Brand YOU

Have you ever seriously thought of Brand YOU?

If your company name XYZ was not on your card or email signature - how many of your clients - past and present - will give you a meeting or call you for help?

In the management consulting profession, the client is always buying YOU. A deal or a client relationship is nothing but a transference of TRUST. Invest in Brand YOU and Social Media has a multiplier effect today. While channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter can never replace the "richness" of an actual social connection - consider them to be a way to enhance your "reach". A way to augment your human abilities if you may think of it like that. It's never too early to start.

A few guiding principles based on what I have seen work well over the past few years:

1. Keep your LinkedIn updated and relevant. And restrict it to professional use. Want to give your opinion on Donald Trump? There are other places.

2. Never not accept an invitation to connect - if you are there then why not expand your network at no cost? And being on Social Media implies you want to be "Social", correct? There is no such thing as a half baked cake!! Also remember that this gives people an access to you - who otherwise may not be able to reach you. Why hide from the world if you are already "on the grid"?

3. Omni channel is good. Twitter and FB can supplement your reach though do keep in mind the subtle line between being responsible on Social Media vs being a Troll or a nuisance. And don't cross the red line on what the company policy is on use of Social Media.

4. Even if you have (as yet) nothing to say or share - sharing/redistributing good content is always appreciated. Remember to # the key theme to reach a wider audience.

5. Don't only network with peers and people from similar backgrounds. The best networks are spherical as per research - so you need to take a 360 degree view. The young folks today would be your clients and c suite audience tomorrow. Catch them young.

So what are you waiting for? Today is as good as any day to get started