Is personal branding a scam?

Why it is important to market yourself?

Personal branding is considered by many as an essential component to getting far in your career... as long as you are in Marketing and Advertising, that is!

Even if you think your field of studies or work has nothing to do with advertising, take a look back and consider how you got that job... internship... or even that date! You presented yourself, with all of your skills and education, and took care to showcase everything which makes you stand out from the crowd which was waiting on the opposite side of the door, hoping to gain that same position you were competing for.

In the age of social media, networking has gained increasing relevance. We no longer rely on our parents, friends or neighbors to get the word out about how fabulous we are -- platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and even personal blogs can help get your name on the map!

The term "selling yourself" comes with several connotations... all of them negative. People who are not afraid to exhibit their distinctive expertise are considered to be either dishonest or pompous, if not both. But, why should this be true?

We are all sales people to a certain extent, no matter which is the area in which we earn a living. We must communicate our own value if we want to make it in this highly competitive world, a path which benefits everyone involved, from the hiring figure to the job-seeker. After all, this way allows both parties to discover the best fit for the available post, enabling each side to make the optimal decision.

Show the talents which make you different! Display the skills you possess which make the world a better place!!! Work hard to let others see your full potential, all that you are and are meant to be through creativity, hard work and motivation.

How can you build your brand online?

Establishing your own platform

...Ideally, a personal blog. By personalizing the site, readers will have a "first impression" of your personality and values.

Sharing your voice and knowledge will attract a number of users interested in the subjects covered; and employing multimedia, such as videos, images and sound tracks shall boost your engagement rates!

Ask friends and family what you're fabulous at. What makes you stand out from the crowd? Maybe it's the way you write, the fact that you dyed your hair green last fall, or even your cat's unique name!

Seek fields which have less competition

Avoid generic themes when writing, and find the personal spin you can put on your posts to make yourself be unique, fresh and attractive.

Share the good, the bad, and the ugly

Putting aside virtual sobfests, try to connect with your audience. Most of the mortals out there reading our blogs don't share in the Instgram-perfect moments shown by most writers. Show the highlights of your week and also the downfalls, ranging from finding an extra box of cookies, long-forgotten in a drawer, to a negative experience at a concert you had been looking forward to you.

Most users aren't looking for another cookie-cutter blogger posting about how marvellous their life is -- they want real people with authentic voices, and experiences they can laugh and shake their head at, or click their tounges and sigh to.

Mooooooove!

Staying in your metaphorical corner makes it... difficult, to say it lightly, for readers to discover you. test different platforms, swap subjects and experiment with different types of content!

Do your homework and study up on visitors' likes and dislikes. Which particular social media networks reach the greater part of your target group? Do users respond better to videos, images...?

Be sure to respond to each and every comment they post, and don't be afraid to answer! Thank each participant for their interest, and engage them in interesting debates! Share your knowledge and let yourself learn from others.

Are you comfortable with the idea of creating your personal brand?Do you know what you'd include?
Let me know! :)