no introduction. Your profile on the world’s most popular social networking site reflects your personal and professional brand. So, you may want to review or update your profile and consider changes to develop a better online image. In addition, why not use some of the Facebook apps to extend and support your Facebook opportunities?
- Does your Facebook Profile differ from your Linked In Profile.
- What Facebook app would be most helpful to you?
Tweet Wisely
While many people use Twitter to share ramblings, like, Having a hamburger with friends this afternoon, clever Twitterers are using this media to enhance their personal brands, build informal relationships, and even to find jobs. Consider following leaders in an industry that interests you to see what you can learn.
- Whom would you like to follow?
- How do you think Twitter could help build your online reputation?
Keep Up
Social media is changing every day. You need to stay alert and informed about changes that can help you build a better brand. For additional, information about personal branding, on and off-line, check out the information offered by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on their “Week” webpage. Print and review the Top 10 Online Branding Tips for Students.
- What 2 tips are most relevant to you?