The age we are living in is becoming increasingly digital. A solid online persona is no longer something nice to have but is a need to have. According to personal branding expert carlii lyon, “we live in this dimension, but we also exist online. We need to do what we can to ensure our online self resonates and is working for us. Because when we sleep, he or she is working for us.”[iv]
If the thought of googling yourself now is creating an increasing level of anxiety – take a deep breath and relax! However, I do hope that I have convinced you to take an in-depth look at what your online image says about you. To make managing your personal brand painless and straightforward, I have compiled a list of tips and resources to help you get started.
Set up a google alert using your name and your business name
Each time it appears in an article, blog, or website, you will be emailed.
Claim your name in all of the social media networks – even if you do not want or intend to have a public profile. You want to own the page before someone else free telemarketing leads claims your name. Search for it beyond facebook and twitter – snapchat, tiktok, caffeine. Even if your profile is private and you never post a single thing, this is a preemptive strike.
Make sure your active profiles are complete; add interesting and noteworthy information such as volunteer activity, links to your work, and connect with individuals and organizations that represent you.
Buy your domain and any variation of your name. I own korenakeys.Com (and similar variants). I do it and have the url redirect to my company website. You can leave it as is or redirect it to a linkedin page – you get the idea.
Publish content – blogs, articles, research papers – that represent you and the image you want to project. This can be published on your website, but also shared on partner websites or newsfeeds such as medium.
Through social media branding
You have the power to influence what comes to CU Lists mind when a potential client thinks of you. Be engaging and conversational. Connect with your audience authentically. Try not to put a sales spin on all of your content.
Your online self should be an extension of who you truly are and what you represent. Even while you sleep, your online self is networking and connecting with others 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your personal brand is something you will be building upon for the rest of your life. Be intentional about how you shape it.
Your Personal Brand Should be Working for You.