Taking control: how leaders can recalibrate and make good career decisions
Feelings of burnout are common this time of year. But rather than making any rash decisions, think about how you can recalibrate and take control.
Whether we like it or not, we are ‘viewed’ by others all the time.
For example, prospective employers are likely to have research your social media background researched as part of a selection process. Customers will read testimonials and reviews to research your experience and understand how you can add value to them. Competitors keep an eye on your offering and how you engage to understand your competitive advantage. Networks learn more about your personal brand and your expertise by viewing how well you operate as a thought leader.
We are viewed by others all the time, whether we like it or not. Control your image carefully, especially on social media.
Social media is a key tool in how people “view” us. It is a resource to research and analyse data, a tool to share and collect information, a platform to communicate and engage.
This means social media is one of the most influential platforms to use to build your thought leadership, your personal and employer brand, and maintain the networks that can advance your career.
There are different social media platforms with specific uses and audiences. LinkedIn is the priority social channel for business. Other commonly used social media channels include Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, WeChat, and Twitter. Consider which is most suitable for you to engage with. To help make this decision, consider where your audience spends their time and makes the effort to engage and communicate in. This is where you should also spend your time and effort.
However, it is important how you approach social media. Try following these seven golden rules:
1. Clarify your brand
Clarify your band before you start posting and engaging. This will help you create a consistent feeling, tone, and style across your relevant channels. The more consistent the brand, the greater the trust your audience will have in you.
2. Be visible
Be visible by sharing insights through posts and articles that are relevant to your market and audience. People will not know about you or regard you as a thought leader unless you are active and visible.
3. Be credible
Be credible by writing a summary when sharing news feeds, articles, or blogs with your audience. Consider the purpose of your post and why is it important for the audience to read. Create a compelling hook to encourage people to read what you are posting.
4. Be consistent
Be consistent by posting frequently. This will create trust in you as a thought leader. Build up your activity to posting once a week.
Posting can be done in a variety of ways: sharing shorter posts or lengthier articles you have written or sharing other articles and blogs that are relevant to your audience. At least twice a week, take the time to post short comments on posts you have seen and like others that mean something to you. Not only will this boost your presence, but the posters will appreciate it too (and are more likely to reciprocate).
5. Be positive
Be positive in your language, neutral in your opinion and relevant to the news of the time. Being too polarized in your opinion can alienate part of your audience. People engage more with positivity so they are optimistic and empowered.
6. Be responsive
Be responsive, polite, courteous, and honest with people that comment directly to you, message you or email you. How you respond shows your respect and professionalism and encourages people to trust you.
7. Be you
Be you. Do not be shy to share your personality and passion through your posts. However, this is not the time or place to show off or brag – it is obvious to a reader and creates an impression of arrogance, instead of credibility. Hide your uncertainties. We all have them, but they should not be on display.
Hunton Executive can help you understand how you are viewed and how to amplify your social media engagement.
For more information or help with strategies to engage on social media, schedule a call with Hunton Executive.
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