Your True Purpose in Showing Up on Social Media in a Bigger Way

Can we talk? I want you to imagine I am sitting right next you.

I’m sitting at my computer right now reaching out to you via this medium online.  I am here 100%.

So let's get real, ok?

How's your social media marketing REALLY going? Are you building communities that resonate with you? Do you engage frequently with your communities on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube?  Are you posting compelling info to create interaction?

Are you allowing the REAL you to show up through your postings?

Or are you hiding behind the computer hesitant to post something in fear it may come across not appropriate? Are you afraid of being "seen" in the wrong way?

One of my students in a past Facebook teleseries class said, "I feel so relieved. You (Marla) are giving us permission to just be ourselves while on Facebook and make it ok to shine the light on our brilliance while we serve our expertise to our communities."

She and many others are in BIG fear of appearing incorrectly or being too "boastful" about their business, their accomplishments, and their lives. This is the most common fear most entrepreneurs have. This trumps the technology fears many have by far.

And that is one BIG lie you tell yourself. (That’s ego not spirit.)
Here’s the truth: we are here to shine our lights to inspire others. It's not about you. It's about you showing up in the world in your most authentic way that inspires others to do the same. Social Media is a gift that allows you to do just that.

As you make yourself visible on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, -- you are marketing you as the brand. You have an obligation to expose your talents that can transform someone's life. This is your true purpose for showing up in a bigger way on Social Media.

Small or large - you are here to serve.

And this is where your personal brand comes in. I guide you how to be savvy & sophisticated in your presence - your virtual voice online - your image. It is then you give others permission to do the same which leads to thousands serving one another in a BIG way. I call this the Law of Increase; being a good steward of Social Media.

This concern must be dealt with before you even consider learning all the fabulous tools and applications on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. The tools won’t be effective for you until you allow yourself to be transparent and engage frequently on these platforms.
 
Isn't it time you stop hiding and step up to serve others by being the real brilliant you?

How can you do that?  Start by understanding the art of storytelling in your branding. Today in our “social reward economy” we are digital storytellers. Your life is a story that inspires and connects with others.  All your posts over time add up to form you, the brand.

Three reasons why storytelling is so important:

• People can relate to brands through their stories. Stories are humanizing. People connect with stories.

• People remember details and messages more effectively through stories.  Storytelling helps people create images in the mind and these images "stick" better than just talk. (So don't shy away from the colorful, quirky details that give your story character.)

• Storytelling conveys the unique evolution of you – the brand; people want to connect with you.

Personal branding in business today is not a luxury; it's a necessity if you are to deliver powerful marketing and generate serious revenues. Again, we live in a “social reward” economy. The more savvy you become in your social media marketing – the more income you will make. Your personality and everyday thoughts, feelings, and events create your brand in order to build the know, like and trust factor while using social media.

Key tip: your personal page on Facebook is paramount in your marketing.  Please do not leave this out of the equation because you may think you are not supposed to mix business with personal; quite the contrary. The fan page is 100% business; but it’s your personal brand that captures the emotional resonance of your relationships online. It’s you reaching out to others not a business.

When we move our offline life to an online presence (virtual world) we aspire to be as authentic and transparent as possible in order to build relationships that eventually convert to clients and customers.

I am encouraging you to raise your standards in how you market so that you are in alignment with the way our NEW economy is requiring us to be and do.  We aspire to talk “with” our communities not talk “at” them as we post and inspire interaction. That’s true engagement.

My clients consistently ask what’s the most simple way to begin to raise my standards and how do I inspire engagement?  I start with “content is queen” and even more so - compelling content is best!

Here’s a few “At-a-Glance” topics that will inspire engagement on Facebook & Twitter. Begin using this today:

TIP: (Be sure to post photos, videos, & links for more consistent placement in Newsfeed on Facebook; and use first person, conversational format)

• Current topics in the news (positive!)

• Fashion, movies, TV shows, celebrities, philanthropy, culture, books, music, art, comedy, social media successes

• Every day relationships: romance, family, children, friends, weddings,

• Personal triumphs where others were served well, too.

• Personal philanthropy/humanitarian activities – be sure to post photos and videos of you and other volunteers doing the activity for the non-profit. Post narration of the event in your posting.

• Inspiration

• Pets

• Travel, vacations.

Your personal branding success formula to monetize your Social Media is: Brand + Identify + Post + Engage + Build = Success.  I dare you to Step into the Spotlight with confidence, savvy & ease!



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Article excerpt from Marla’s high content eBook of small business secrets to help you thrive in our social reward economy, “Step into the Spotlight with Confidence, Savvy, and Influence; Innovate Your Marketing with a Compelling Personal Brand." 
More details about the ebook: http://bit.ly/PBInnovate