“YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION” Sound familiar? Of course, it does. Have you ever thought about how other people see you? Do you think that “they” see you as you see yourself? AND depending on how “they” know you (personally or professionally) this could be a very different description and opinion. This past month I spoke to two very different audiences. I spoke about self-esteem, branding and social media at “The Me You See” youth conference, to help bring awareness and prevention to the horrible issue of human trafficking. I also spoke to an audience of beauty professionals about image, branding and social media. The topic was “Your Image is Your Business”. Now here is the craziest part, although the topics and audience were vastly different, the content and conversation were similar as it all came down to your visual brand and your social media.
We live in a day and time that people often see us before they meet us. THINK ABOUT IT: (Personally) If someone recommended a babysitter to you or perhaps your child wanted to go over to a new friend’s house, what is the first thing you would do? Google their name? Then formulate an opinion of them by their social media content. Yep, of course you would, why?... because you can and because you have this resource in the palm of your hand. (Professionally) Say you are the hiring manager and you have a list of employees up for the next big promotion. You consider their contributions to the company and you have it narrowed down to three amazing candidates. Let’s also say you are also social media “friends” with them. You see their after -work (personal) activities. In your opinion, overall everything seems fine, but you do see a pattern on one account of negative talk or perhaps you see posts with lots of late nights out on the town...not really your business, but would this sway your professional opinion? Of course, it would... Friends, in this day of social media your visual brand has never been more important, and first impressions have never been more influential. People are losing jobs, promotions, scholarships and more because of things that they post on their social media accounts.
as a pamphlet for you or your business, only digital and dynamic. A bad social media platform/page reflects badly on you.”
Scary but true! So, here are my questions for you.
What does your visual brand look like? If you are not sure, maybe you should evaluate your style personality.
Does your social media look like the “store front” you would choose for yourself? If not, that is a quick fix! Show everyone how amazing you are. Remember, there is no such thing as “privacy” on social media and digital dirt never goes away. I encourage you to be your best self personally and digitally!
Everyday, get up, dress up, show up and never give up!
I spoke with social media consultant, Kimberly Swenk of Swenk Social about this and this was her response: “The main thing you need to remember is that you must live your brand online (personally and professionally). Social media is no different than your store front. It is an extension of who you are. You need to live the lifestyle of your product or service. Think of your social media platform
I’d love to hear from you feel free to follow me on: IG @tarahillhanover FaceBook: Tara Hill Hanover email: tarahillhanover@gmail.com
