Yes, they can. The very idea of the words “ PERSONAL BRANDING” is stressful enough for any Introvert. Did you know there are over 50% of Americans are Introverts?
According to the official random sample by the Myers-Briggs organization, and this was taken over a decade ago. Imagine how many there are now. You probably know at least 2 introverts in your life or you are one.
I have the privilege of being an Introvert, with the skill of an extroverts (shout out to my experience as an international publicist for over 15 years), so I get to experience both sides of the coin. It’s weird. I am also married to an introvert who I get to brand.
I understand his characteristics, so I get to support him in building his personal brand in a way that makes him comfortable and gets his message out to the world.
These 3 strategies I am sharing will help you bring your best self to the world in a way that protects your introverted ways, yet helps you get your message to the world and attract your Ideal clients/TRIBE.
#1 WRITE OUT LOUD
You’ll find most introverts write long articles. So one of the 3 ways for an introvert to build a successful personal brand in 2017 is by blogging. Blogging is a tool any introvert can master in 2017.1It’s a space for you to write as much as you want and express yourself without concern about anyone zapping your energy.
The question most introverts need to know is, “does this activity or experience give me energy or does it take away energy?” Most times, engaging PEOPLE takes away energy from an introvert, so they would rather be alone or with that “one person” in their bubble.
You will have to activate some marketing strategies to make your blog searchable to draw relevant traffic. Remember that if you have a message to share that can change the lives of even one person, it is your responsibility to make sure they find you. (so momentarily get over yourself and focus on the power of your message to change the world). Relax, you’re in great company.
Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mark Zuckerberg and so many more are introverts that have LITERARILY shaped our world. They all focused on their Message. You can do the same.
When blogging to build a successful personal brand in 2017, it helps to imagine you are writing to one type of person (there just happens to be thousands of that type of person that you can provide great insight for).
Most introverts are thoughtful in their expression so get ready to read long, yet powerful articles.
They do want to express themselves and they do a great job of it journaling or writing.
#2 DROP THE MIC
Well actually, I mean pick up the MIC. So the second way for an introvert to build a successful personal brand in 2017 is by launching a podcast. Here is the beautiful thing about social media1 in this day and age. YOU GET TO SET YOUR OWN RULES.
According to Edison Research in partnership with Triton Polling, monthly podcast listenership has increased 75% since 2013. This proves many things but above all, it proves that people are hungry for information and as an introvert with a message; It is your responsibility to put your message in the world using the senses. In this case, it is auditory.
Remember, since you get to set your own rules, it’s you sharing your ideas, your message to the mic and your computer, others simply have the opportunity to tap into your message, using your voice as the amplifier for your message.
Another way to market this podcast is to do your research on people who host solo podcasts, because they probably like to conserve their energy too and contact them either to interview them, or to be interviewed by them (dynamic content). So again, it would simply be you on a one-on-one with someone else like you, that understands the need to conserve energy. Happy podcasting.
p.s- When you are promoting the podcast, remember it’s your message you are promoting, so don’t get stuck on you.
#3 HIRE A PUBLICIST
So, I told you earlier that my husband is an introvert and the benefit of having his wife as a publicist/brand manager is that, he only gets to deal with one person. That is an advantage most introverts would prefer.
Taking the time to know what to look for before you hire a publicist is important. Let your publicist know that you only want to communicate with him or her one-on-one. You will have to tell your publicist what works for you. A suggestion is booking you on shows (TV, radio or podcasts) where you’re only interacting with one host, not necessarily in front of an audience.
You can also get featured in magazines or dailies, where the editor or writer meets with you or simply sends you questions to answer via email. Those are the best, because you’ll have time to be thoughtful in your response. Let them know you value intimacy and you’re at your best when your energy is focused on no more than one person. Of course, that is not to say you can’t handle an audience, you’ll simply have more to give when there is less energy to be zapped from you.
As a wife an introvert with a super cool personal brand, I look forward to these tips helping you build a successful personal brand in 2017. Brands are built over time, so be patience with your self, be consistent in your blogging or podcasts and secure those media features that GET YOUR MESSAGE TO THE WORLD.
Remember it’s about YOUR MESSAGE, you are simply the conduit to get it out, so get over yourself and get in front of your message so that the people who’s lives you have been created to change can find you.
After securing hundreds of publicity features for my clients over the years, I can tell you one media feature can create a new world of opportunities for you. Getting featured in any media is a great time to bank on that energy to create more like it. There is no such thing as too much noise. PR is about publicity, so tell the world about it. Below are 3 ways to maximize any publicity you get.
