A review of soci@l: Chapter 2: your brand and online image
On my website you will see the words; Your southern Utah real estate specialists and my blog states the same thing but singular. The same message is on my business cards as well. I do not consider myself an expert but do consider myself a professional. The first photo on my blog looked 'too perfect' so I changed it out for a digital shot. That's more like it!
I dress for success every day in a suit, one that represents the season of the year. I once met with a listing agent who was in short shorts, a tank top and flip-flops...and as much as I tried to rethink my first impression, it didn't improve. My thought on that is: You never know who you may meet during the day and it's best to look sharp because if / when things go wrong at least you will look somewhat put together!
Does your offline personality match your online social media profiles? Yes, I grew up with 4 brothers so I may not be a frilly, girly-girl as much as I'd like to be at times like many of my wonderful female friends. I also love to fish, hike, camp and I love animals AND I hope that I am transparent enough to allow that to be seen by people visiting the social media sites that I am a member.
I also care deeply about my family, my country and my community, am serious about my industry, appreciate my clients and blog about area businesses and places to frequent, am always touting southern Utah's sunny skies, clean air and excellent quality of life! I blog about the local market, programs for homebuyers, tips for sellers, motivational advice and about our animals and gardening.
Do the images and videos found online represent your ideal brand? As a past graphic design professional, I am very control oriented when it comes to flyers, posters, mass e-mails and posts. Quality in and quality out. My posts are generally set-up to be well received visually and possess a message that is cohesive and well thought out. If I have ever had a doubt about a post, I deleted it rather than putting out a message that I might later regret. Once it's out there in the blogosphere, it's out there for good!
I enjoyed reading about the fact if you shared the same name as someone who has a negative branding approach to put them in the background with several positive postings pushing him/her down on the google lists. Excellent advice Ben!
Do my online profiles allow me to relate to my target market or target audience? Yes, I am a southern Utah REALTOR® and that is clear and concise on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Plaxo and I just joined the YouTube web site. My marketing and advertising efforts on the MLS and beyond allow me to feature my clients properties to the fullest and has allowed me the pleasure of accepting referrals from agents in other selling areas!
An online image requires constant monitoring and just when you think everything is humming along, you get a wake up call and have to work quick to fix any potential problems that come along. Also, refraining from finger pointing, derogatory posts even when just commenting should be practiced at all times. Maintaining a professional demeanor is necessary to be successful and I intend to be just that.
The overall positive mesages throughout the book are refreshing and thank you Ben for allowing us to read this GEM!
This blog post is a review of Soci@l: Attract Friends, Followers and Connections to Your Business. Soci@l is a free download written by Ben Kinney in conjunction with ActiveRain and Jay Papasan. In exchange for downloading the free copy of Soci@l and writing this review, I have a chance to win a free iPad and I'm getting 2000 ActiveRain points.
Download a free copy of Social here and find out how you can have a chance to win an iPad and be guaranteed 2000 ActiveRain points.
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