“Would you rather be a person, a brand or a hybrid of both?” asks Dana Webster, Social Media Specialist at ParaPRO, “In the world of Web 2.0 and the dominance of Social Networking, there are many people building themselves as brands. I, too, have done this to a certain extent, but it’s not my overwhelming driver at the end of the day. I always want to be a deeply passionate person first and foremost.”
Dana– YOU are your brand. Every person has a brand, it’s their identity. People who know them, understand the brand. Some people think a brand is something you make up, something “creative!” But, when it comes down to it, you can’t make up something that isn’t real, if everyone can see it. Some people use their brand more successfully than others. But, what I am saying is, you can’t make up a brand and have it trick people.
So, to the people who know you and work with you, I’m sure you described yourself perfectly. The great thing is, now with Social Media, you can broadcast your brand farther and more effectively. As long as you keep it real. Because, people eventually figure it out.
Of course, it’s up to you to put a plan together if you want your brand to become well known. You have to have a goal. How wide a group do you want to be known in? An important aspect of your brand is what differentiates you from your colleagues and competitors. What do want to gain from your larger audience? Remember Andy Warhol’s concept of “15 minutes of fame?” That’s for people who don’t have a plan.
Decide what is truly your brand, live it and make yourself as famous as you feel is appropriate for your goals! Now, get going and make it happen!
Here’s a couple of additional posts on the subject…
Get Famous and stay famous using SEO.
Tags: branding yourself, get famous, identify yourself, personal brand, web 2.0
Dennis, I couldn’t agree with you more. You are your own brand. Especially in the social networking sites, we comment on what we like, don’t like, and spread the word about upcoming movies, musics, etc. [the list is endless]. For me, the brand that I advertise through my various networking sites is bands- mostly unsigned ones. Whenever I find a new band that I like, I post a song of theirs onto my wall, and I try to establish a connection with every band that I come across. These unsigned bands need the most support because they need all the help they can get! Every band that I find reinforces the desire to work in the music scene after I graduate from Saint Mary’s College; I hope I can fulfill that desire.
Being your own brand is hugely important, as you have mentioned to us many times in class. Facebook is how we brand ourselves, we have a picture, our hobbies, what we like, don’t like, who our friends are, and where or what we are doing at any particular time.
In terms of becoming more or less well known, its up to you! The more postings I put, the more comments I will receive. The more things I “Like” the more connections I establish with the other people who like the same things.