Personal Brandifesto
Published on Nov 18, 2015
Key Pointers for Manifesting a Strong Personal Brand
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Personal Brandifesto
Key Pointers for Manifesting a Strong Personal Brand
Lex R. Brown II is a freelance writer, blogger, and podcaster residing in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Follow Lex R. Brown II on Twitter @lexRbrown.
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Automate Your Brand Management Plan
- Setup a Weekly Schedule for maintaining and posting to your social media profiles
- Plan ahead for Risk Mitigation and Damage Control
- Stay consistent across platforms (name, pic, title, design, etc.)
- Don't over-share (keep it simple)
Sample Weekly Schedule:
Monday: On Google+, like an interesting article related to your field, then skim your profile for any needed tweaks.
Tuesday: On Twitter, tweet about a networking event you’re attending, “#SomethingTrendy” at folks or companies relevant to the tweet.
Wednesday: On LinkedIn, find/join relevant groups; post some of your thoughts within group discussions; connect with recruiters and like-minded people; follow companies you’re interested in working with; connect others and help someone else out; update your profile, and maybe even send an InMail or two.
Thursday: Learn something new via Lynda.com, Coursera, etc. Due to all of the freemium education and training available online these days, there’s no excuse to not take advantage and expand your horizons. Go for in-demand knowledge bases and skill sets like web analytics, SEO, and HTML/CSS. Such learning will keep you growing, confident, relevant, and primed for whatever opportunities will come your way.
Friday: On Facebook, post something motivational, like how awesome your week’s been. “Like” a few light-hearted posts that are aligned to your personality. You can even share a funny video (but keep it appropriate so that you don’t damage your online reputation). Facebook should be the platform for the “Every day YOU” to shine through.
Monday: On Google+, like an interesting article related to your field, then skim your profile for any needed tweaks.
Tuesday: On Twitter, tweet about a networking event you’re attending, “#SomethingTrendy” at folks or companies relevant to the tweet.
Wednesday: On LinkedIn, find/join relevant groups; post some of your thoughts within group discussions; connect with recruiters and like-minded people; follow companies you’re interested in working with; connect others and help someone else out; update your profile, and maybe even send an InMail or two.
Thursday: Learn something new via Lynda.com, Coursera, etc. Due to all of the freemium education and training available online these days, there’s no excuse to not take advantage and expand your horizons. Go for in-demand knowledge bases and skill sets like web analytics, SEO, and HTML/CSS. Such learning will keep you growing, confident, relevant, and primed for whatever opportunities will come your way.
Friday: On Facebook, post something motivational, like how awesome your week’s been. “Like” a few light-hearted posts that are aligned to your personality. You can even share a funny video (but keep it appropriate so that you don’t damage your online reputation). Facebook should be the platform for the “Every day YOU” to shine through.
Photo by g12_ralph
Understand Networking = Marketing
- Ask yourself: who are you targeting?; what are you seeking?; where should you focus your efforts?
- Develop a Networking Budget
- Set a plan with clear objectives for each event that you attend, along with a Strategic Communication Plan
- Always have some appealing Marketing Material (see notes for details)
>For best calculations with your Networking Budget, figure in the following considerations: How far and how often can you afford to drive to event venues?; Can you take public transportation?; If so, how much will it cost you?; Are you only able to attend free events?; Or, can you fit some attendance expenses and professional affiliation fees into your budget?
>Strategic Communication Plan: How many people do you want to have conversation with?; How will you approach them?; How will you collect their contact information?; How and when will you follow up with those contacts?; How will you measure the success of your efforts?
>For Marketing Material, I recommend carrying Personal Brand Business Cards containing your contact information, what it is that you do, and a QR-Code icon linked directly to your online resume or LinkedIn profile.
>Strategic Communication Plan: How many people do you want to have conversation with?; How will you approach them?; How will you collect their contact information?; How and when will you follow up with those contacts?; How will you measure the success of your efforts?
>For Marketing Material, I recommend carrying Personal Brand Business Cards containing your contact information, what it is that you do, and a QR-Code icon linked directly to your online resume or LinkedIn profile.
Photo by g12_ralph
Approach Interviewing as a Sales Opportunity
- Start with an introduction that says your mere presence is a benefit to the buyer (buyers being potential employers or clients)
- Conduct "Customer Discovery": discover the needs, wants and expectations
- Present a Solution, and ask for the Sale
>Face it, you’re selling a product and a service. The product is your time, and the service is your labor. You must convince your customer that your product and service is above reproach, and that they should close the sale immediately. You don’t want your customer to have to comparison shop. You’re going to explain your product (time) and your service (labor) so well that the value is apparent and desirable.
>If there are any objections or questions when you ask for the sale, then be prepared to overcome them with cunning assertiveness
>If there are any objections or questions when you ask for the sale, then be prepared to overcome them with cunning assertiveness
Photo by g12_ralph
Volunteer in Your Community
- Consider this a prerequisite to success. It may be wise to dedicate your time and efforts to one or two organizations and causes maximum at a time
- Volunteering is a great way to stay humble and connected to your local community
You can also help out and be of service through connecting others to relevant people you know and meet by giving referrals, recommendations, endorsements and simple introductions.
Photo by g12_ralph
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www.SolutionsByLex.com
Visit www.SolutionsByLex.com for more writing by Lex R. Brown II. Thank you for your time and attention. Have a blessed day.
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