Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
In today's digital age, building a personal brand is crucial for career growth and networking opportunities. LinkedIn and Facebook serve as powerful tools to build and enhance your professional presence. In Bangladesh, it is very common to see Facebook being used for networking more than LinkedIn. This shows how much potential Facebook has to build an online personal brand of yours. Here's a guide to the dos and don'ts of leveraging these platforms effectively.
Following are some dos:
Optimising profile: In LinkedIn, it is important to ensure that one's profile is complete with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary highlighting one's skills, experience, and career aspirations. On Facebook, one should use the 'About' section to share briefly about professional background and interests. As Facebook is a broader social platform, the profile picture needs to be appropriate and consistent with it. It can be formal or a bit casual keeping in mind what one's target from this platform is.
Engaging consistently: Regularly share industry-relevant content, comment on posts, and participate in groups or discussions to stay visible and engaged with your network.
Showcasing expertise: On LinkedIn, publish articles, share insights, and highlight your achievements and projects. On Facebook, share relevant articles, videos, and personal achievements that reflect your professional journey.
Network authentically: Connect with professionals in your industry, attend virtual events, and engage with your connections' content genuinely and thoughtfully.
Monitor your online presence: As the rule of the platforms of Facebook and LinkedIn is to always update, one needs to regularly update their profiles, review privacy settings, and ensure that posts align with one's personal brand.
Following are some don'ts.
Avoid overposting: While consistency is key, bombarding one's network with too many posts can be off-putting. One should aim for quality over quantity.
Refrain from overly personal content: On LinkedIn, keep your content professional. Avoid sharing overly personal details that are not relevant to your career. On Facebook, be mindful of what you share, as potential employers, current industry peers, and colleagues may view your content and profile. Craft personal and professional content appropriately and share periodically understanding what works and what doesn't.
Don't be inauthentic: Authenticity builds trust. Don't exaggerate your achievements or fabricate experiences. Be honest about your skills and accomplishments.
Avoid controversial or arguments: Stay away from sensitive or controversial subjects that could alienate or offend your connections. Keep the focus on your professional persona. It is also important to not engage in mindless arguments in the comment box of Facebook or LinkedIn, choose to disagree and move on.
Don't overinflate minor events: Turning small, everyday occurrences into grand, heroic tales can come across as insincere and even lame. For instance, portraying a routine task as a monumental achievement diminishes one's credibility.
Building a personal brand takes time and effort, but by using LinkedIn and Facebook strategically, one can establish a professional image that opens doors to new opportunities. Stay authentic, engage meaningfully, and showcase your expertise to make a lasting impression.