Build a Personal and Virtual Brand – both are important!
The entire world has not shifted to function digitally. Having a virtual identity is more important than ever and will only continue to grow. However, as human beings we have an instinctive, deep need for personal relationships.
If we think that our virtual brand is more important than our personal brand, we’re mistaken. Just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a person by their blog, Instagram, FB and Twitter posts alone.
To gain a following or become noticed, say less but give us more content and substance. Freely share valuable content and information from others that has meaning and provides valuable information.
Be vulnerable and real. We can relate to people who don’t try to look like they have it all together. You remind us more of ourselves and we’ll trust you.
Ensure you don’t have to apologize for what you’ve posted when we meet you in person. Please spare us your rants and expletive laden commentaries about how you are right and everyone that disagrees with you is a fool. They’re not.
Building a balanced brand starts by defining what you want to be known for, virtually and in person. If your followers meet you in person, the genuine “you” will be revealed.
Our perception of you either declines, if you’re not as advertised, or gets stronger if everything we’ve read and heard aligns when we meet you.
