Since the dawn of time, humans have communicated with one another through storytelling. Whenever we meet someone new that was connect with with intuitively want to tell them our story to further that connection.
It's by these connecting threads that we find our "tribe"- those people that resonate with us most. The people we want to spend time with. Because we have shared likes and interests. We have common goals, shared experiences or maybe we just look at the world in the same way. However we connect, it is the stories we tell one another that influence other's behaviour towards us and how we are perceived by the world.
And so it is with how we present ourselves and our businesses to the world. Everything that you say and do, all of the information that you share and all of your behaviour, tells us who you are, what you believe and what you are about. This is, in essence, your brand.
And so it is that our personal responses to these stories -that we come in contact with thousands of times a day-determine the brands that we align with and best represent an extension of ourselves. By choosing to shop in a particular clothing store and dress a certain way, you are sending out messages to those around you about how you want to be perceived.
Similarly, the content that we share on Social Media and how we behave on those channels gives the world a pretty good idea about who you are. This is your "personal branding".
But, this is where too many people miss the trick about Social Media. The clue is in the name. It is "Social", it is an exchange of information not just a new point of sale. Too many people just use it as a tool for selling without first developing those relationships. From those first connections, trust is built.When people trust you then they are more likely to buy from you. But,quite simply...nobody likes being sold to.
Instead, use the power of Social Media to "build your tribe", that group of people that you truly feel a kinship with.
Share your story. They will share theirs.
It's what makes us human.
In this digital world, our stories are how we truly connect.
Greg Friel
www.frielancemedia.co.uk
www.frielancemusic.co.uk