#1 MAKE SOME NOISE
Social currency is a powerful thing. But here is the truth: special people like to feel special. Immediately you’ve secured any feature, the first thing you want to do is tell your VIP’s. Email, phone calls, you can go old-fashioned and make copies of it and mail it to your family so they have a copy to brag about. Attach the image or link of the feature to an email to them. Be sure to let them know they are first in on this news. Let them feel your excitement about sharing this special news with them FIRST. People pay to be insiders, make your list/tribe feel special. And then, 6-12 hours later tell the whole world. Use social media, e-blast, and get 5-10 of your champions to re-tweet the same image or link. Become a trend in your inner circle for the day. Be sure to make noise for at least 2 weeks straight.
#2 CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is about consistency and connecting to influencers. Once you secure a solid media feature, spend the day engaging with the editor and the publication on social media. Tag them on your announcement of the feature at least 3 times in a day. It will let the writer/publication know you are excited about the feature plus, you’re showing the value of your own social currency. You can also tag other social media influencers or bloggers that compliment your brand. You should also take phrases, sound bites, or key moments of the feature and share it all day using a hashtag that works for your brand. Make sure you schedule them at integral times of day when your fans/followers are known to be online (check your account insights for this.) Create digital graphics of your quotes to share on instagram, record a video of you reading the feature and share it online. Get creative.
#3 TELL THE MEDIA ABOUT THE MEDIA
Telling other media you are interested in being featured on about your new media feature, is a good way to stay on their radar. You should have about 5-10 media contacts you’re building relationships with personally. Send an email to each one telling them about the feature and to consider you for a possible story or feature in their upcoming issue. Should you do this, it’s a good idea to have 3-4 fresh story ideas that will be of interest to their own publication. This can get their wheels turning on story angles that could get you even more publicity. Also tag them on instagram or twitter about the feature and use the appropriate industry hashtags.
I look forward to these tips helping you maximize any media exposure you get moving forward. Public Relations is about relating to the public, RELATE and build that relationship. That’s what it’s about. Have fun telling your story.
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, ICY PR is giving 3 tips on how to brand your Non-Profit organization in order to increase impact, visibility and serve.
“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Minister, Civil Rights Activist
The idea that everyone can make an impact is a big part of our signature program ICY Academy. We teach go getters, and those willing to serve their audience with their purpose, the ability to increase their own effectiveness by handing you to the tools of the trade that we have mustered up over the last 15 years as a public relations firm.
Branding for the non-profit sector isn’t just a bonus, but an absolute must. A brand is more than a visual identity: the name, logo, and graphic design used by an organization.Think of brand management as a tool for FUNDRAISING. Branding allows a story to be told. With non profits, those stories move individuals to action for change.
Here are some things to consider in order to boost your 501 (c) 3’s online branding initiatives
1. Consider a marketing or PR staff member on your leadership team.
2. Create powerful images. Record and share your good works—professionally. The choice to use an amateur photographer/videographer or a professional is the difference of how you want the public to engage in your work.
3. Recruit a group of volunteer social media influencers who are willing to share your powerful images. Nonprofits are skilled at finding community leaders to help push an initiative through a neighborhood or city. Think of social media influencers as a similar concept, except virtually. A social media influencer is someone who wields that influence through social media.
How do you make connections that convert to sales? it’s simple. Provide value. Give, Give get. Give more of your value and you will get the people who VALUE your expertise, service or product, paying you.
So it’s important to know what value you provide to the world.
The Formula it simple. What does your target need that you offer that will make their life easier. Be clear on it and then share it with the world.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin The African Millennial Photographers have arrived and their visual representation of this generation is incredibly colorful, sharp and world-class. As they learn more they’ll share with us all.
It’s finally happening. You’re tuning in to the power of personal branding and the power of your image to influence others and tell your story. Personal Branding is coming to life in a way we have never experienced before. Slowly going are the days when CEO’s and COO’s could hide behind their company name. Now more than ever, people connect with people and it is imperative that you put your best and full self forward.
In my 15+ years of PR/Branding and Marketing, one of the key ingredients to personal branding that can almost immediately change perception of you, is your pictorial image. The choice to use an amateur photographer or a professional is the difference between an engaging personal brand and no interest in how awesome you are.
The power of images goes a long way to shape our perception. I know there are many photographers in Nigeria; these photographers are photographers I will recommend and will gladly work with to brand my own clients.
So I have put together a list of 15 Personal-Branding Photographers You Should Know. So, when you are ready to invest in your own personal brand shoot, you have options that can help you speak to the world with incredible images.
It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.
I am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.
Hey you. Welcome to my Virtual home here on YetundeShorters.com where I get to support your awesomeness with tools, tips, resources to thrive out here in these world streets. Plus, I get to share with you my life as a Lifestyle Entrepreneur, TwinMom and Wife. A snap shot of the good and challenging. I am on a journey to realize my highest self while sharing the experiences, in hopes that someone else can learn from them, without having to go through it. I look forward to connecting live or online.
