Good Advice on Personal Branding

Somebody very smart gave me some good advice today.

You get to choose what your online identity is

I've written before about personal branding, and how what you put out into the Internet remains there for perpetuity; to return and bite you on the arse when you least expect it.

Whether it's Facebook, Twitter or a blog, the person-of-smartness I spoke to today reminded me that you should say nothing that you wouldn't say out loud, in public, in real life; even within the supposedly safe, pre-vetted community of your approved list of 'friends.'

One reason for this is professionalism. You could be bitching about something completely unrelated, but somebody you know could think you're talking about something you both work on and you could end up causing drama where none existed.

But, more importantly, bitching and moaning on Facebook or Twitter is bad because it says something about you. I'm a big believer in the Law of Attraction - that you attract what you project - and if you project bitchiness and snot, that's exactly what you'll receive - in abundance.

Being bitchy or snotty can be fun, cathartic and entertaining; but you don't want that to become your personal brand. You don't want to be the person your friends think of as synonymous with stomping their feet or throwing their toys out of the pram at the least provocation.

That kind of behavior might win you a lot of acquaintances who like to watch the entertainment you provide, but it won't win you much respect - or work.

These days, your social media persona has become almost as important as your real life persona - so make sure your online identity is one people want to be friends with; and do business with.