You know how important your online brand is, but there’s just something about meeting others face-to-face, isn’t there? Through a simple handshake, a conversation, or chance encounter, you’re typically able to make a stronger connection than you would through technology.
Showing up puts you ahead
Attend industry conferences and trade shows. Conferences provide several benefits to building your brand. First off, they introduce you to other professionals in your industry (and those whom you already “know” through online means) and help grow your network exponentially in a short period of time. These events also enhance and add to your skill set by featuring expert speakers, vendors and exhibitioners in your field.
Apply to be a speaker at local and industry events. You have an expertise that sets you apart from other individuals. Why not share that knowledge to help other groups and individuals by applying to be a speaker?
Attend (or organize) meetups/tweetups. Take some of those relationships you’ve built online offline. If there isn’t already a meetup or tweetup in place for your area, take the initiative and organize the event yourself. And you’ll already know the attendees prior to the event—always a plus!
Write for a local newspaper or magazine. Although many print publications have transitioned (at least somewhat) to the Web, there are still plenty out there looking for guest writers or experts on specific topics. Check out resources like Help a Reporter Out (HARO), Reporter Connection, and NewsBasis for opportunities. Also, take a few minutes to visit your local Chamber of Commerce and local publications offices.
Distribute your business cards. When you meet someone, be sure to exchange business cards with that individual in order to continue the conversation at a later date. You have them for a reason—don’t be shy about handing them out!
Attend college alumni events. Your alumni network is an often overlooked—and highly valuable—source of networking contacts. Who doesn’t want to meet a fellow alum? Plus, you already have at least a few things in common to start a conversation!
Be approachable, well mannered and helpful in everyday activities. Want to build a memorable personal brand for yourself? Keep in mind the way you’d like others to see you on a daily basis. I believe putting out good karma can only lead to good things in life.
What other offline activities can help in building your brand?
Author:
Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing consultancy for organizations with products or services that target job seekers and/or employers. She is also the author of #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), national entry-level careers columnist for Examiner.com and blogs about career advice at HeatherHuhman.com.
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Thanks Heather, I can testify to the first point you made here. A lot of the leaps I’ve experienced in my business and life in general comes when I attend a seminar or meeting. Thanks.
Hi Heather,
Great suggestions. I’d also recommend volunteering as a great way to build an offline brand. It’s not only a great way to contribute to the community, it’s also a way to meet people with similar interests and pump up a resume with some activities to make yourself appear more well-rounded to hiring managers. By volunteering in an area in which you already have a lot of professional experience, such as offering marketing services to a small non-profit or tutoring in a math or science field in which you excel, you can strengthen your professional brand as well.
Many still do not know the impact of showing up in vital places. If you do a solo run, there is a limit to what you can achieve. Spreading through speaking and article writing for industry papers also helps. Thanks Heather.
Woody Allen once said that 80% of success is just showing up. People tend to attribute their brand to their online image in social media formats. While this is an important facet, personal contact, where someone can put a real face to the name is essential.
Lew Sauder, Author, Consulting 101: 101 Tips For Success in Consulting (www.Consulting101Book.com)
It does seem like just showing up makes all the difference, but in my experience that meant showing up more than just physically…you have to really be there and take advantage of things like meetings and conferences. One thing that I have been avoiding though is alumni events, which I should probably start getting into more. Thanks for the great advice.
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