What’s changed for you over the past three years?
The world has been opening up, with many people resuming their pre-pandemic activities—from working in an office to working out at the gym. Meanwhile, people—and thus, personal brands—developed during COVID face the challenge of showing up IRL for the first time. Conferences, meetups, networking events, and masterminds are popping up weekly, and it’s time to prime your brand for an in-person debut. Here are five strategies on how to put your best foot forward.
1. Bring reality to digital, and digital to reality
Feature an in-person event or meeting you’re attending on your digital profile. Right now, people are itching to get out and do things. Seeing how you’re showing up in the world beyond your screen will help you resonate with more people and position yourself with more depth.
Don’t be afraid to feature others online, either. Pictures with people who have strong brands make for good content—and have the potential to grow your network.
Think about ways to bring your digital platform to real life as well. For example, including QR codes and Instagram handles on your business card will help you connect with people online after that retreat or business dinner ends.
2. Pursue the unexpected
We’re seeing Kevin Durant backing Web3 projects, Gary Vaynerchuck buying Pokemon Cards, The Chainsmokers launching a VC, Lizzo selling shapewear that’s meant to be seen, Mila Kunis playing World of Warcraft, and more. Don’t constrain your brand to a single vertical, industry, or theme. Show the world how multidimensional you are, and you’ll attract an audience that’s just as dynamic.
3. Produce and share content you find interesting
Producing content can be scary. How will others receive it? Will it feel valuable to them? Am I sharing too much? If you’ve had concerns like these, you’re not alone. But Don’t let the anxieties stop you. If you’re not sure exactly what to say, begin by sharing the stuff you find interesting. Curating can be powerful too.
When you’re ready to offer up your unique perspective, start small. Think about the singular insights or lessons that have been most effective in your day-to-day life, and talk about what they’ve done for you. Someone will undoubtedly appreciate your efforts.
4. Make your area(s) of expertise clear
Don’t leave people guessing about what you do best. Own your ideas, experience, and interests. Start by getting rid of phrases like “I think” or “I believe” and confidently tell them what you’ve seen, heard, and learned over the course of your career. You’ll establish clarity and attract the right audience.
5. Bring people together
Find ways to gather with others—in person, if possible. People won’t forget that you brought them together after years of being a hermit in their homes.
This doesn’t have to be limited to your day job. Create digital communities or small groups for specific passions, interests, or hobbies. A Slack channel with your colleagues about gardening, a Discord server with professionals who also play the same video game that you do, or a Facebook group for parents at your organization.Then, get a meetup on the calendar. Be the reason someone has something to do and new people to meet on a Friday night.
Finally, get started ASAP. The sooner you get your voice out there, the sooner you can make an impact. And if you’re not sure how to begin, we can help.