Let's be honest, we all influence people. From brunch recommendations to business tips, our words have weight. Social media has turned CEOs and employees into industry influencers, shaping how people see companies. It's all about building a brand called you. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned exec, how you present yourself digitally can take your business to new heights. And this isn't just a hunch; real companies have gone viral thanks to founders and employees creating killer content.
Blending Charisma and Insight
In recent years, the term "influencer" has gotten a bad rap. We all know the drill: staged photos, endless #ads, and that nagging FOMO. But what if we reframed it? Imagine influencers not chasing clout but igniting discussions, inspiring action, and nudging the world towards positive change.
Influencers hold a magnetic charm, convincing us to double-tap and crave that new product. But the best ones go beyond surface-level marketing. They share genuine content that enriches our lives, diving deep into real relatability.
Thought leaders, on the other hand, are the idea architects. They challenge the status quo, push us to rethink our perspectives, and maybe even swap out our daily habits for more sustainable choices. Think of them as the Einsteins of the digital age, sparking conversations that propel industries forward.
The magic lies in blending influence and thought leadership. Authenticity is key. So, ditch the corporate jargon and embrace relatability. Your genuine voice and thoughtful ideas are what build trust and resonate with your audience.
Why CEOs Need to Develop a Personal Brand
A strong personal brand is your megaphone. Allowing you to shout your ideas and values from the rooftops. This influence can spark change and empower you to make a real difference.
Stand Out: Being a leader in a crowded field is tough, but a personal brand sets you apart. By showcasing your unique strengths and expertise, you become the go-to person in your industry.
Opportunity Magnet: Your personal brand is your conversation starter, opening doors to powerful connections and collaborations. Build relationships that fuel new ideas and help everyone grow.
More Than a Face to the Name: People connect with real stories, and that connection leads to deeper engagement with your brand. You become a relatable leader people trust and admire, which is essential for long-term success.
In Action: Strawberry Milk Mob
The captivating part about Strawberry Milk Mob’s TikTok presence is its founder, Georgia Costello. Her content isn't primarily focused on her business, most of her videos feature her witty takes on everyday life. Occasionally, Georgia showcases a few swimsuit designs, asks for feedback on potential launches, or shares a glimpse into what running her business is like. She subtly invites you into her world instead of just shoving products in your face. People get to know the person behind the brand, and the company scores major connection points.
The How: Building Your Personal Brand
1. The Self-Discovery Journey
Kickstart your personal branding journey with a brainstorming session. Dive into your passions, strengths, and the unique value you bring to the table. This exploration is foundational in building a brand that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.
2. Recapping Your Story
Your personal brand story should be as engaging as a personal ad. Create your narrative to be memorable and distinct, ensuring it encapsulates the essence of your unique persona and journey. Think of it as your elevator pitch—quick, compelling, and leaving them wanting more.
3. Social Media Makeover
Treat a social media audit like a closet revamp. Each post, share, and like should reflect the personal brand you aspire to project. This makeover ensures your online presence is not only polished but also consistently aligned with the image you want to portray to the world.
4. Continuous Learning and Adjusting
Embrace your brand-building journey as an ongoing adventure. Expect and welcome detours and reroutes along the way, adjusting your strategies as you grow and learn. This adaptive approach will keep your brand vibrant and relevant in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The Fun Part: 12 Types of Content to Create
This is where it gets exciting! Let's ditch the basic templates and dive into the creative world of content where your unique personality shines. Think of it as a public journal — a space to document your journey, blending insights from your personal and professional life. Each piece you create, whether on your brand's page or your own, becomes a captivating entry in your digital diary. This isn't just content creation — it's about living out loud and inspiring others through your digital presence.
1. "A Day in the Life" Videos
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of someone’s day? Take viewers on a journey through your typical workday, from brainstorming sessions and coffee breaks to strategic meetings. Show the real you: the leader who gets things done but also the person who enjoys the little things in life. Bonus points for showcasing a work trip, a recharge day, or even a whole conference week. The world is your oyster!
2. Behind-the-scenes (BTS) Tours
Give your audience exclusive access to BTS tours of your workspace, manufacturing process, or event preparations. People love a sneak peek, and this content allows them to feel like insiders who understand the effort and creativity that goes into your products or services.
3. "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) Sessions
Host live AMAs on social media, where followers can ask anything, from career advice to your favorite hobbies. This boosts direct interaction and builds a strong sense of community around your brand.
4. Challenges and Competitions
Get playful and tap into the competitive spirit! Participate in or create industry-related challenges. Encourage your team to join in and share their experiences or results. This is a fantastic way to generate engagement and excitement.
5. How-To Content
Share your expertise by creating how-to guides or tutorials relevant to your industry. This could be anything from leadership tips to product usage guides. By positioning yourself as an authority while offering valuable lessons, you build trust and credibility with your audience.
6. Personal Projects or Passions
Don't be afraid to show your well-rounded personality! Share content related to your hobbies or personal projects, even if they don't directly connect to your business. This humanizes your brand and allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level through shared interests.
7. Employee Spotlights
Shine a light on your amazing team! Create content that highlights the accomplishments and personalities of your employees. This fosters friendship within your company and showcases the talented individuals behind your company to your audience.
8. Pop Culture References
Show your fun side by sharing memes and content that reference pop culture but are still relevant to your industry. This demonstrates your brand's ability to stay current and engage in a lighthearted way.
9. Work-Life Balance Tips
We all want to know the secrets to success! Share insights into how you manage your workload, maintain productivity, or achieve a healthy work-life balance. This relatable content offers real value and encourages a more balanced lifestyle for your audience.
10. Collaborations with Other Industry Leaders
Team up with peers for joint content creation, like webinars, podcasts, or social media takeovers. This brings together diverse perspectives and showcases the collaborative spirit within your industry.
11. Reacting to Industry News
Stay at the forefront of your field by sharing your take on the latest industry news or trends through videos or blog posts. This keeps your content fresh and positions you as a go-to source for insights and commentary.
12. Storytelling Series
Everyone loves a good story! Create a series of posts that tell a captivating narrative, whether it's about your company's history, inspiring customer success stories, or how you overcame personal challenges. Authentic and inspirational stories are a powerful way to connect with your audience.
Ready to take the leap? Grab your phone, share your story, and show the world the value you bring. The world awaits your unique voice and perspective. Start small, share your story, and watch the connections flourish.
