Personal branding. Two words that you think you might know the definition to, but if someone were to ask you, I am sure you wouldn't think of the best answer. Well, that's how I felt during my JMC 305 class on Wednesday of last week.
Personal branding is basically how you see yourself and how you want others to see you. It's about being authentic but also trying to make that authenticity as professional as possible.
However, personal branding shouldn't be "too" professional either. Your brand should be approachable and inviting to others. You shouldn't come across as super serious because then you would have a hard time working with others. I think that a perfect personal brand consists of a little bit of banter and humor here and there. I cannot stop posting memes just because I'm a journalist now. It's just not like me to change myself that way.
I think that it is super important to think about the things you post, however. Maybe you've gone your whole life posting hate tweets toward politicians and I get that's tempting to do, but maybe stepping away from that will be beneficial to your brand. I am not saying to fully get rid of your opinion, but maybe don't let it be everything you ever share.
Personal branding also depends a lot on social media. Take caution in the things you post or retweet. You never know who is going to be looking at your posts especially if it's a public account. I would always laugh when teachers in school would tell me once you post something, it's out there for the whole world. As I've grown older, I've realized how true that statement is.
So how can you build the best personal brand? Well, here are some tips that I've been using.
1. Show your best side, but also be real with your audience.
There are days where we are going to feel off. We might've had a fight, gotten dumped, dropped a coffee or who knows what else. In those situations, going to social media and talking about it might be okay if you do it the right way. Mentioning to your followers that you are having an off day makes you seem more human, however, don't take it too far by either getting angry at others or toward yourself.
2. Share your opinion to an extent.
If you are in love with a movie, talk about it. If a coffee shop really makes you happy, don't be afraid to share it. However, if you have something negative to say, maybe don't say it or tone it down a little. Having negative thoughts toward something is completely acceptable if it's not pushed toward hate.
3. Don't try to make everyone like you.
Chances are about 80% of your followers are devoted to you and 20% are there to bring you down. Don't let that ruin your brand. Try to always stick to your values and don't change because of what other people say.
4. Be adaptable.
You are going to be put in situations where you won't have a clue what you are doing or how you are going to come out of that situation. If that ever happens to be the case, show to your followers or partners that you are adaptable. Don't fake it till you make it, but seek help, ask for advice, and try your best to adapt to the situation.