5 Areas Impacting Your Public Image

Admit it…you’ve searched for your name online to see what would come up, right?!

Well, if you haven’t — go ahead…do it now.

What popped up?

 

Is it you…or someone else with your name?

Find a few success stories about your career…or nothing at all?

Does it seem positive…or full of secrets, rumors and scandals?

 

Whether you actively work on creating it or not — your public image is out there.

 

It takes less than a second to form a lasting impression and many people associate your public image with your reputation. Both can take years to build and only minutes to tear down. This is why it’s smart to pay attention to what’s out there and understand how you can guide the message in a positive direction.

 

To help you get started…here are:

5 Areas Impacting Your Public Image

 

1. Your Expertise

Who better to explain to a Reporter about your role or project than You? So, preparing for press interviews, red carpets and public events is the key to looking like the professional they’re expecting.

 

Reporters are always looking to grab ‘sound bites’…these are short, descriptive answers to their questions. It’s not that difficult to anticipate some of the questions a Reporter might ask you — the who, what, when, where and why details about your role or project. Preparing a 2-3 sentence answer for each of these in advance is smart way to keep your professional image intact.

 

2. Consistency Counts

Keep your materials cohesive and updated. Review your website, bio, EPK, social media accounts, demo reels and more. Do they all have a consistent feel, style, and look? In other words, if you’re going for a light hearted and fun feel with your website…then make sure that all of your materials reflect that.

 

Reporters who are looking for more information about you will often visit a website listed on your press release or simply search online for more details. You want a Reporter (and fans) to realize in an instant that they’re in the ‘right’ place when they jump from your website to your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or other pages. The look, design, tone + feel of everything should be distinctly you.

 

3. Professionalism Speaks Volumes

Nothing affects a person’s image more than their behavior. I have no doubt that you know how to be nice…that’s not what I want to remind you. It’s about being professional in every way possible. For example, if you tell a Reporter you’re going to send them a photo, forward them footage or get back to them with any other detail – you better deliver.

 

And, always act quickly. Reporters have deadlines and causing a Reporter to miss theirs is a sure-fire way to tarnish your professional image. So, my advice is don’t make promises you aren’t 100% certain you can keep — quickly.

 

4. Authenticity Always Wins

People want to connect with ‘real’ people. Your public image should feel like an extension of your true self. There’s no need to put on a false persona…those days are over. But, I’m also not suggesting that you must expose every detail about your personal life either. Simply being honest and genuine is the smartest way to develop a solid public image and gain long-lasting fans.

 

So, how do you do that? Well, if you’re naturally a mysterious person…then be that. Find ways to share your dark and edgy side. Keep your visuals darker in tone…maybe post black & white photos. Another possible idea is include a hidden page on your website that you share only with your fans and followers. It might take a little more effort and planning on your part, but it could be fun.

 

5. Stay Active

It feels like there’s a hot new social media platform launching practically every day, making it nearly impossible to keep up with the demand fresh content. Don’t panic! I believe in quality over quantity. It’s better to be consistently active on a couple platforms…than inconsistent on them all. Plus, it will be less daunting and easier for you to manage.

 

Which platforms should you use? Perhaps the ones you like the most or even the ones that you think your fans can be found on. Facebook is the largest, but Twitter is more instantaneous. Instagram is great if you enjoy sharing lots of photos, but LinkedIn is where industry decision makers hang-out. I suggest you choose 2 to start and build from there. Also, create a steady pace for sharing. Post once a day or 10 times a day…as long as you have consistency.

 

Overall, think of your public image as a long-term investment. A little strategic and steady input can reap huge rewards for you later.

 

THANKS!