Monday
03Nov2008
15 Days of Marketing Day Three: Take a Risk, Reap the Rewards
Monday, November 3, 2008 at 12:29AM
I don't know about you, but I kind of like the fact that I can go back over an email and edit it if I want, before I hit send. And on Twitter, keeping some of my tweets under the allotted 140 characters requires some major revisions to get my thoughts out some of the time. That's the great thing about interacting with people online. Unlike face-to-face conversations, we can go back and tweak for as long as we need to before hitting that "send", "post", or "submit" button.
But that does not mean we should edit or tweak our personalities.
Why are we drawn to the blogs, the brands, and certain people online? Because there is something different, or compelling, or just plain unusual about them (how's that for an oxymoron?). Sure, showing a part of ourselves that is open to misinterpretation online can make us vulnerable, even if it's more the feeling of actual vulnerability vs. the reality of how vulnerable we become.
Guess what! We're human!
As you're building your brand, no matter what you're offering your fellow (wo)man, I can almost guarantee that they are going to come back to you for more if they see that human side of you.
People who have met me both online and in person can vouche that I am a total goofball, some might even use the word "dork" to describe me. Not too long ago, this would have made me really nervous and I'd feel the need to prove my competencies while being defensive of these traits. However, I've learned that yes, I'm a total nerd. And I've embraced it. It feels good because this is who I've always been and I don't feel self-conscious about being a dorkalicious goofball anymore.
Your skillset and competencies are not mutually exclusive of your personality. Just because I'm goofy doesn't mean I can't rock out the results.
Think about that aspect of your personality that makes you who you are that people online don't get to see that much and embrace it, too. Yes, I'm asking you to go outside what might be your safe, cozy little comfort zone and show us who YOU are, what makes YOU human.
What are some ways you can do this?
What happens after you show your audience, potential clients/customers, readers your human, vulnerable goodness? They'll share too. You'll connect. And you'll build relationships. As humans, we love to relate, to feel connected. As business people, we are compelled to spend time ensuring our audience feels an affinity to our brand, but what about the human behind the brand?
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Show us your true colors using one of the ideas above and share it here in the comments and tell us how you feel about it. Then come back later and check out what other #15days participants are doing and share your thoughts about them in the comments section here too (and for extra credit, leave them a comment on their blog too!). Let us know you're human!
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But that does not mean we should edit or tweak our personalities.
Why are we drawn to the blogs, the brands, and certain people online? Because there is something different, or compelling, or just plain unusual about them (how's that for an oxymoron?). Sure, showing a part of ourselves that is open to misinterpretation online can make us vulnerable, even if it's more the feeling of actual vulnerability vs. the reality of how vulnerable we become.
Guess what! We're human!
As you're building your brand, no matter what you're offering your fellow (wo)man, I can almost guarantee that they are going to come back to you for more if they see that human side of you.
People who have met me both online and in person can vouche that I am a total goofball, some might even use the word "dork" to describe me. Not too long ago, this would have made me really nervous and I'd feel the need to prove my competencies while being defensive of these traits. However, I've learned that yes, I'm a total nerd. And I've embraced it. It feels good because this is who I've always been and I don't feel self-conscious about being a dorkalicious goofball anymore.
Your skillset and competencies are not mutually exclusive of your personality. Just because I'm goofy doesn't mean I can't rock out the results.
Think about that aspect of your personality that makes you who you are that people online don't get to see that much and embrace it, too. Yes, I'm asking you to go outside what might be your safe, cozy little comfort zone and show us who YOU are, what makes YOU human.
What are some ways you can do this?
- Start vlogging. Video is great because your viewers can see your body language, your facial expressions, and watch you interact with the world around you. In fact, if you've been thinking about vlogging, I highly recommend you show some personality, otherwise your readers might be hitting "pause" more than "play" when it comes to your videos. Check out YouTube (the most popular) or Vimeo (I've used and like them) as your video sharing tools and post them to your blogs.
- Sign up for 12seconds.tv. If you're not quite ready for vlogging or all you've got is a webcam, this is a fantastic way to let your personality shine. You can even set your 12seconds.tv spots as tweets. And the widgets they provide make it easy to share your snippets with your audience. Plus, since it's micro-vlogging, there's no editing skills required, just do another take until you're satisfied. 12seconds.tv also has a daily challenge for those that need a little inspiration. As a result of one of their daily challenges though, there's a 12seconds.tv segment of me singing Paula Abdul's "Cold Hearted Snake" out on the interwebs!
