What I Learned from "Defining Your Personal Brand"

I recently attended a workshop about "Defining Your Personal Brand." The focus was your brand in the physical and digital worlds. And it's great advice for authors. Here's what I learned:

1. You need to be authentic in how you present yourself and with all your posts.

2. Be aware of your appearance, your communications, and your nonverbal communications because that's how people perceive you.

3. The goal is to connect with others. Make people feel comfortable around you. Your non-verbal cues have a lot to do with this. Are you friendly? Are you approachable? Are you confident?

4. A lot of body language is subconscious. Often the person doesn't know he/she is projecting cues. One example is facing the door when you're ready to leave. 

5. When you smile, you appear confident to others.

6. Keep a mirror by your phone. People can tell by your voice if you're smiling.

7. Smiling and laughing are good for the heart.

8. People tend to frown when they are thinking or concentrating on something. Be aware. Others see it as a frown.

9. It is important to call people by name.

10. When you make eye contact, you appear trustworthy.

11. Everyone has a digital footprint. You need to have a presence on the internet, so you can be aware and control the message about you.

12. Control what you can control.

13. Ninety-four percent of job recruiters use the internet/social media when recruiting and interviewing. What does your presence say about you?

14. Don't get caught up in heated or passionate conversations online. You don't have to respond to everything. Pause before responding.

15. Once you post something, you can't take it back. If you don't want it read aloud in court or see it on the front page of the newspaper, then don't hit send.

16. Don't let the speed of technology get in the way of good judgement.

17. Always be honest and accurate. If you make a mistake, make an effort to correct it.

18. Don't ever assume anonymity in the digital world.

Many thanks to Dr. Vincent Magnini and Ilsa Loeser for a great presentation. And thanks for the review of my digital footprint!