In today's online world, creating your own personal brand is an essential tool in business. Gone are the days where you can rely on your company's brand to grow and develop your client base. A strong personal brand across a range of social media platforms can strengthen your own reputation as a leader in your industry.
Promoting your professional brand involves a consistent online presence
Professional networking across multiple online platforms is valuable for establishing connections with other professionals in your industry. It also keeps you up-to-date with the latest industry news and trends and allows you to ‘rub shoulders’ with thought leaders in your field. In addition to this, professional networking on online platforms is effective for exposing a broader online audience to your professional brand.
Where can your clients and colleagues find out more information about you?
The reality is that most of your prospective clients are online and looking for the best person to help them with their financial management and planning. They’re doing as much homework as possible and are armed with all the right questions to find the answers they need to settle on you – or the competition – as their preferred service provider.
Do a quick Google search for yourself – are you there?
If Google can’t easily find you online, then neither will your prospective clients. Increasing your presence on professional networks like LinkedIn (and its associated Groups) can do wonders for your online presence. Take your time to understand and learn how these platforms work. If in doubt, get professional assistance from an inline digital expert - as consisitent and relevant content is vital to grow your personal brand.
If you are easy to find online, then how comprehensive is the information that you provide?
When it comes to communicating your professional brand, you need to make it relatively quick and easy to glean some key facts about you. This includes your level of expertise, professional training, affiliations, details about your work values and goals, and links to some of your more relevant online articles or blogs. The more transparent you are with this information, the better equipped a prospective client (or employer) will be to make an educated decision about your professional services and brand.
Other professional networking platforms to consider for building your professional brand
Do you have a professional blog? Blogging is an excellent way to promote your professional brand and position yourself as a thought leader in your field. Links from blogs can be shared on professional networking platforms to increase their reach and the likelihood of you being found online.
Be available for industry-related interviews and business speaking engagements. These could be radio interviews about a new business service or product, or an interview for a newspaper that gives both you and your employer additional public exposure.
Get involved in industry groups and invite other professionals from these groups to write guest blogs for you. They will, hopefully, return the favour.
Attend seminars and conferences that promote professional networking and engagement. Follow up with new and promising connections and add them to your professional networks.
Add Collins Home Loans to your professional network
We help financial managers with the mortgage advice they need to help their clients with all aspects of their home loan management. As a broker or advisor, all you need to do is submit a single application form that we then assess against a range of funding options to help you find the best solution for your clients.
Contact us for free mortgage advice.
Image Credit:financemagnates.com
