The old saying, “Your Reputation Proceeds You”, has gained new life over the past few years. With all of the information avilable online through Social Networks like Linkedin and Search Engines such as Google, Bing, & Yahoo it has become easier to form opinions, even if incorrect, about other before ever meeting them.
This has made Personal Branding a requirement for anyone doing business online.
Most people start with using the Big Three to establish themselves on the interwebs. And while I would not discourage the use of Linkedin, Twitter, & Facebook in any branding campaign be it corporate or personal, the best places to start are niche networks that allow you to showcase your knowledge.
Follow the Tips Below to Get Started:
Start by identifying your expertise & look for social networks, communities, forums, & blog which focus on your strengths.
- Engage slowly. Follow topics, members, & blogs that interest you. Express your views by leaving comments or even contributing posts. If the site’s policy allows, remember to link back to your website or blog. In essence: Be Helpful, Ask Questions, Establish your domain authority.
- Use your interaction on these niche networks as a prompt for articles or blogs on your site. If you do not have a site start a blog. There are several free blogging platforms like Posterous, WordPress, or Tumblr. If you need a more professional outlet get in touch with us.
- Don’t overwhelm yourself. Use RSS Feed Reader to keepup with activity on these sites & develop a schedule for post on your own blog.
- Claim your Reputation online by siging up for personal pages on about.me & chi.mp . Register yourname.com . Connect it to your blog or personal page. Use this as your personal online hub, a place to bring your everything together. It’s a good idea to setup email at this domain name. Try something like your-initals@ yourname.com or have a bit fun by using somethine like [email protected]
- Syndicate: Make sure you’r using facebook, twitter, & linkedin to Syndicate any of your content: Articles, Blog Post, Comments, or Answers on any of these sites that you believe add creditably to your personal brand. For a more geeky approach use RSS feeds to distribute your site content to feed directories such as Feedage.
If you have additional ideas or questions please leave them in the comments.
Learn more about me at ashaf.in
