Mashable's latest #BizChats Twitter chat broke down the basics of building a strong personal brand.
Brand experts Alexis Grant, entrepreneurial writer and digital strategist; Lolly Daskal, leadership consultant, president and founder of Lead From Within; Maria Duron, personal branding expert and trainer; and William Arruda, personal branding expert, motivational speaker and bestselling author, shared their insights on Tuesday.
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Over the course of an hour, @mashbusiness posed various questions, ranging from how someone can maximize their digital footprint to the best ways people can build their brands offline.
Check out highlights from the chat in the Storify, below:
[View the story "#BizChats: Overhaul Your Personal Brand" on Storify]#BizChats: Overhaul Your Personal BrandMashable hosted a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss the benefits of building a personal brand.Storified by Mashable· Wed, Feb 25 2015 00:15:30
Building a personal brand doesn't have to be a lackluster experience. Every professional has a unique skillset to share. However, the key is finding unique ways to stand out amongst a sea of professionals. Strengthening your social media presence strategically can make a world of difference in your professional journey. Once you understand how you want to be perceived online, the rest of the pieces will fall into place.
@mashbusiness and several career influencers participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss key steps that users can take toward making their social media presence the strongest it can be. Welcome to our #BizChats Twitter chat! Today we'll be discussing the benefits of building a digital brand. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable BusinessA warm welcome to our brand experts: @alexisgrant, @LollyDaskal, @mariaduron, @thebrandbuilder and @williamarruda! #BizChatsMashable BusinessQuestion 1: Q1. What are the factors that go into making a quality personal brand online? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA1. Authenticity. Differentiation. Relevance. And being in the right places so decision-makers find you. #PersonalBranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA1. 1st impressions have gone digital. Make your digital brand consistent with your real-world brand. #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA1. Volume: be in the right places. Relevance: be who you are. Diversity: use multimedia. Validation: have others speak 4 you #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA1: Value! What can you offer? How can you help others? And how can you show your personality while doing so? #bizchatsAlexis GrantA1. Also, an online home. A blog or website where you can represent yourself, your services & your value: http://t.co/mn0tFT9b7o #bizchatsAlexis GrantA1: Personal branding is a marketing strategy focused on your most important product: YOU. #BizChatsLolly DaskalA1: the best personal brands are REAL: Reliable Engaged Authentic Listening #BizChatsLolly DaskalA1: It is consistency. Who you are offline and who you are online need to be one and the same #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA1: It's also effective story telling. Being able to express your PB (as @williamarruda teaches) consistently no matter platform. #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA1. Authenticity & transparency to make your personal brand stand out from the crowd #BizChatsGenesis HR SolutionsQuestion 2:Q2. How do you go about creating a digital brand that's authentic to who you are? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA2: Developing a personal brand requires figuring out who you really are (your skills, values, passions, and personality #BizChatsLolly DaskalA2: Be genuine & honest. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Let your readers in. #bizchatsAlexis GrantA2: answer this important question - what do you want to be known as and what are you passionate about? #bizchatsRandy KsarA2: Strive to help others with your unique strengths. Be confident in what you know & what you can share: http://t.co/gHzhDwGKvw #bizchatsAlexis Grant@mashbusiness A2: Have to know myself in order to help create digital brand. Being open, authentic and transparent would be key. #bizchatsWayne ChanA2: It’s your USP, your tone and your story on digital platforms that are an extension of +communicate well those 3 items #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA2: Understanding your audience is key. You wouldn't craft the same content for 15-25yr old m gamers as 30-50yr old f doctors. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA2: Before you start planning & writing, spend a good chunk of time researching and understanding your audience. