Part 2 – How to Use Social Media to Build Your Personal Brand

PART 2. Tired of Singing the Blues? Be your Industry’s Rock Star!

Part One talked about…

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 #2 of 10 Key notes to help you reach the right pitch:

Get as close to the action as you can, after all the success of social media is measured in engagement.

It’s not as simple as setting-up a blog or Facebook page or LinkedIn profile; it’s about being active on your platforms. You must be a visible leader, not a back-up singer. You need to be present and active in your industry.

 Comment on other peoples blogs, answer questions, actively seek keynote appointments, network and respond to engagement promptly, sensitively but confidently.

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Written by Natalee-Jewel for ADCORP