How to Use Social Media to Build Your Personal Brand – Part4

The fourth installment of a ten part series – Tip #4 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 #4 of 10 Key notes to help you reach the right pitch:

Social media provides an unprecedented opportunity to scrutinize target markets; determine not only who people are, in terms of their traditional demographic stats – age, sex, locality, but to actually examine beyond the superficial and learn more about what these people “like”, where they spend their time; what they do professionally, but also what they say, read and buy.

How many times have you walked away from a concert disappointed by your favourite performer’s playlist? Rather than playing the songs everyone knows and loves, they forced-fed a new set that resembled nothing of the music that made them famous in the first place. Whilst it is important to remain innovative, it is imperative to pay attention to your audience’s preferences.

Take the time to review the analytics social media platforms provide you in relation to how your ideas were received. Observe which of your ideas got the most comments, likes, shares, tweets and Retweets. What’s the common sentiment? And who is engaging in the conversation or raging debate?

Want all 10 parts NOW?! Get the other 9 key takeaways by clicking here now!

Written by Natalee-Jewel for ADCORP