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA2: It’s much more than visual, it’s being able to have conversation in digital format that fits your brands USP, tone + cadence. #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA2: Don't be a gimmick. be personal. be authentic. be real. be honest. #BizChatsLolly DaskalA2: personal reflection! Look inward and figure out who you are and what you stand for! #BizChatsSearcy SledgeA2a. 1st know your brand. Be clear about what you want to say and to whom. #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA2b. Then write 3D brand bio – that says who you are, what you do and how you create value. #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA2: The best brands touch hearts and minds #BizChatsLolly DaskalA2 Get feedback from others. Your brand is held in the hearts and minds of those who know you #personalbranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA2: good exercise, describe ur personal brand in 5 words or less #BizChats @mashbusinessKamales LardiA2 Does your bio sound like you or like an accomplished robot who does what you do? #personalbranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA2. Identify who you are, what you value and what you have to offer. #BizChatsGenesis HR SolutionsQuestion 3:Q3. How does one maximize their digital footprint as a personal brand? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ3: Don’t spread yourself too thin. Pick a few platforms (ie: blog & Twitter OR Facebook) and do them well. #bizchatsAlexis GrantA3. Start w/ yr #LinkedIn profile – It’s often the 1st place people go & will be at the top of a #Google search #PB #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA3a. Be lazy! Turn Blogs into articles, post presentation PDFs to SlideShare, Turn stats into an infographic. #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA3: . @williamarruda teaches-Extract,Express+Exude your PB.I add 4th item, Engage.Maximize by engaging in a way consistent w/brand #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA3 #BizChats @mashbusiness - Avoid the 1 trick pony syndrome & show all your interests to build your digital footprint. Be authentic.Jason MesiarikA3: Get involved w/chats that provide ppl the opportunity to sample you character + competence #networking #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA3: Personal branding is answering your own WHY and then teaching others the HOW #BizChatsLolly DaskalA3: If you're building software, entertainment, etc, put your hashtag somewhere visible. Give people an easy way to talk about you #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA3 Focus on quality not quantity - of connections and content. #PersonalBranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA3: Become active w/ppl who compliment your brand, who serve same target audience. #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA3: If you're real, genuine, and responsive in your efforts, your brand will grow. Numbers mean little, connections everything. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA3: Be the brand who helps others be their best. #BizChatsLolly DaskalA3 Focus on the people you can help. You're products or services won't apply to everyone and that's okay. #BizChatsGeorgeQuestion 4:Q4. Do you need to have your own website? Why or why not? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA4: Yes. Beware of building your online house on rented (my)space. A domain is your intellectual property. #BizChatsRyan RhotenA4: Yes if you're providing a service (freelancers). No if you're creating a site just for a digital resume or career profile. #BizChatsMySlateA4: Nothing in personal branding is black or white. Be the best wherever you are. Period. #BizchatsLolly DaskalQ4: not always. determine your goals. is it lead gen focused and related to your biz? Does a @LinkedIn suffice? #bizchatsRandy Ksar@mashbusiness A4: There are a lot of benefits to having your own website such as SEO, visibility, showcasing work, etc. #BizChatsKaileigh CeurvorstA4: Your website is your online business card #BizChatsLolly DaskalA4: There are so many web site alternatives today - most people inside companies don't need to create a site #Personal Branding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA4: In rare cases though, individuals are able to use another platform like Facebook as a home for their personal brand. #bizchatsAlexis GrantA4: You do. #SoMe is rented land. You need your own home base to take relationships deeper #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA4: That depends on what your goal is? If you're a content creator or have goods to sell, yes absolutely! Otherwise not so much. #BizChatsAgent PalmerA4: Visible and findable IN our busy, distracted lives is key. Owning your site + name is impt to that. #bizchatMaria Elena DuronA4: If you have yr own co or are a solopreneur, you need a website - otherwise, it is not necessary #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA4. Buy your domain name and point it to your #LinkedIn page or other relevant place on the web. #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArruda@mashbusiness A4. I love having my own website as a home base for everything I do -- from social networks to portfolio. #BizChatsRyan LytleA4: Depends. If you're an artist, I want to see your portfolio on a real website. If you're a marketer, LinkedIn is fine. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA4: Yes if you're providing a service (freelancers). No if you're creating a site just for a digital resume or career profile. #BizChatsMySlateQuestion 5:Q5. What quantitative and qualitative feedback should professionals evaluate when building their digital brands? