The rise of "success" in social media terms

With the kind of week that one Wilkins Fadhili has had, it's clear that nothing is ever as it seems. I remember seeing his posts on Linkedin and thinking, "Wow, this guy is impressive".

That was just from two posts. I only saw two posts, and I was sold. I hadn't known much about him before, and it worked.

I must have connected with him because he seemed to be someone who would add value to my feed. And he sort of did.

But realizing that it was all part of a grand plan to scam people, was disappointing - and oddly fascinating.

I mean, here's a guy who was able to build up his reputation in my eyes thanks to a clever bio and two posts.

How much more would he have done to my brain in say, a month?

I'm guessing, a lot.

We live in an age where success on a resume is not enough. I am using the word "success" here to mean, the achievement of something that others can and should look up to.

In this day and age, you need more than just an offline resume. The success in it needs to be reflected elsewhere. It needs to show on the things you write and the things you post online.

Yes, I hear you. Being active online or on social media does not make you a "success". I agree. It doesn't. It does, however, place your brand a notch higher in the eyes of people who have no idea who you are and how amazing you can be.

Being active and relevantly so online and on social media gives you a voice that spans beyond the confines of your family, your circles, your organisation or that HR professional who has your resume.

It also allows you to rise towards and above the levels of the Wilkins Fadhilis of your industry. Join them "up there" and your legitimacy will shine even brighter.

If people are playing pretend in the media and on social media and succeeding at it, then why should you, a legit person, be left behind?

If the chaff is finding ways to be associated with the wheat, how can you as the wheat, find ways of differentiating yourself? What can you learn from the chaff to help you position yourself even better?

Some food for thought.

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Akumu Fiona is a content creator and content marketing consultant under the brand, Akquainted. She creates content for impact individuals and organisations that want to build their voice online.

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The longer version of this article can be found on akumufiona.com here.