“Identity is recognition. Personality is about character and charisma!” – Marc Gobe
If you are involved in the world of building trust through content in the world of social media you understand the concept of building an identity. The foundation of all personal branding initiatives is building recognition through your core group of either prospects or peers. Unfortunately, many social media users tend to put to much emphasis on the concept of identity over personality. Ego over control.
Recognition, trust and identity
There is a huge aspect of social media catered to the ego of an individual… that is where recognition plays a huge role. We conceptualize recognition as a form of success. Why? It is fun for users to gain 2000 to 4000 new followers. It is awesome when Chris Brogan or Robert Scoble mentions your name in a post or through a feed. The reality of all of this is that it doesn’t matter. You may gain a few new followers because of the endorsement but relationships still have not been forged. And relationships are all that matters in the world of personal branding.
You are unique. The personality that you were gifted with needs to shine through when using social media tools. We are all an “identity” when first introduced to another on social media. We are all just another small 100 x 100 pixel face on Twitter until we create an emotional response… until we share some insight and join in the discussion.
Only then can we move from an identity to a personality..and be remembered.
Author:
Kyle writes a regular blog at KyleLacy.com and is founder and CEO of Brandswag, a social media strategy and training company. His blog has been featured on Wall Street Journal’s website and Read Write Web’s daily blog journal. Recently, Kyle was voted as one of the top 150 social media blogs in the world (on two websites), and produces regular keynote speeches across the Midwest. He also just finished writing Twitter Marketing for Dummies by Wiley Publishing.
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Great Message here Kyle for a large population of people who are still confused on what to do once they have entered social media as few are just following there peers,few think its a great place to make some easy name and money.
But I think your words are right on that its in yourself so in case you want your personality to develop you have to be original and interact with people as you do in the physical world and not like bots.
Kyle, again and again you speak the truth. Your wisdom and ability to keep it real at all times rocks my socks. Thanks for this piece and thank you for being you!
@Akash You always need to be original in order to create a sense of true worth between clients, friends, and acquaintances.
@Mona Thank you so much.
You know I cyber-love you.
[...] A Philosophical Debate Over Personal Branding December 17th, 2009 Posted in Bloglines, Corporate Strategy, social media, social media marketing I decided to move the conversation happening over on Facebook (surrounding personal branding) regarding my post on Dan Schwabel’s Personal Branding blog: From Identity to Personality. Be Remembered. [...]
Personality (or Character) – (What is offline to the world) is as important as identity (or reputation) – (What the whole world see online).
Kyle – very true words – you will gain success in whatever you do when you start being “you”. Whether online or in the real world unleash your personality.
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I agree with the need to be authentic in your personal brand.
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