The streets are not safe
We interviewed fresh graduates for a new role a couple of years ago. It took us about 3 days to go through in person interviews for the shortlisted candidates but one gentleman had stolen the show on the second day.
It was almost mid-afternoon but regurgitated responses from a few candidates had made us feel like we’ve been at it for the whole day. To make things worse, the hot summer sun was peeping through the closed curtains of an air-conditioned room waiting for a chance to rudely interrupt. Things changed when this gentleman walked in.
He didn’t need to say a word to lift the room. Confidently striding forward, with a gentle smile that sold no fear and while making the perfect eye contact, he outstretched his arm. “Good morning sir, good morning ma’am,” he greeted us, the sound of voice and aura assuring that he deserved to be in that room.
The interview seemed to have ended up as a chat amongst friends. He told us what we wanted to hear and a lot more of what we didn’t know we needed. Other interviews that followed became formalities, he had set the bar too high for his counterparts. Out of genuine interest of his community work and depth of knowledge, I googled his name and that’s when the cookie crumbled.
I breezed past his well aligned LinkedIn profile which was up to date with the resume and jumped onto his Twitter profile which was littered with recent updates. And to say it was disappointing, seems to be an understatement.
It was no holds barred, rife with consistent hate language directed to those with different political views from his. Though his bio was adorned with top accolades, you couldn’t pick anything admirable from his activity. No filter on words, and constantly putting down others.
He was undoubtedly a confident and intelligent young man but with no place in our organization, far from resembling the values we embrace. His physical branding was sharply opposed to what his online demeanor suggested. We gave the role to the next best candidate.
To or not to have a digital identity?
Our everyday life is now almost inseparable to the digital world. It has been revolutionary and scary at the same time. Big tech seems to always know what we need and when we need it and our actions are not forgotten. It effectively elevates you when you do well and unforgiving when it’s the opposite.
To a limited extent, the choice to or not have to a digital identify is somewhat still ours. But for young professionals or early stage businesses looking to break into the market, when harnessed well, the benefits of digital are too good to ignore.
Here, I talk about seven key attitudes to adopt if you’re going to successfully brand yourself for exposure, sustainable transactions and success.
- Be intentional
In real life, you wouldn’t randomly befriend people and join their circles if you’re focused and planning to be a success. You’d be more measured about who and what you spend your time on. It should be no different on social media and other digital platforms.
How you brand yourself in person should be same online, especially that the two are now inseparable. Don’t just join a platform because it’s the hot thing ‘mumastreets.’ You ought to be more intentional about what you want to use every platform for and then decide who to connect and interact with based on that goal. Keep all your information up to date and delete your profiles on platforms you no longer use.
Not only will it package you well, but expose you to communities and individuals that add genuine value to you journey.
- Plan to be consistent
Through times and seasons, we grow and change. As we should. But through that course of change, our core values, attitudes and tone of voice must shine through consistently.
You don’t want to appear courteous on LinkedIn or via email but seem like a loose cannon on Twitter and a terrorist on Facebook. Yes, different aspects of our personalities manifest differently depending on the platform but when they become opposed to each other, you’d appear ingenuine and untrustworthy.
- Utilise privacy and security tools
I’m in no way saying you’re barred from joining a platform so you can have unchained football discussions with your peers. Instagram and Twitter for example, still permits you to be active without using your real name. You can utilize such features though it’s important to remember nothing is really hidden on the internet. Remain respectful and courteous regardless of the community.
Many platforms if not all, have features to mask your personal information from the public. For example, here’s how you can do it on Facebook. Make it a habit to search yourself frequently on search engines and continue adjusting your profiles until the results are made in your image.
Additionally, do not give up your personal information such as email address and phone number for offers you don’t need. It’ll you expose you to more risk of privacy invasion or bullying.
- Tell stories and be authentic
There’s no need to ensure all your post updates include crispy photos from exotic vacation destinations or how successful you’re. If you don’t do it in real life then why should you work so hard to keep it up online.
Old photos of your less successful self don’t need to be taken down. They’re not embarrassing, but tell a genuine story of where you’ve been and how relatable you’re to a lot of people. Such stories are powerful in helping build authentic and emotional connections with your network.
The key here is not to put all your shenanigans up for public scrutiny. It’s about enforcing a positive image whilst being true and authentic, at all times.
- Be human and helpful
Regardless of industry or function, everyone likes helpful people. Don’t be fooled by appearances. Just as there’s no honor in bashing your workmates or random people in person, the same applies online.
Give answers to those who seek them, promote other people’s stories, and freely give helpful resources to others. Your future employer, collaborator, investor or spouse may be watching, and being constantly human and helpful will do you better.
- Stick your neck out, with measure
If you’re for example a content creator seeking to expand your network or client base, confidently introduce yourself to the circles and people than can help. Clearly state what you do and the value they would get from connecting with you.
The same applies if you’re seeking a role at a company of your choice. Never shy away from taking opportunities or creating ones. Always offer value whilst being direct and clear.
Cold emailing or messaging is a powerful strategy when done well. You should’ve verifiable references for accessing their personal details and not just use online tools. Don’t share your resume or other content offers when they’ve not been asked for, always seek consent.
In summary, don’t be shy to put yourself out there, but do it courteously.
- Fire emoji and others
There’s a song that dominated the entertainment scene throughout 2022, it’s called fire emoji. If you’re a teen or a parent of a teen, you’d know this one.
The point here is however not about the song. Just as emojis (the 21st century alphabet), fire or otherwise show off some personality for brands and individuals, so should you when carving an online brand and identity.
From time to time, allow your personality to naturally and respectfully shine. You’re human and people are excepting you be. That’s how you build genuine and real connections that become lasting value to your career journey and life.
Final note
If you’re unsure about the kind of identity or personal brand you’d like to create, it’s better to stay off digital platforms and figure it out first. Our lives are now increasingly under scrutiny with people making flash judgements of us based on every interaction and reaction.
Own up your online identity and consistently carve it in your image. You’d be glad you did.
Which digital platforms are you using to your advantage?