How to Use Social Media to Build Your Personal Brand – Part7

The seventh installment of a ten part series – Tip #7 is revealed…

The traditional “soap box” on steroids, social media now broadcasts the voice of thought leaders in a new and electrifying way.

Each social medium, whether it be a micro/blog, web-cast or networked article, is a powerful amplifying system. But combined they are like a turbo charged U2 concert. And just like an open-air gig they will reach audiences who didn’t even buy a ticket.

Thought leaders are innovators. They view the world in which they live differently to others. They articulate these differences, differently; they are not bound by conventional rationality. They assert their insights with a confidence and credibility that attracts and empowers fanatical followers to take further action.

Just as the MTV generation would argue that video actually saved the radio star, social media is the champion of thought leadership in the Twenty-First century; having widened, yet segmented the audience and provided millions with countless opportunities to share their ideas and opinions in a way that has never before been available to them.

Social media is also the ultimate VIP backstage pass – it provides unprecedented access to an arena of thought leaders. You’re just one click away from the likes of Richard Branson, Russel Howcroft and Tim Ferriss, (or at least their social media savvy community managers).

Such superstars along with political leaders, social commentators, celebrities and artists have wised up to leveraging social media to enhance their public profiles and engage directly with their followers to gain greater insights into their markets, constituencies and communities.

So now, it’s your turn to shine.

Although thought leadership is not a new concept, using social media to project your voice further is an innovative process and like music, a precarious balance between science and art.

So here’s Tip #7 of 10 Key notes to help you reach the right pitch:

Just as the social media success of a brand can be measured in the number of followers/ subscribers it has. But like most things it should be about quality not just quantity.

You want those die-hard fans to become champions of, or “evangelists” for your ideas, values and brand (personal or corporate), reaching out into your marketplace, generating excitement and singing your praises as loud and with as much conviction as a gospel choir.

Follow up on the interest created by your Thought Leadership. Don’t take your popularity for granted. Create closed or invite/members-only groups.

You may think this is counter-intuitive if the object is to build a comment-worthy narrative around your brand and actively supporting the proliferation of your ideas, however, people value that which is perceived to be hard to come by, so you should reward your loyal fans with gestures of exclusivity.

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Written by Natalee-Jewel for ADCORP