We’ve long since passed the days when flocks of people felt like they should publish their personal journals online. We’re moving past the days when everyone assumes you have a LinkedIn Profile or a Facebook Page.
But we are still in the days of search where we feel like we should be able to find out everything about anything – even including people.
I don’t know about you, but whenever I meet an interesting new person, I search. I “google” their name and see what comes up.
What happens when you Google your own name?
If you are in business – whether owner, employee, or contractor – you will want to be found easily, and you will want people to get an accurate picture of who you are and what you do. A personally branded website system allows you to control what you want others to know. YourName.com, if available, is the most practical way to go. Even if you are a part of another company, owning your own domain opens up many more doors of opportunity. It’s the one thing that doesn’t change.
It becomes the enhanced business card or brochure of the past. You can professionally, yet humanly share information that offers a cohesive picture about what you know or care about, what talents or skills you have, and how you work with others.
Setting it up is the foundational step for sure, but then, there are a million ways you can use it strategically.
Meeting People
One of the best ways to further build trust with someone you meet for the first time, is to invite them to visit and contact you through your website. They will get to see what you are all about. And then you also have their info if you need to contact them in the future.
Engaging Prospects
Through your website platform, you can write about your ideas and experiences in a way that is valuable to others. Then, you can share them with people, en masse through a newsletter, but also individually and strategically with new prospects for opportunities.
Some of the most effective engagement comes when you send a personal email to someone with a link to your particular article, explaining how or why you think it would be valuable information for them.
Sharing Knowledge
Your accumulated knowledge and value has surely grown over the years. You have a niche expertise that is unlike any other human being, not only because of your experiences, but because of your unique response to those experiences.
When people understand that you are the “go-to” person in your domain, you will likely be asked similar questions over and over. Instead of having to repeat yourself verbally, why not consolidate that information in one amazing article and direct people to that link. You can reuse it over and over again.
You might think, “Everyone knows this,” but really, they don’t. Your trial and errors, your unique perspective, your short cuts and tried and true resources are very valuable to others. You can give that as a gift to people who show sincere interest.
Don’t underestimate the power and opportunities of having a website platform system as a perfect way to personally brand yourself. Over time, if you stay committed to it and consistent in your writing, you will find it to be a living resource – a place for you to capture your insights and a place for others to connect with you strategically.
Sonya Dalrymple 