As the world continues to move towards a global network, your personal brand is becoming more and more of what defines you. One of the simplest ways to build your personal brand image is to show your appreciation to the people in your life that are contributing positive influence. You are not only creating a positive network for yourself, you are standing out among the crowd, and you never know what a simple thank you will turn into down the road.
Here are some very simple ways you can show appreciation! You may think they are minute or meaningless, but I challenge you to try it and see what happens!
1) Personally Thank a Key Note Speaker, Professor, or Business Leader
Here is an opportunity to make a connection with a leader and recognized person within your industry! At the next conference you attend, find time either before or after the presentation to personally introduce yourself and thank the Keynote speaker for their time and presentation… There are many things you can talk about, including the presentation, the leaders role in the industry, and your role and passions. If you cannot thank the leader in person, send them an email with the same idea (in person is always more powerful!).
2) Send a Thank You Card
Do not under-estimate the power of a thank you card. As technology becomes more and more mainstream, the value of a handwritten thank you increases! This is a great opportunity! Whether it is someone who volunteered at an event or fundraiser, or one of your clients, a personal thank you will go a long way.
I saw Jack Daly, sales guru, give a presentation last year, and in a great story he told the audience that he always carries his “two holsters”. His blackberry and his camera… Whenever he has an opportunity to take a picture with a client, business partner, or anyone who he values in his life, he jumps on it. Within 5 minutes he can upload it to his blackberry, and create and send a personalized thank you card with a picture of him and the client! What a great strategy – Jack Daly values the importance of building meaningful relationships and developing a strong personal brand!
3) Always reply and interact in the social media world
The social media world is continuing to grow, and maybe the most opportunity for building your personal brand lies in this emerging market. Through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs, and the hundred of other platforms available, there is no shortage of opportunity to get active in the community.
One of the easiest ways to get involved is to thank the people in the community for contributing and adding value. You can do this when a new person follows you, when you get a new connection on LinkedIn, or if someone comments on your blog.
I just finished listening to a great podcast from Mitch Joel over at Six Pixels of Separation – Joel was interviewing Avinash Kaushik, Analytics Evangelist at Google, and very popular blogger. Avinash said that he tries to acknowledge every person who comments on his blog posts… I just hopped over to Avinash’ blog and he averages over 40 comments per post, that is a lot of interacting. He said that this is a part of his blogger style and is not necessarily right or wrong – but if Avinash is taking the time to acknowledge and thank his community, it seems worth considering!
The ways in which you can show your appreciation are endless, and remember to get creative, you will be remembered by creating interactions that haven’t been experienced before!
Please share your experiences and ways that you like to thank your community. Do you notice a positive impact on your personal brand?
Sincerely,
Tyrell Mara
