Do you know the difference between automating v. systemizing your business for success? In my Blab interview with entrepreneur @TonyLBrownHQ from TonyLBrown.com, these terms are defined, and we discuss the relationship between the two processes. You will learn why small business owners need to systemize their operations for time management and greater efficiency. Most importantly, you will discover how to maintain your authenticity as your business is being systemized. Here’s a quick breakdown thanks to @TonyLBrownHQ:
Systemization – creating and systems and processes that govern your business operations, such as social media management. Systemization maintains a personal, authentic touch.
Automation – can be a part of a systemized process if it adds value to it. Your automated communications should not make you sound like a robot! Ex: Clicking to follow someone on Twitter and receiving canned auto requests to download their product. Ugh! Direct Messaging (DMing) can be done well as long as (once again) there’s a personal touch.
Specifically, if you are a small business owner who is juggling the task of being the CEO as well as the marketer, financial manager, designer, webmaster, etc., you can delegate your tasks to others in a systemized manner. In other words, you map out the blueprint and hand this off to those in charge of automating your process. The difference between this and straight automation is that your blueprint should be in line with your brand.
For example, if you have a virtual assistant who is charged with automating your social media posts, you should systemize the process for your VA, so he/she knows the appropriate images, tone of voice, and content that should be shared on your behalf. It should be the next best thing to cloning yourself! Most importantly, you will remain RAW Branded in a systemized manner. Got that one?
Calling all introverts! Calling all introverts! Despite misconceptions, there is power in being an introvert. Let me briefly breakdown psychologist Carl G. Jung’s definition of introvertism and extravertism/extrovertism and explain how you can utilize your personality trait for brand building.
First things first—we are not shy! For us introverts, we’re in a constant state of energy maintenance. We need to balance the conservation and use of our energy, so our brand reflects our best selves. We’re the reflective folks who rely on our inner monologue to navigate the world. This compass is contrasted by the ones used by our extroverted/ extraverted friends, who need constant conversations and stimulation to help shape and make sense of the world. They gain understanding from actions taken outside of the self, unlike us introverts, who need to think before we do.
For us introverts, too much stimulation creates stress, which is why many of us are phobic of small talk. However in this extroverted world, we can’t let others miss the power of our introverted brand. Don’t let others mistake our poker face aka deep thinking demeanor for being withdrawn. Instead, we need to communicate our strengths to our beloved extroverts. Bottom line: People are different, and that’s okay! Let’s leverage this to make magic happen.
An Introvert’s Essentials
If you’re a “look before you leaper,” take note of these overall tips for your personal and business branding:
Don’t hide your light. Nod or smile to reaffirm others that we get them … because we really do!
Don’t over schedule yourself if you can help it. If needed and possible, manage upwards, down the chain, or vertically to try to control your time and avoid being overwhelmed.
Don’t mistake your delayed reactions as a weakness. Use self-reflection to showcase your crafty written abilities, insight for leading and action taking, and overall creativity.
Public Speaking and Broadcasting Tips
If you’re thinking about broadcasting your brand through streaming video or public speaking, have no fear! This may not be the most comfortable space for you, but here are five tips to help your brand to shine.
Play music beforehand to get yourself in the right mental space. This can be uptempo beats or tranquil sounds.
Meditate and/or pray to calm your nerves and reflect upon the actions you are about to take, or to simply clear your head for guidance.
Write an outline/script of what you are going to say, so you remain on track with your message.
Practice makes perfect. It’s a cliché, but it is for a good reason.
Be yourself—Be RAW BRANDED®! Don’t try to be like our beloved extroverts. It’ll come across as phony. You’ll be surprised by how many people (prospective clients, employees, partners, and bosses) will be attracted to you … just for you!
I break down these five tips in my video (above). If you need more details on defining introvertism, I recommend the following books (below are affiliated links):
If you’re still unsure of what category you fall under (and yes, it is possible to overlap), take Psychology Today‘s Extroversion Introversion Test. You can also check out the Myers Briggs’ Personality Type Indicator, which was created by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, based on the theories of psychologist Carl G. Jung and includes 16 personality types. This will give you some insight into your personality traits.
FYI—I am an INFJ aka “the advocate or counselor,” which is perhaps why I enjoy helping others to leverage their strengths.
What’s your personality type? Your trait may inform ideal ways to manage your business or personal brand. Chime in below or follow me on Twitter, Periscope, and Instagram at @reneewalkerraw.
Happy Social Media Day! Thanks to the social media experts at Mashable, June 30 marks the fifth year of this internet holiday. Over the course of these years, we’ve seen the steady increase in social media users, which now includes both individuals and businesses. We’ve also seen the continued development of new, savvy social media platforms. From YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn to Pinterest, Snapchat, and Instagram, we’re connecting in ever increasing and varied ways.
So, it was quite timely when, on this special day, a friend of mine approached me with a serious expression on her face. She pulled me aside, made sure the coast way clear, and whispered, “What are hashtags and how do I use them?”
I threw an arm around her and gave her a tight reassuring squeeze that all would be okay. Ironically, I received the same question earlier in the day from a coworker. Seeing the glaring signs, I knew I had to write about this. I raced to my laptop, whipped it open, and jotted down the details below. For you millennials out there, this one may be old hat for you. For you newbies to the social media world, have no fear. I’m here!
Hashtag Defined
A hashtag is a word or phrase proceeded by a # (the number/pound sign) that is used to categorize a list of topics. For example, #whatsahashtag.
By tagging your message with the number sign, it will be easily found in your social media platform’s search function. By searching with a hashtag, a list of all conversations that have used this tag will turn up in your search results. Hashtags were originated by Twitter; however, they are now being used on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+. If you haven’t heard it by now, you’ll begin to notice how it’s infused in our lexicon. #everywhere!
How It’s Used
During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, viewers were encouraged to follow and comment on the event on social media using #WorldCup2014. This is similarly seen proceeding, during, and following award shows and in political races. If a large number of people begin to use the hashtag on Twitter, it will be noted as a “trending” item.
You can use the hashtag either proceeding, following, or within your main message text. The usage has now evolved to become a way in which people can express their current mood: #needtorelax #exhausted #excitedforthefuture
During Twitter meetups AKA Tweetups, hashtags form an ideal way to follow conversations during these events. If you are hosting a Tweetup, you should register your hashtag to ensure that other people won’t be using it in a separate conversation. There are a few services, such as Twubs, that are excellent sources.
How To Create A Hashtag
1. Begin with the # sign.
2. Use a word of phrase without spacing. #All1Word.
3. Be creative. A generic, one word tag may get lost in the shuffle. Try using two or more words.
4. Make it memorable, particularly as it applies to your brand. There should be some relation, unless of course you’re lightheartedly hashtagging.
5. Use existing hashtags for discussions you’d like to join.
6. Try not to use too many hashtags in one message. Remember you’re often limited by characters, and you don’t want your tags to overpower your message. #fail #EnoughHashTagsAlready!
If you’d like to make a mark with your brand, secure a unique hashtag for your audience to use. In case you missed it, mine is #BeTheBestBrand. Feel free to retweet this!
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