How can you align your personal values with your professional goals using social media?

I will borrow this from Maya Angelou: It is not what you say or what you do, but how you make people feel. Social media rewards "manipulations". And, manipulating others for personal gain may work in the short run. But, in the long run if you support and help people, you will make them feel supported, and they will seek you out.

One of the things I appreciate most about being a marketer, is how powerful it is to be the "voice' of a company. You have the opportunity to shape discussions and make an impact with your story-telling. This is no different as a personal brand. Consider what your "brand" message is and what you want it to convey. The good news is, you don't have to post on every channel nor every topic. Instead, find the 1-3 things that make your brand unique. What are you passionate about? What story do you want to tell? Quite simply: what brings you joy?

Values are a key attribute when defining your personal brand and it should be obvious across every communication touchpoint. When it comes to social media, every post must be driven by core values and must be obvious to the reader or viewer of your content. Most people say they have identified their values but don’t live by them everyday. For example if your core value is truth, then speak your truth even if it means you ruffle feathers. That’s how you build a tribe.

At first glance, step no. 1 sounds simpler and faster than it sometimes is! Honestly identifying who you are and who you are not can take time and might also benefit from input or feedback from others before you dive into the next steps. However, taking the time for this important self-reflection will help you with clarity, focus and - very importantly - consistency in your social media appearance - after all, attributes that we all value in other brands as well!

I believe our strengths are our values in action. Dr Martin EP Seligman, founder of the new field, positive Psychology agrees. He created an assessment test to identify your top 20 values and strengths. It’s free at AuthenticHappiness.org under assessments. It’s labeled “VIA Survey” for Values in Action. I strongly urge you to use many of these approaches including the VIA survey and the Taylor Protocols’ Core Values Index(TM) (CVI)TM. Introspection over a period of time will be key. When you take time to reflect on your challenges and successes you can gain even greater clarity and see nuances that may not show up in an assessment test.

Social media apps are the perfect place for experimenting to find your most resonant personal brand. Social media posts have short lives. And they allow you to quickly iterate your message to see what works the best.

Defining your brand is similar to self-discovery. It takes years and diverse experiences to discover your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and what makes you unique. This process mirrors defining your personal brand. Step1: I recommend starting by asking friends and colleagues, "How would they describe you? What comes to mind when they think of you?" Step 2: Assess if their words align with your desired image. Is that how you want to be perceived? If not, you might be going wrong or projecting a fake personality. Remember, personal branding fosters connections. Being authentic is key; faking it won't work. step3: Define what combination of skills and experience do you have that would make an added value : to an employer, client,investor...

In order to identify your goals and values, you need an intentional and actionable method of doing so. Create a "Makers and Breakers" list. 1. Make a list of your priorities. 2. Then give them a dollar amount to see how important they are to you. For example, how much of a pay cut would you be willing to take to work from home? How much of a pay cut are you willing to take to do meaningful work? 3. Talk to your family and let them weigh in. You'll come to a consensus and realize what your top priorities are and where you're willing to compromise.

I would say you need to start with determine the area of expertise or industry/niche you want to be associated with. This helps you focus your brand and tailor your communication based on it.

Defining your personal brand involves answering key questions about your vision, mission, strengths, weaknesses, passions, interests, values, beliefs, goals, aspirations, and desired perception. It requires reflecting on your overarching goals and purpose, identifying your unique skills and areas for growth, exploring your passions and interests, determining your guiding principles, and outlining your short and long-term goals. By synthesizing these answers, you can create a concise and impactful personal brand statement that encapsulates your identity, purpose, and aspirations.

It is crucial to consider your target audience, industry, niche, and personal style. Start by understanding who your ideal audience is and where they are most likely to be active. Research which platforms align with your industry and are commonly used by professionals in your field. Consider the nature of your content and how it can be best presented on different platforms. For visual content, platforms like Instagram or Pinterest may be ideal, while for sharing professional insights and opinions, platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter may be more suitable. Lastly, factor in your personal style and preferences to ensure that the platform aligns with your communication style and resonates with your personal brand

You're not a thought leader if you're sharing into the void. It's a two-way street and part of your work is finding where your message will thrive. Two criteria to assess: 1 - Where is your audience spending their time? 2 - What is their headspace in that location? You need to create content for where they are (so they can hear your message), but more importantly: where they will receive your message (and take action to engage).

Here are 4 Simple Questions that will help you align your personal brand with your professional social media strategy, and to ensure Top Tier Engagement on any channel: 1. Who Am I To Be? 2. Who Am I To Serve? 3. What Am I Doing Here? 4. Why Am I Talking To This Person? When you are clear about who you want to be in this world and in the marketplace, you can enjoy the exploration of the social media platforms because you will approach the process with purpose. And always remember; success is a long game. You will learn and you will teach valuable lessons all along the way, as you craft your very own Hero's Journey to your success by bringing unique solutions to those brands and professionals who are waiting for you.

You need to analyse who is your ideal audience or client? What are their needs and preferences? Tailor your brand to appeal to this specific group.

Choosing a platform is all about who you want your audience to be. Sometimes it is helpful to run multiple at once, but sometimes it can be best to just focus on one that meets your target demographic best.

Share content and engage with communities that align with your values and overarching purpose. Use your platform to champion the causes you're passionate about, especially if you aim to establish a brand that embodies those values. This alignment between personal convictions and professional objectives not only enables you to "show up fully" but also magnetizes opportunities that resonate with your values.

Dont think that you have to have completed every professional development course to curate and define your personal brand and be recognised for your achievements. You don't. Focus on yourself, how you want to see yourself, and how you want others to see you. After all, you are your brand and nobody can duplicate that.

Leverage social media to foster transparency and trust by consistently showcasing your commitment to your values in your professional pursuits. Document your journey towards achieving your professional goals while adhering to your values, highlighting decision-making processes and the ethical considerations involved. By doing so, you invite your audience into a behind-the-scenes look at your professional life, which can inspire trust and loyalty. This approach not only reinforces your personal brand but also inspires others to consider how their values can guide their professional paths.

-Balance personal expression with professional appropriateness. -Stay updated on social media trends and best practices. -Measure the impact of your social media activities and adjust strategies accordingly.

Aligning personal values with professional goals on social media starts with authenticity. Your content should be a genuine reflection of what you stand for and aspire to achieve professionally. It’s about striking a balance between personal insights and professional expertise. Share stories that illustrate your values in action, and how they drive your career choices and successes. This approach not only reinforces your brand but also resonates with those who share similar values, fostering meaningful connections and opportunities.