Okay, maybe you’re not lazy. Maybe you’re just lost in the sauce as a business of one. Maybe I was just trying to get your attention. That's because personal branding has become the new normal even if when don’t have a business. Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame. With the rise of social media, you now have the means to make that happen. However, as you engage in this pursuit of personal branding, it's important to remember that there is a fine line between sharing just enough and putting your personal business in the streets.
As a business of one, it's crucial to maintain boundaries between your personal life and your personal brand. Sure, it's important to be relatable and connect with your audience, but there's a difference between being relatable and being repugnant. Okay, repugnant is a bit harsh, but the alliteration was to strong to pass up. And it doesn’t lessen the fact that oversharing can harm your brand and your bottom line.
For the sake of argument lets look at four signs of oversharing and the stagnancy it can cause on your growth and scaling:
Putting Personal Business In The Streets
As a business of one it’s natural to want to share your struggles with your audience. I know folx claim they want to see the good and bad. They did not sign up for the ugly. Yes, vulnerability can be a powerful tool for building trust and connection. However, there's a difference between sharing your struggles in a way that inspires and oversharing in a way that seems like a trauma dump.
Oversharing with your personal struggles can create a perception that you can’t handle the challenges that come with leading a business. Also, oversharing can make it difficult for others to see you as a leader or an authority in your industry.
Bowing To The Algorithm gods
As a business of one, who may have more time than money, content marketing is a must. And yes, frequent posting can keep you top of mind with your audience. But here’s the rub, if you're constantly posting or posting shit that isn't relevant or valuable to your audience, you may be mess’n with your money.
Constant posting can make you seem desperate for attention or like you don't have anything better to do. Folx may wonder are you getting any work done. And it goes back to relevancy. The content should be of value or relevant. If it’s not, it becomes annoying.
Not Your Monkey, Not Your Show
Having unclear boundaries can have you chiming in on shit that is not your branded business. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Twitter fight or a Facebook argument. How you feel personally is one thing. However, if it’s not brand relevant, save it for your private personal account. Engaging in online drama when you’re not a gossip brand is mess’n with your money.
I’ll be the first to admit Phyllis can be a petty bitch. But I try to keep that shit away from the Ghetto Country Brandmother®. Getting caught up in somebody else’s drama can take up valuable time and energy that could be better spent on growing your business.
TMIing All Over The Internet
Finally, sharing too much personal information can harm your personal brand and your bottom line. The only person who ever turned a blow job into a brand was Kim Kardashian. It didn’t do a damn thing for Ray Jay. And can you say Monica Lewinsky? Connecting with your audience is one thing, TMIing all over your social is another. Your personal brand is how you showcase your expertise and authority in the industry, not a meme that outlives your career.
Also, TMIing can make you vulnerable to identity theft, cyberstalking, or other online threats. Especially since platforms are holding blue checkmarks hostage or spitting them out like a Pez dispenser. Be mindful of TMI and learn to separate your who from your do.
So What's The Point of A Post On Personal Branding
The line between personal life and personal brand can be blurry as hell. I have no scientific proof, but I can see it being a cause of burnout, imposter syndrome, and being overwhelmed. On the other hand, maintaining boundaries can enhance your mental and money wellness.
It's natural to want to connect with your audience on a personal level, you’re human and that’s what humans do. The boundary comes with the realization that you want to attract clients, not friends. Being mindful of your personal brand and what you share online can make you more attractive to the right client.
So, how can you maintain a strong personal brand without oversharing? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Define the boundaries of your personal brand and stand 10 toes down in it. By defining the boundaries and sticking to them, you create a consistent and authentic personal brand that your audience can count on.
Share valuable and relevant content. Instead of posting just for the sake of posting, focus on content that adds value to your audience. Whether it's educational, entertaining, or inspiring, make sure it’s on brand.
Keep personal and business accounts separate. If you want to share personal information, consider creating a separate account that's dedicated to your personal life. This can help you maintain a clear separation between your personal life and your personal brand.
Think twice before you post, post once. Before you hit that button, take a moment to think about the point of the post. Is it relevant? Is it valuable? Is it appropriate? If you're not sure, then either make it valuable or relevant or take it to the personal side.
Monitor your online presence. Finally, keep an eye on your online presence. Make sure your personal brand is not being misrepresented. Set up Google alerts for your name or brand name. Regularly check your social media profiles. Remove anything you consider inappropriate and don’t shy away from the negative comments.
To sum it up, personal branding is an important part of growing and scaling your business, but it's important to maintain a clear separation between your personal life and your personal brand. Watch what you post. Remember, your personal brand is an endorser of the business brand so be aligned, authentic, and genuine as you make your money.
You can go back to the couch now. If it’s not comfortable anymore, you can always tell Brandma.
