Almost everyone who’s savvy with the internet has heard about “going viral”.”Going viral” refers to the fact that your content resonates so enormously that it catches on fire, and ends up being the latest big thing across the internet. It is when your content gets liked, retweeted, republished, commented on, blogged about, talked about on the streets of LA to Viti Levu, and it earns you more views than your wildest dreams could ever have imagined.

It’s a powerful outcome for your web content and for your brand’s reputation (even if that brand is “you”). However, desiring the key to making something go viral is an unrealistic wish; certainly, you should do your best to make your content the most interesting and fascinating online experience possible, but nobody can really put their finger on what causes something to “go viral”. What you can do is improve your chances of achieving a viral outcome while accepting that much of going viral is going to be about luck and good fortune.

source “wiki”

Why is it that we sometimes feel reluctant to become close to others?

There are those of us who avoid closeness because we do not wish to need people. Others keep their distance because they are hesitant to trust and to have that trust broken. Some do not want to grow attached to people because they do not wish to become dependent. Still others stay away for the simple reason that they do not want to be disappointed by the people around them. And there those of us who avoid closeness because we have realized that people disappear sooner or later. But what could have produced this kind of attitude in us?

An early childhood experience of having been abandoned by certain family members could be the reason. When one or both parents leave unexpectedly whether the reason is work-related or because of breaking up, this can have a life-long impact on us. Another possible cause is an unstable home environment where people come and go, not knowing when they will return. Stability in the home is very important to a growing child. And if parents are often away, this may cause the child to become distant as a way of coping.

Yet another explanation is an experience of having been too attached to someone only to see that person leave. Relationships and friendships when they end abruptly can become an unpleasant learning experience that may cause us to withdraw. Regardless of the underlying origin, what is universal in all these instances is the desire to avoid getting hurt. Some of us believe that remaining distant from others will insulate us from the possibility of another painful experience, because to risk closeness is to risk further pain.

When we feel this way, we should not force ourselves to seek closeness for closeness’ sake. People may tell us that we should keep trying to connect with others and seek belongingness. But we should do so only when we are ready. Allowing ourselves the opportunity to heal from past experiences is often necessary. We need to first learn to be secure in our relationships and friendships. We must then realize that it is okay for us to need other people and to be able to trust in them.   But these may not be enough. Sometimes we only know we are finally ready to seek closeness is when we realize that the more painful alternative is being alone.

How to Gain More Income, Influence and Impact Through Building a Personal Brand

It used to be that if you had a logo and a website you had a business brand. But today’s consumers demand a lot more. Branding for them is about the experience of being with you, the owner of that business.

Today businesses have to look a lot deeper when it comes to creating a personal brand that is in harmony with their business brand.

When you have a strong personal brand, you become a mini-celebrity in your field. With that strong brand comes clout and credibility. People look up to you.

When people think of your industry, you’ll be the first one to come to mind. It also gives your offerings a higher perceived value – suddenly you can charge what you are worth to clients who are happy to pay.

If you want to build a dynamic and effective personal brand that will help grow your business but don’t know where to start, let’s break it down…

7 Key Elements of a Personal Brand that is Infused with Your Business Brand

1) Embracing Consistency

When prospects know what to expect of you it creates a feeling of familiarity and trust. That’s why consistency of everything you do and how you present yourself is so important.

But many business owners go willy-nilly with their brand, not paying attention to colours, fonts, graphics or style of messaging that all makes up a personal and business brand. This can be confusing for your audience. Your brand should be developed with consistency and standards that reflect well on how you want your business to be perceived.

For instance, take colours – one way to be consistent with your business brand on a personal level is to wear similar colours to your visual brand. For many years, Mari Smith wore her signature turquoise blue wherever she went, which was a match to her business brand. She has since changed this strategy, but it was very effective in her brand positioning while she was building her leadership presence.

Dana J. Smithers, one of our long-time clients is another one who fully embraces her brand messaging by consistently wearing only her business brand colours: Black, red and white. (Stay tuned for an upcoming eTip where I interview her on this subject.)

Consistency is king when it comes to branding. Aside from your personal appearance, other things you do also affect your personal brand. For instance, if you say you provide a weekly newsletter, you need to honour that commitment and make sure a newsletter goes out every week. If you post twice a day on Facebook, keep up that frequency.

That kind of consistency will win over the trust of your followers, which will make them more likely to make a purchase when they are in need of your product or services.

2) Forming a Compelling Story

Your story is the single biggest differentiator for your business. Make your story be a part of your personal brand. (Read my story here or a fuller version on a book I’m a co-author of: Entrepreneurial Spirit Sauce.)

Hundreds of people may sell what you have, but you are the only one who is exactly like you.

Your followers yearn to know who you are, how you got to where you are at and why you love what you do. Think of it as your Cinderella rags to riches story. It allows people to see how you came from no-where, learned the lesson, and came out on top.

Connecting to your story gives followers that feel good, heart-to-heart connection with you. Once you craft your story you can add it on your about page, your bio, in presentations, your book, and more!

3) Owning Authenticity

When you share from your heart you inspire and connect with people on a deeper level.

Share the real you. Let them see your values. Talk about what you stand for. Give them a peek behind the scenes so they feel included.

4) Being Visible and Accessible

Out of sight means out of mind. There are many ways you can showcase your personal brand by becoming more visible in front of your target market. Here’s just a few ideas:

– Have a great, professional headshot.
– Post photos of you in action at work.
– Leave your office and go to networking meetings.
– Get featured in the media.
– Be a podcast or telesummit guest.
– Show photos of events you attend and the people you meet on Social Media.
– Hold webinars and Facebook Live Q&A sessions with your followers.
– Follow up and nurture your network through newsletters so you are unforgettable.

5) Creating a Value Proposition

This is such an important brand element but sadly most businesses do not have a clear value proposition statement.

A value proposition is a clear declaration that explains who you serve, how you serve them, and why your solution is better.

A good one is clear, specific and easily understood. When you can articulate this in a compelling way, it’s a powerful client attraction tool.

6) Defining a Focused Ideal Client

Many businesses aren’t clear about their ideal customer. They cast their net too wide when it comes to customers.

Once you clearly identify who is in your tribe, it not only supercharges your marketing messages but also helps you better understand how to present yourself in front of them in order to win them over.

7) Showcasing Your Expertise

Personal branding also means being the best and most knowledgeable at what you do. Don’t just be a follower of other top experts, instead lead the industry with your perspectives, findings and views.

Create studies to publish new results. Develop your own signature system. Craft terms that become the coined phrase for the industry.

The more you differentiate yourself from others in your industry the more you will become the go-to expert people will be drawn to.

Want to Stand Out and Get Noticed?

At eVision Media we understand what it takes to succeed online. We do more than help you look good online through a business brand design; we go to the core of what makes you unique and communicate it with a personal brand that defines you.

Find out more today about our website design, branding, and online marketing services or talk to me about my mentoring options where I’ll help you define your personal brand.