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA5. Quantitative: Views, LinkedIn Connect’s, content shares, subscribers, Likes, # of google results - #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA5. Qualitative: Are you attracting the RIGHT people? Who is looking at your #LinkedIn profile? #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA5. What kind of feedback are you receiving? What would people say about you? #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA5: It's what THEY think that counts. Know what others think? Seek feedback. #personalbranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaQ5: That's going to depend on the brand and the underlying business goals & values. No one approach fits all brands. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA5: Feedback is given in Retweets, in emails, in mentions, in conversations. All we have to do is really listen. #BizChatsLolly DaskalA5. @mashbusiness Examine your #insights! Familiarize yourself with the demographic you appeal to, not that you want. #BizChatsThinkTPGA5: For feedback, I like to look at responses to my newsletter. When readers take the time to email back, they really care. #bizchatsAlexis Grant@mashbusiness A5: Quantitative: Google Analytics, Social Metrics, etc. | Qualitative: brand positioning & engagement types #BizChatsKaileigh CeurvorstA5: Is the platform consistent w/your PB voice + cadence? Does it fit? #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA5: You also need to know your personal brand strategy + goal. What would make achieving those inevitable? Measure that. #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA5: How do YOU measure success? Revenue? Followers? Fans? Opportunities? Set your own measures up front. #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA5: Depends on goals - sales, loyalty or awareness - each has it's own measure ambles #BizChatsAndrew HutchinsonA5. What are people saying about you? Who is following you and how many followers/subscribers do you have? #BizChatsGenesis HR SolutionsA5: And measure your satisfaction. You need to love building your brand or you aren't doing it right. #personalbranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA5. In this case I think the qualitative feedback has 90% of importance. "Who" is more importante than "how many" you talked to. #BizChatsVitorVQuestion 6: Q6. What are some digital tools one can use to save time and increase productivity when building their brand online? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA6: one of my favourite tools, which I found on @mashable is the @IFTTT app! Its amazing! #BizChatsHuda SyedA6: Here’s a full list of the tools I use to build my brand & business: http://t.co/X7v6TXtpdU #bizchatsAlexis GrantA6: Also, for wifi on the go, I’m a fan of @yourKarma: http://t.co/HUyvRClCSI #personalbranding #bizchatsAlexis Grant@mashbusiness A6: I have used @SumAll to help track how much I post and how effective my digital brand is. #bizchatsWayne ChanA6: Nurph rocks for managing your engagement + involvement in a Twitterchat #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA6. We use @HubSpot's social tool. Super easy to share content across multiple platforms, broaden our reach and save time. #BizChatsGenesis HR Solutions@mashbusiness So many - @socialbro, @hootsuite, @fanpagekarma @googleanalytics @semrush #BizChatsAndrew HutchinsonA6: For measuring, I'm a @Sendible fan + use Demographics Pro + Google Analytics #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronBig fan of Google Drive @DrunkenSquidBar @mashbusiness #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA6: Schedule to space things out via Buffer. Listen via Hootsuite, Nuvi, etc. #bizchatsAmy WrightA6: @hootsuite will always have my heart (and #socialmedia scheduling duties) #BizChatsDesiree RoughtonA6. BufferApp saves time with posting to #socialmedia sites & allows you to publish pics to #Twitter #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA6: my fav tools - @evernote to jot down content ideas, @LinkedIn mobile app, my smartphone, selfie stick (j/k), @buffer #BizChatsRandy KsarA6: Hootsuite + MarketMeSuite – fab to save time, watch convos + jump in #bizchatsMaria Elena Duron.@mashbusiness A6 To increase productivity, make sure you've got a great @8tracks playlist ready to go. Fresh beats are vital. #BizChatsTehrA6: http://t.co/4YVNoIvVv5 is fab for a step-by-step in putting together your brand consistently online + visible #bizchatsMaria Elena Duron@mashbusiness I use @buffer for everything online and @my24me to schedule my life. Couldn't do without either #BizChatsLiz FurlA6: There is Hootsuite, Buffer, Tweetdeck, Social Oomph, Bit.ly, Pocket, Grammarly, Dlvr.it, Dropbox, Evernote, #BizChatsLolly DaskalA6: . @ConstantContact takes relationships + makes them better/deeper w/constant personal connection #bizchatsMaria Elena Duron@mashbusiness Twitter, LinkedIn, carbonmade is a great online Portfolio tool and wordpress for website. #personalbranding #BizChatsMaeve AhernA6: my fav tools - @evernote to jot down content ideas, @LinkedIn mobile app, my smartphone, selfie stick (j/k), @buffer #BizChatsRandy KsarQuestion 7:Q7. What are the best ways people can build their brands OFFline? #BizChatsMashable Business@mashbusiness Yeah, it's cliche, but networking events. For example, attending Social Media Week in NYC this week is a good start. #BizChatsTalkthatTraceA7: Brush up on public speaking skills and engage #InTheFlesh with your community (meetups, networks, nonprofits/volunteer orgs)! #BizChatsMySlate@mashbusiness A7: OFFline, your brand is a combo of reputation & actions. People make up their minds about you within 10 seconds. #BizChatsKaileigh CeurvorstA7: Networking is not about collecting business cards that you can use later. It's about building real relationships. