Blogging combined with social media is one of the most potent combos for personal branding. The people in your social networks are those that potentially have an influence on your career or business in the next few years so it’s important that you leverage your online connections with them to let them see the good things about you. That’s the beauty of the internet, it allows you to grab the eyes of your prospect and you let them stare only at the best things about your company, product, or yourself. When I meet new potential clients or partners they often mention that they’ve read my blog prior to our meeting. Some even say that they found out about me from a friend who shared an article or two on Facebook and Twitter. I know that the usual saying is that “reputation precede you”, but in today’s digital age it can be “does your blog precede you?”
Leverage the Share Generation
Facebook and Twitter have made it so easy for people to spread information in their personal networks. All it takes is one click of a button to share an article or re-tweet an update. That piece of info is sent out to their own respective connections and if someone in their circle finds it interesting they do the same. If you have powerful content that offers value then you can easily tap social media to build your brand at a rapid pace! This isn’t just theory. I’ve done it and I hope that you consider trying it out as well.
Why Blog when you have Facebook and Twitter?
Simply because Facebook and Twitter aren’t enough. 140 or so characters won’t be able to convince your connections that you’re an expert on something or that you’re credible. Think of social media as a teaser or as a prelude. The blog allows you to really communicate properly because you have control of the entire page. You can use images, text, and whatever to let them know what you’re all about. Make sure though that you have a simple and straight-to-the-point navigation bar so that they can dig deeper into what you’re offering.
This isn’t just for the US or Europe. This is applicable here in the Philippines and I’ve seen it happen several times already. Social Media and Blogging are here to stay and they can be tools that can really give your career or business a big boost. All it takes is a little humility to accept that you need to learn more and to match that with decent effort to put up and optimize your blog and social media accounts.
Carlo, this would only apply to high profile jobs isn’t it? Like managers, CEOs, counselors, politicians (or even teachers – i see your point)… Would blogging be necessary or even appropriate (or worst work against) for military (that’s me), social workers, other uniformed services, clerks, etc. Just want to be convinced more but I really got some of your point since I maybe changing my career here in a year. Excellent points Carlo – thanks!
Personally I believe that as long as you’re passionate about what you’re blogging then go for it. The blog doesn’t have to be about what your current work is especially if you’re employed in a job that you don’t really love doing. You have to figure out first what your passions are in life then you go for that.
Blogging is not just for CEOs and politicians – it applies to everyone.
Blogging helps you establish expertise and make you a thought leader on your niche.
And if your planning to get a new career – blogging is one of the best tools to reach out your ideal boss and customer.
I thought you can post long entries in Facebook with videos, images, etc? Just like a blog. Your FB Page is basically a blog right?
Greetings,
As a concerned reader and a new blog follower, I just want to inform you that the opt in form on your side bar and the email address posted on your contact page are inactive. ;(
i’m sending it here since this is the only private place left for me to send my message. You can delete this afterwards
Hope to see your opt in subscription option fixed or your email address updated at least.
Thanks!
Val