We’ve worked with many executives who are partially successful in their self-branding strategy.
In our experience, there are several things they could focus on that would help them shine brighter.
Determine your audience and their interest
For many people, their linkedin is filled with past colleagues, clients and friends over the years. Their linkedin is a blast from the past. This is to be expected. Understanding who those folks are and what they may want to hear from you requires some thinking. You should be aware of and understand your audience. Besides your recent job move, educational endeavor or conference attendance, what else can you enlighten them on that you are considered expert in?
Your website
If you have a website, you are pretty far along on your executive branding journey.
Is it up to date? Do you do maintenance and clean up frequently? If not, it’s recommended. It shows you are active at whatever expertise you have. Frequently, we’ve seen executives start a website and then infrequently update it.
Use of AI
Using AI for your posts is common practice these days, however proof reading prior to posting should be a part of your process. Also, is it really what you think or are you just sharing some collective knowledge instead of using your own expertise.
Industry Jargon
If one of your goals is to attract audiences outside your current industry or your industry in other countries, we highly recommend you define or spell out said jargon in any posts or general writing.
Trying to do too much
Branding should show what you are exceptional at. Trying to show yourself as a ‘doer of all things’ may detract your audience. Pick one or two areas you are expert at and really work those areas in posts, at conferences and with your online audience.
Tie to newsworthy stories
Keeping up with events that tie into your expertise can be good. Taking time to share your thoughts and feedback in a professional, respectful and useful way can show you as a ‘good social citizen’
Don’t have time to maintain your branding image? Need to get started on branding your image? We can help! Ariane offers a BRAND YOU program that may be right for you.
