Why Should Employees Invest In Their Personal Brand?

It's not always easy engaging employees to participate in a Social Advocacy or Social Selling program.  No time.  Not interested.  Social is for kids.  I don't like people.  We've heard them all and yes, that last one was an actual reason - real life.

As a digital native, I started my career surrounded by social technology.  I joined the workforce expecting social interaction and community engagement.  It's embeded into the way I communicate and facilitate my work.   However, I also appreciate it isn't second nature to others.  

Social Media:  What's In It For Me

For the first time ever, there are five generations within the workforce.  We're dealing with different motivations, learning styles and expectations.  

Any employee social media training program needs to start from the perspective of the employee.  Your employees will be asking "What's In It For Me" because ultimately, they need to prioritise where they invest their time.  After all, they have objectives and targets to reach.   

So, we've put together 12 reasons why your employees should invest in their personal brands.  It's designed to be a resource to help you position your Social Business Program and help employees understand the value of getting involved.  

#1 - The World Is Your Oyster

Social Media allows you to expand your network beyond your physical location. Imagine a group conversation between connections in South Korea, Brazil, Germany and New Zealand. Incredible!

#2 - Meet Likeminded Professionals

Just like meeting someone in person by chance, a strong personal brand allows the same chances to occur online. You just need to be involved in relevant conversations happening online to initiate these encounters.

#3 - Stay Front of Mind:  Create An Expert Profile

Most people only activate their networks when they need them but this often yields adhoc results with limited success. Stay front of mind with your networks online and manage relationships that yield long term success.

#4 - Learn Something New

Social Networks are full of people with years of experience. Getting yourself online opens you up to accessing this knowledge and provides access to people who want to share their story with you.

#5 - Bring Your CV To Life

Developing an online profile on LinkedIn enables you to produce a living CV – one that is constantly updated and optimised to reflect the professional brand you want to create. This makes you searchable both on Google and LinkedIn. 

#6 - Create A Good First Impression

Remember the saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? Your digital footprint is often the place where people are making their first impression of you.  Make sure you start off on the right foot.

#7 - Show And Tell

Establishing yourself as the go-to person in your industry involves showcasing your knowledge and expertise. Updating your online profile regularly demonstrates to your network that you are leading in your professional field.

#8 - Build Your Social Media Confidence

Developing your personal brand involves you understanding who you are – when you find your voice and your network responds positivity, you build confidence and credibility at the same time.

#9 - Opportunity Finds You

When your personal brand is optimised, active customers, clients, vendors, press and partners, will find you and reach out. Let opportunities come find you – adopt an inbound approach to business.

#10 - Be an Apple in A Bowl Full Of Oranges

Social networks are boasting record figures of signups (2 new members joining Linkedin every second) and getting your profile right is essential for becoming a stand out connection.

#11 - Turn the Tide

Developing your professional brand can help you create influence within your company. Connecting with fellow employees you don’t often meet in person, can expand your ability to positively change things within your company.

#12 - Change the World

Whether you are passionate about improving the way your company runs, working on a new technology to improve lives or simply want to help those in most need, it’s time to develop your professional brand to meet more people, learn more and ultimately create Impact.