Personal branding can undoubtedly be challenging. And in the real estate game, it is entirely a relationship building business, meaning that people want to get to know you – not the business version of you – the real you. They can cut through all the marketing speak and know when your content is genuine or not. Especially if you want to have an artery to the Millennial generation – you need to have fun on social media and show your personality.
Don’t look at personal branding as a chore, but rather use it as an opportunity to let your personality shine to reflect who you really are.
Make sure that your brand reflects who you are
“For marketing departments, personalization is a strategy that increases relevance and engagement, which ultimately drives trust and sales.”
You know exactly what you stand for as an individual and what your core values are, so make sure that whatever you post online accurately reflects that. You want a level of authenticity to flow through each message so your audience develops a baseline of consistency and know what to expect from you.
(See our guide on how to create a social media manifesto for further reference.)
People do business with people they like
There is something so deeply personal and meaningful in a handwritten note of appreciation and leveraging the simple power of saying, “thank you.” Having fun with your social strategy also means connecting on a personal level by thanking those that took the time to engage with you and your brand. Keep this in mind as you start to showcase yourself on a more personal level because it can go a long way in securing future business from your network.
Become your own publisher
New media platforms have given everyone a voice, and have allowed brands to become their own publishers when it comes to broadcasting their own creative content. Think of blogging, social media and your personal database as the perfect storm in terms of publishing your own content. This is your marketing triple threat.
When evaluating where to start adding a personal touch – consider these three areas to help give you a kick-start.
- Showcase your hobbies
You aren’t a robot and you obviously have a life outside of your profession –
so let it shine! Are you a big golfer? A wine aficionado? Do you love the Toronto Maple Leafs? Have the travel bug? Or are you big into gardening? Whatever you share a passion for, be sure to share it online. It’s a great way of connecting with your audience on a different level that isn’t just talking shop and helps strengthen the relationship bonds as you start to develop common ground with your network.
- Share your adventures
Let your audience into your life! As a star-craved culture, we love the inside scoop into celebrities’ lives, and when they share their adventures on social media. Take a page from their books and highlight what’s going on behind the scenes in your life.
Here are some easy and actionable examples to get started with today:
- Family movie night? Snap a picture of you and your squad lounging on the couch watching a movie.
- If they’re at that age, you could show off your interior design skills as you set up the dorm room for the first day of college.
- Everyone loves vacation pictures! Don’t overdo it – but have fun with showcasing the scenery.
- If you’re checking out a new restaurant, channel your inner foodie and post a “made for Instagram” meal moment along with a review!
- Don’t be afraid to share the business projects you’re working on.
- Volunteering in your community? Use it as an opportunity to promote the event and encourage others to get involved.
- “Happy Saturday!” Whether you’re going for a run, at soccer practice, barbequing on the back deck or tackling a project around the house – social media explodes on the weekend, so check in with your audience.
- Engage, engage and engage
There’s no greater way to disconnect with your audience than to not respond when they go out of their way to engage with you. Even something as a “like” to their comment is powerful because it shows that you actually care. Take it one step further and reach out by asking questions for recommendations. For example, if you’re heading to Italy on vacation, ask where the best spots to visit are.
Laboring on a movie to pick for the night? Reach out on social and see what they would choose with a picture of you holding up two DVD’s.
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did – but people will never forget how you made them feel when you interact with them personally.
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