The image you leave behind on social media is more important than ever before. Where previously your LI account would only be checked for resumé purposes, or your FB would be checked to verify your personality or behaviors, social media has transformed into a whole new beast. Business. Business. And more business.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, screaming is not enough anymore. Profiling is the new thing, and make sure whatever you get out into the world is consistent with the profile or image you want to create of yourself. Research has shown 53% of decision makers have eliminated a vendor from consideration based on information they did or did NOT find online. Hence, what you show on the internet is crucial for getting that opportunity.

What you tell your audience on social media is, is exactly what your future clients see from you. By offering the solutions your future clients are looking for on social media, your social media presence will become a tool for generating business. Building a personal brand is all about YOU and what solution you OFFER to your client.

So what are we selling with personal branding? We sell YOU. Your likeability and your quality as a professional. What do you stand for and what makes you DIFFERENT from others in your industry that makes clients want to work with you or buy from you?

So be conscious of what your OWN brand is. If you are in the biology industry, then focus on the newest scientific bacteria discoveries, or if you’re in oceanology, focusing on the effects of global heating on the coral reefs (or new innovations with regards to harvesting new reefs).

But only sharing your interests is not sufficient. We are people, and we are looking to CONNECT with people. So you need to not only verbalize your interests, but also place it in the context of your passion, tell your story of the things you do, of WHY and HOW you want to add value. The passion you express for your own services will become the reason clients will come to you.

So make sure you get noticed by being present, showing a consistent version of what you do and who you are, be authentic, and be passionate of what you can offer to the world. And you will find that the world will come to you.