So, you’ve crafted this amazing personal brand, right? (If not, go back to our first article in this series)
If you have, great job! But now what? It’s time to take that brand out for a spin. Let’s talk about networking and self-promotion – terms that might initially make you uneasy but are essential tools for showcasing your personal brand effectively.
Why Your Personal Brand Needs Visibility
Think of your personal brand like a shiny new car. It looks great in your garage, but it’s not doing much for you just sitting there, is it? Your brand needs to hit the road. When you actively use your brand, you’re opening doors to new opportunities, making connections, and showing the world what you’re all about.
Networking Without the Awkward and with Authenticity
Let’s address a common concern – networking. It doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience. The key lies in authenticity. Instead of rehearsed pitches, focus on crafting a concise, engaging way to describe your professional passion and expertise.
For example: “I specialize in helping busy professionals find balance through practical mindfulness techniques.” This approach is clear, intriguing, and invites further conversation.
At networking events, prioritize quality interactions over quantity. Engage in meaningful dialogues, listen attentively, and seek ways to offer value to others. People tend to remember those who show genuine interest and offer assistance.
Post-event follow-up is also super important. Send a personalized message referencing specific points from your conversation. This shows attentiveness and helps solidify the connection.
Leveraging Social Media for Brand Visibility
Social media platforms offer continuous networking opportunities from the comfort of your own space. The key is to choose platforms aligned with your target audience’s preferences.
Create content that highlights your expertise. Share insights (may we recommend Women’s Business Daily articles?), practical tips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work. Vary your content format – mix text posts with images and videos to maintain engagement.
Interaction is equally important. Participate in discussions, comment on others’ posts, and share valuable content from your network. Remember to maintain a balance – avoid solely self-promotional content. You don’t want to be that person who only talks about themselves. Nobody likes that person at parties, and nobody likes that person on social media either.
Mastering Email Communication
Emails are still a big part of networking and self-promotion, so let’s make sure yours don’t end up in the trash folder. Craft subject lines that are both attention-grabbing and informative. “Quick question about your latest project” is more likely to be opened than a vague “Checking in.”
Keep the body of your email concise and purposeful. Clearly state your reason for reaching out and the When it comes to the email itself, keep it short and sweet. Get to the point quickly, and make it clear why you’re reaching out. And always proofread thoroughly before sending.
Follow-up emails require a delicate touch. One follow-up is generally acceptable, two is the maximum. Space them appropriately and always include new, relevant information in each communication.
Public Speaking: A Powerful Brand Amplifier
Public speaking is a fantastic way to showcase your brand, but it can also be terrifying. The good news? You don’t have to start with a TED talk. Look for smaller opportunities like local meetups or industry events.
When preparing your talk, focus on providing value to your audience. What can you teach them? What insights can you share? Structure your talk around 2-3 main points, and use stories to illustrate them. People remember stories long after they forget facts and figures.
As for delivery, practice is key. Record yourself, practice in front of friends, join a Toastmasters group (or sign up for a Women’s Business Daily membership). The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become. And remember, it’s okay to be nervous. Channel that energy into enthusiasm for your topic.
The Fine Art of Self-Promotion
Promoting yourself effectively is about framing. Rather than declaring superiority, express your passion and demonstrate how you’ve applied it to help others. Use storytelling to highlight your problem-solving skills and achievements without appearing boastful. Instead of saying, “I’m the best at X,” try “I’m really passionate about X, and here’s how I’ve helped others with it.”
Storytelling is your best friend here. Share anecdotes about challenges you’ve overcome or problems you’ve solved. It showcases your skills without sounding boastful.
Don’t be shy about asking for testimonials and recommendations, either. Let others sing your praises – it’s much more powerful than doing it yourself.
Measuring Your Brand’s Impact
You wouldn’t go on a road trip without checking your GPS occasionally, right? Same goes for your branding efforts. Set some goals for what you want to achieve. Maybe it’s a certain number of new connections per month, or a goal for engagement on your social media posts.
Track your progress regularly. Are you meeting your goals? If not, what needs to change? Maybe your networking strategy needs tweaking, or your content isn’t quite hitting the mark. Be willing to adjust as you go.
Your Brand in Action
Implementing effective networking and self-promotion strategies puts your personal brand to work. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Start small, build momentum, and before you know it, you’ll be a networking and self-promotion pro.
The most important thing? Stay true to yourself. Your personal brand is, well, personal. These strategies should feel like a natural extension of who you are, not like you’re trying to be someone else. Now go out there and show the world what you’ve got!
Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.
Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com
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