When it comes to the issue of branding, the better you brand yourself; the quicker you’ll be able to get results and the longer your brand can last if you maintain it very well. This and some more tips are what Jesse Langely want to share with you in this article. Read them below:

Though we may only be allotted 15 minutes of fame, almost anyone can be granted the ultimate business boon of recognition if they’re willing to put some work into it. Whether you’re a blog owner or you’re running a small business, you’re going to want your product to become a household name. It’s a long, slow journey, but building up a personal brand is completely possible.

<<CREDIT: renjith krishnan>>

Fit Your Niche

Whether you’re aware of it or not, there is a conversation being held right now about your industry and likely even your role in it. People are talking about whether bloggers are ousting journalists or selling out to whoever will give them the best swag. If you blog, chances are good that you have strong opinions on these issues. So, speak up! Join the conversations taking place on Google+ and Twitter.

Beyond just adding your opinions to a mass of noise, you’re going to be getting your name out there. Follow people on Google+ and be clear about who you are in your profile. Adding a link to your blog or website will let others know what authority you have on the subject without directly pushing your product in their faces.

To be very clear—social media is for establishing a presence in the field, not for marketing. You want to join your peers in talking about your field. You don’t want to make every status, every tweet and every comment an advertisement. Want to see how fast you can lose all of your followers? Try excessively tweeting about your new breakfast cereal. It works just about as fast as those who post pictures of the cereal they ate that morning.

By joining ongoing conversations, you’re essentially gaining street credibility. Your name will be associated with the types of comments you post. Post smart updates on trending topics, and you’re going to be seen as an intelligent thought leader. Post incessantly about your own brand, and at best you’ll be seen as a spammer. More likely, though, you won’t be seen at all.

Become A Leader

Part of becoming a thought leader is having the knowledge and credentials to back up your arguments. Leaders aren’t made overnight, and you’re going to need your own Yoda if you want to make it to the top of the pack.

Start a RSS feed on your industry, and read it religiously. If you don’t have a smartphone, check your computer often to avoid missing out on big news.

More than that, make sure you have the right education to become a thought leader. If you dropped out of college, consider taking classes to get an online degree. Culture has ingrained in its thoughts that leaders are also educated, and sometimes simply having that degree will make you seem more credible.

Along with that, classes will give you a broader understanding of the subjects surrounding your field. Taking an ethics class can open up your mind to issues you didn’t even consider before. The added knowledge will give you a stronger platform to stand on, both in your business and on social media platforms. Beyond that, you can also take classes in marketing and PR to buff up your writing skills and learn more traditional ways of getting word out about your blog or product.

Market Yourself

Never think you’re above a little good old-fashioned marketing. No matter how many times you post on Google+, you’re still going to want to find more traditional advertising outlets so you can directly tell others about your great products.

Don’t shy away from hosting video conferences among other thought leaders on Google’s Hangouts or holding actual lunch meetings if you’re a small business owner. Newspapers will often keep you in mind for a story if you help sponsor a community event or if you offer to design a website for the local animal shelter.
Meg Dedolph, a Naperville business section editor, recommends writing press releases from your business that highlight things that are changing with your business/blog, and skip just spamming reporters’ inboxes. Remember that even on the slowest news days, journalists are looking for change and movement.

Disregard the old “any press is good press” line of thinking and strive to do what’s right for your communities—both online and locally—and you’ll be able to garner the kind of attention that results in sales, views and faithful readers.

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