Day 6

Subject: Get started, [firstname].

Hi [firstname],

Once you’ve got your brand defined, it’s time to get branding and to make sure everything fits the narrative you’ve created.

Start by auditing search results and social media posts.

Google yourself so you know what others see when they look you up. Clear your browser’s cache and browse in private mode so that your recent browsing history doesn’t distort the results.

Identify what search results or online content attached to you can damage your reputation.  Take steps to remove them.  This can take some time, but it’s worth it – even if you’re not on social media that much – because there’s always the chance a post, comment or picture from the past could come back and sabotage your personal branding strategy – even if you didn’t write or post it yourself.

Look out for anything that might be interpreted as unprofessional, immoral or illegal. Take down anything polarizing or contentious  – particularly stuff related to politics, religion, race and gender etc.  Unless you’re trying to establish yourself as a porn star, get rid of any sexually explicit content.

Once it’s gone, don’t inadvertently put similar stuff back.  Yes, you might think that politician who was just on the TV news is blowing smoke out of his a**, but do yourself a favor and keep that opinion to yourself instead of sharing it on Twitter. 

Now start to live your brand.  Dress appropriately. Post content that portrays you in the right sort of light on social media.  Start with posting information on Facebook and appropriate pictures on Instagram.  Build up your network on LinkedIn and begin to grow your brand.

In the early days it’s worthwhile to follow a good branding example.  See how that person manages their personal brand and follow suit.  Make sure you just use them as a source of inspiration for your own ideas, don’t blatantly copy them.  People will see through it straightaway and your credibility will be zero.

Warmly,

[Your Name]

PS. Don’t forget your copy of my personal brand blueprint.  Here’s the link:  [link to sales page].
