When it comes to personal branding and new media, there are countless examples of professionals, businesses, and individuals who have built popular and effective networks of followers, friends, and business contacts. As new media tools and strategies become an increasingly important part of the business world, PR, marketing, and communications professionals are adopting these tactics for both personal and professional use. So, what’s your new media strategy? Do you mix business with personal on Twitter? Do you only accept friend requests from those you know on Facebook? Are you a virtual free-for-all networker across the web?
Let’s talk about your opinions, stories, and theories about how professionals should use new media.
Yo, you can also check out the comments on the Vimeo page for this videeo at http://www.vimeo.com/6012968
We always hear the same: there is no right way to use social media. That’s only true if you have no goal at all. There IS a right way to do things depending on the goals you have imposed for yourself.
I keep most of my personal life offline. why? Because my goal is focused on my brand, reputation and ideas.
There is no line if you don’t want it to be. Just realize that people care less about you and your anecdotes than they care about themselves. Make it about you (personal), and I assure you that less people will listen that if you make it about them (professional).
@ Carlos –
I’m glad you brought up the point of goals. I think this is a really important place to start when you’re thinking about both the tools and the tactics you want to use online.
If you are online mostly for professional development and networking, it does make sense that your content should focus on this areana.
But here’s a scenario for you: when your online persona actually begins to impact your career, and there’s no longer a clear line between whom you know online and who you know and work with offline. That sort of brings it all back around again full circle for me.
Another point is that you are impacted by how other people you know choose to use new media. I’d say a good half of my network online in some social sites is comprised of people I know from work, church, school, growing up, etc. And a majority of them are using social networks just to keep in touch with the me they know. They’re not as interested in the professional. So to me, it’s either that you have a certain operating standard in some places that you don’t in others, or that you find some sort of a middle-ground for them all.
That can happen, obviously, it’s ok if those aspects of your life merge in the real world. But you still control what you publish, I don’t see why you would “inevitably” had to start getting personal online.
I think it’s ok to respond in a personal way if people you care about ask you too. But when you create, you can be professional. It’s ok to show humanity but tweeting about what you’re wearing, is all about you.
@ Carlos – Good point. There are definitely different goals in blogging. You look at some people who’ve made a career blogging about the minutia of life – they become bona fide personas, to me, and it’s all about who they are, and that works. Others build a reputation for being thought leaders and sharing their knowledge, and they lead more with credentials and share experiences. So it’s right on with your point about what you share should align with why you’re here.