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JP
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4 months ago
in Social Media for Business: The Dos & Don’ts of Sharing on Mashable - The Social Media Guide
Thanks Sarah, for this thoughtful, comprehensive piece.
In general I agree with most points; however, I have to disagree about “creating your social media *personality* ” which directly conflicts with the notion of being transparent and authentic. If you are being “authentic” why is there a need to *create* a “personality?” Why can’t you just "be?”
Also, just like I advise my clients, I believe that each social media tool is different and has different purposes and communities. What I am sharing and discussing on what forum may be very different in flavor to what I am sharing and discussing on another network. Hence, my communications / interactions will be different. Doesn’t this change the notion of offering up a *consistent* personality or brand? As fluid, complex, ever-evolving and emotional creatures is it even logical to assume we can paint one picture of ourselves and share it consistently and flawlessly across all networks and SocMed tools?
This is one of the many reasons why I don’t believe in the phrase “personal branding” too.
That’s because people have *reputations*. Companies have *brands*. And just like corporate brands are determined by their customers, your “personal brand” is determined by those who know and interact with you (not by how you package yourself). And the only way they can get to know the *real* you, to interface with you, and get a true sense of you, is to be you – not a brand identity.
In general I agree with most points; however, I have to disagree about “creating your social media *personality* ” which directly conflicts with the notion of being transparent and authentic. If you are being “authentic” why is there a need to *create* a “personality?” Why can’t you just "be?”
Also, just like I advise my clients, I believe that each social media tool is different and has different purposes and communities. What I am sharing and discussing on what forum may be very different in flavor to what I am sharing and discussing on another network. Hence, my communications / interactions will be different. Doesn’t this change the notion of offering up a *consistent* personality or brand? As fluid, complex, ever-evolving and emotional creatures is it even logical to assume we can paint one picture of ourselves and share it consistently and flawlessly across all networks and SocMed tools?
This is one of the many reasons why I don’t believe in the phrase “personal branding” too.
That’s because people have *reputations*. Companies have *brands*. And just like corporate brands are determined by their customers, your “personal brand” is determined by those who know and interact with you (not by how you package yourself). And the only way they can get to know the *real* you, to interface with you, and get a true sense of you, is to be you – not a brand identity.
1 reply
prsarahevans
Hi Jaculynn. Although I was writing this post directed towards a business' brand, I admittedly crossed over to the personal side. Yes, people do have a reputation, in fact I think that is what begins to connect people to the brand - especially via social media. Look at Frank from Comcast (@comcastcares). Great example!