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA7: Nothing is quite so disheartening as when you realize that someone is only talking to you for what you can do for them. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA7: Sponsor industry events or partner with other companies and throw an event or conference together. Get creative. #bizchatsAmanda NelsonA7. Participate in organizations relevant to your business. Volunteer. Host Events. #BizChatsTriStar PensionA7 Live inspiring life. Sitting on your laptop all day isn't motivating anyone. Get out there and live! #BizChatsGeorgeA7: I've had a lot of positive response reaching out via email to targets then setting up coffee meetings one-on-one. #bizchatsShawndra RussellA7: Network by offering value → How can you help the person next to you? Tips: http://t.co/2jrgzFn8IX #bizchatsAlexis GrantA7: Stop texting. Stop tweeting. Stop posting. Meet face to face. #BizChatsLolly DaskalA7: Go out, meet people, wear a branded t-shirt if that's your style. Be genuine, don't try to force a connection #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA7: Create your own MEET UP or TWEET UP. #BizChatsLolly DaskalA7. Send Thank you, congratulations, etc. cards via snail mail. They really stand out. #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaA7: @Meetup is awesome for meeting people both within and outside of your industry: http://t.co/tmjsovonQ6 #bizchatsAlexis GrantA7. Be an active member (volunteer, Board) of a prof assoc’n. Don’t just attend. #PersonalBranding #BizChatsWilliamArrudaQuestion 8: Q8. What final tips do you have about building a personal brand? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA8: If your brand is 'you', be a great version of You. Don't try to be someone else. People will figure it out & lose trust. #BizChatsTara J. BranniganA8. #PersonalBranding is not about being famous, it’s about being selectively famous. Focus on YOUR target audience #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA8: The best tip on personal branding is also the most important tip: Make A Difference wherever you go. Love Works #bizchatsLolly DaskalA8: Be willing to stand out AND take a stand. #PersonalBranding is not about pleasing everyone. #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA8: Evolve. Everything changes. You change. All around you changes. Remain relevant and real. #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA8: And learn from OPE – other people’s experience. Network online and offline #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA8: Remember, it’s always and still is – people do business w/people they know, like + trust. #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA8: Be kind and genuinely generous - people can see through a veiled attempt to get something from you. #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA8: Know your superpowers. What do you do better than anyone else? #PersonalBranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA8: Regardless of who you work for, make sure you invest in yourself (not just your employer): http://t.co/uTqg3CFi3G #bizchatsAlexis GrantA8: have fun with it and let it reflect your personality! #BizChatsSearcy SledgeA8: Discover what makes you unique; measure if you’re communicating that well online and offline #bizchatsMaria Elena DuronA8: Have fun! Readers want to follow someone they can relate to, and someone they LIKE. Smile. #bizchatsAlexis GrantA8: Strong #brands often repel as many people as they attract. Don't seek to please everyone! #PersonalBranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaA8: Be willing to help others on your trajectory + be an advocate for #causemarketing thru your own brand or bizs you work with. #bizchatsShawndra Russell@mashbusiness Don't aim to be a 'thought leader', aim to be the best at what you do #BizChatsAndrew HutchinsonA8: Be authentic & be original. You can't build a sustainable personal brand on someone else's shoulders. #bizchatsKeeyana HallA8: Above all build your brand in bits and bytes. First impressions have gone digital. #personalbranding #bizchatsWilliamArrudaClosing Comments: Thank you for joining today’s #BizChats! Stay tuned in a couple weeks for our next chat.Mashable BusinessSpecial thanks to all of our experts: @alexisgrant, @LollyDaskal, @mariaduron and @williamarruda! #BizChatsMashable BusinessThank you so much @mashbusiness for having me on the chat! Made more great connections today + learned, too - thank you #bizchats !!Maria Elena DuronA special thanks to @mashbusiness for exploring personal branding. Loved the chat #bizchatsLolly DaskalGreat practical advice from today's #BizChats Thank you so much @mashbusiness for facilitating great discussions! Thanks all!Jason Mesiarik@mashbusiness this was my first chat! I had a great time and learned a lot. Thank you for hosting! See you next time :) #BizChatsHuda SyedThank you so much @mashbusiness for having me on the chat! Made more great connections today + learned, too - thank you #bizchats !!Maria Elena DuronGreat chat today on personal branding! Some really interesting thoughts in this one. #BizChatsPaula Sageser@RyanRhoten @mashbusiness thank you both! Stumbled across #BizChats by pure accident and it was so interesting!socialbrighton