- If video is still not your thang or you simply don't have the technology, then do a "confessional" blog post about a little know fact or what makes you different, quirky, or unusual. Be creative.
What happens after you show your audience, potential clients/customers, readers your human, vulnerable goodness? They'll share too. You'll connect. And you'll build relationships. As humans, we love to relate, to feel connected. As business people, we are compelled to spend time ensuring our audience feels an affinity to our brand, but what about the human behind the brand?
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Show us your true colors using one of the ideas above and share it here in the comments and tell us how you feel about it. Then come back later and check out what other #15days participants are doing and share your thoughts about them in the comments section here too (and for extra credit, leave them a comment on their blog too!). Let us know you're human!
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Reader Comments (10)
oh darn it, can't you say I don't have to vlog until I have lost the last 15 lbs of baby weight! it all is in my face!! ok ok I will do it :)
Vanessas last blog post..http://inevergrewup.net/sharing-is-caring-project/" rel="nofollow">Sharing is Caring Project
Already beginning my way into the world of vlogging got me a Flip and ready to roll.
Alyssas last blog post..http://lifefrommylaptop.com/2008/11/10/dont-you-just-love-giveaways/" rel="nofollow">Don’t You Just Love Giveaways?
I've been doing video on my blogs for years. Especially on my travel blog, blog.havekidwilltravel.com
Jodys last blog post..http://www.iowageekonline.com/2008/11/stop-with-bailouts.html" rel="nofollow">Stop With the Bailouts!
Hi Jessica, Thanks for the 12seconds.tv link ... I have requested to be invited into their circle. This is definitely on my 'to do' list so thank you for moving it up in priority for me.
I did my first vlog today. Here is the link http://cutiebootycakes.blogspot.com/2008/11/story-time-with-rene.html
I think it went pretty well, I would like to do some more advanced editing but I think it is good for a first timer.
i'm not ready for vlogging but I did post about myself today and it was the most I have ever written. I have a hard time worrying what other people will think. It's not a big deal but i did get out of my comfort zone!
Ashley Barnharts last blog post..http://blessedbarnharts.blogspot.com/2008/11/cheap-and-cool-gift-idea.html" rel="nofollow">Cheap and Cool Gift Idea
I've been toying around with the idea of getting a nice webcam. I have a video camera but I never think to get it out. A webcam would be completely easy to manage I think.
The 12 seconds site interests me too. I honestly don't shower every day nor do I care to shower every day. But I have a feeling I can manage to look decent for at least 12 seconds of my day. lol
I never really considered actually using video on the site but after reading some comments here and seeing others do it, it sounds pretty fun. Definitely will help me get out of my shy shell. ;) If I can get confident enough to vlog it may just boost confidence in writing too.
Okay...I did it...I created a video and am in the process of uploading it and posting it. Who knew it would take so long! First, I tried to use the webcam in my puter...no luck with uploading from there. Thus, I was left with catching myself on video with my digital camera...interesting. This done, I uploaded to You Tube...s-l-o-w process. While waiting, I uploaded to Vimeo to see if they are any faster. Sure are...only I am now in line for anotehr 55 minutes until my video is read for posting. Yes, I had high expectations. I thought this would take only moments...I was certainly mistaken. Something I must keep in mind for the future and plan ahead. Not exactly able to post a video on the spot...unless, am I missing something?
I will comment with link when I have posted.
Deborahs last blog post..http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/15-days-of-marketing-day-2.html" rel="nofollow">15 Days of Marketing - Day 2
I was nervous. I know I will get better over time.
Here's my homework post:
http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/15-days-of-marketing-day-3.html
Deborahs last blog post..http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-i-would-do-for-150000aud.html" rel="nofollow">What I would do for $150,000AUD . . .
I recently start blogging and definetly see that I make many 'faces', I seem a bit boring and that my true personality is not showinbg. I think maybe that is because I worry that my hubby will not follow me as I move aorund so I simply stand there and stare at the camera. Maybe I need to vlog with other so I loosen up a bit.