This post is a continuation of an article titled “Personal Branding Roadmap- Part 1”. I posted a few weeks ago. I recommend reading part 1 where I have explained Steps 1 to 7 tagged “Phase 1 – Your Strategy”. We shall be looking at the three other phases in this article which are, Phase II – Setting Up Your Infrastructure, Phase III – Developing Your Skills, and Phase IV: Launch Time!
Phase II: Setting Up Your Infrastructure
Step 8: Create your media kit. Hire a professional to take a few photos of you and write a short and long version of your biography. Later you can add a video reel of public speaking clips. If you can, include a link on your bio page to download a zipped file of your kit.
Step 9: Enhance your bio/build your website. Add credibility-boosting features to your biographies, such as articles you have written, speeches you have delivered, and accolades you have won — anything that might convince a reader that you are the real deal.
Step 10. Get set to blog. If your firm has a blog, find out what you need to do to become a regular contributor. If you need to get buy-in from others in the organization, explain what you are trying to achieve. Work with the appropriate people to get the exposure you need. If you will be setting up your own blog, now is the time to begin building and configuring it. If you need help, find and invest in the resources to make it happen.
Step 11. Set up your conversion tools. To turn web visitors and blog readers into leads, you will need to offer them something that is compelling enough they will provide their name and email address in exchange for it. Usually, this is a long piece of educational content, such as a guide, whitepaper, or e-book. You will need to write this piece of content first, then place it behind a registration form on your website or blog. You will also need to design an appealing offer to entice readers to download the piece of content. You should consider providing the language with your form that explains that the reader will be receiving additional emails in the future. If you explain that these emails will contain valuable educational materials and advice — and that you can cancel anytime — you should not deter many downloads.
Step 12. Set up your social media profiles. If all you do is build out your LinkedIn profile, you will be fine. LinkedIn is by far the most important social platform for professional services experts. Be sure to complete your profile in full. Then look around for active groups you can join that are frequented by people in your target audience. The next platform to join is Twitter, which you can use to promote your content. Facebook, YouTube, and others may make sense in some cases, but I suggest that most experts spend their limited time elsewhere.
Step 13. Select and prepare your email platform. You may be using your firm’s existing email service or CRM, or you may need to set one up from scratch. Either way, make sure you have got a nice-looking, legible email template ready to go. If you are choosing a new platform, select one that is easy to use and has robust list management and reporting tools. Also, decide whether you will require a single opt-in or double opt-in for new subscribers.
Phase III: Develop Your Skills
Step 14. Set aside time each day to work on new skills. The most effective way to tackle a long-term project is to make a habit of it. That means carving out a little time each day to work on one or two pieces at a time. Remember that this is a professional commitment and not a pastime or a hobby. Therefore, investing time in improving your personal brand during the course of the workday is acceptable and even crucial. Although it is a never-ending project, you may also devote some of your personal time to it. Start building your job around it.
Phase IV: Launch Time!
Read over your plan one more time. Then start implementing it. It will be slow going at first, but it is important to get the ropes and ladders in place before you set out. You have got a strategy, now put it into play!
In conclusion, this road map can assist in setting you on the right path for a quick climb if you are an expert with aspirations to become a leader in your field. It is normal to initially feel overburdened, especially if you are already busy. All successful people you know had the same problem: You will be amazed at what will happen when you focus on something that you really want.
The key is to break down your personal branding strategy into manageable chunks. Do not try to tackle too many things at once. Little by little, you will begin to see results. At some point, people will begin asking for you. And eventually, a few will want to hire you and your firm based on your reputation alone. The thrill that comes with seeing steady progress makes all the hard work worth it.
Good luck and happy climbing!
Written by Hay-R-Hay.
Exercise and Sleep
This article is a must-read for professionals who desire to project their expertise and personalities on social media.
Thanks for your comment.
Nice one Rafiu. I love this!!!
Thanks, Ify.
Well put together, and a relevant piece Rafiu.