"Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You."
-- Tom Peters in Fast Company, 1997

Your Personal Brand on Facebook; in the Community

Always bring the best version of yourself...

Two instances this week got me really thinking about personal branding.  The first occurred during a social media presentation for chiropractors where the recommendation “do not, ever, become friends with your patients on Facebook!” was made.  Interesting, I thought.  Really?  But what if they want to be my friend?

I get the point of the presenter and with a family member in that profession, the issues that could arise are not lost on me.  That said part of what a chiropractor, or any professional brings to the table is their personal brand, their character, and everything about them.  People choose you or your organization over your peers or competitors based somewhat on that personality.  Doesn’t it make sense to make it as positive as possible and let the world see it and connect to it?

The other occurrence happed as I had just finished up a speaking engagement on social media for local businesses in a Milwaukee suburb this week when a woman approached me to compliment me on the presentation and to scold me on the poor job I did at marketing myself before, during and after the presentation. My explanation that I don’t market myself during paid speaking engagements didn’t pass muster for her. She went on to day something to this effect “You’re actually shortchanging us by not connecting the dots and making it easy to do business with you. Every time I see a presentation like this, you guys never really tell us how you can specifically help us and don’t market yourselves well.” Ouch…for a marketing guy!

I believe the lesson here is simple: No matter what way you connect with people, be it online or in line, it’s your job to bring your best personal brand to the table and let it shine. Every impression, every profile and every engagement is an opportunity for you to be a friend, help someone out or just be a good, useful human being.  Never, ever shortchange someone on the opportunity to engage with you, wherever you’re at.

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Q&A | QUESTIONS & ACTIONS

What does your personal brand look like today? How about online?
How do you present yourself to the world, wherever you are?
How could you do a better job at personal branding?

PLANNING AHEAD?

Each week, we look at what’s coming up a month from now in Chase’s 2010 Calendar of Events to help you plan your promotions in advance.

May 21 is National Bike to Work Day – Pretty self-explanatory. How about holding a contest in your office for the department that has the highest percentage of team members riding into work…or just make a difference on your own by hopping on your bike!

 

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