“Don’t try to invent a tribe. Show up to lead one that exists.” —Seth Godin
Today’s hyper-connected digital world has opened the door to a whole new era in brand development.
Employers, HR professionals and job hunters, alike, are rapidly embracing digital channels to elevate their market presence and amplify their share of voice.
With proactive players setting a torrid pace, no one can afford to stay on the social media sidelines. But social networking doesn’t guarantee influence — and activity without strategy can put a brand at risk.
Join the Experts
So how do you create a digital brand roadmap that makes the most sense for your goals? What’s the best way to ignite your social agenda? And how do you measure its impact?
If you’re looking for expert guidance, you won’t want to miss this very special webinar event:
TalentCulture founder, Meghan M. Biro will join forces with the social marketing and insights specialists at Leadtail to talk about how top HR and recruiting influencers are driving market awareness and engagement through social channels.
For example, the session will focus on questions like these:
• What elements define a personal brand? • Why are social channels ideal for brand building? • Who influences the HR and recruiting community today — and how? • How can you successfully apply these social techniques?
In addition, Meghan will reveal how she has leveraged social media to become one of the most recognized experts in the HR and recruiting space.
“Social channels have created a phenomenal opportunity to reach, engage and influence all the constituents a brand must touch — business allies, customers, prospects and employees,” Meghan says. “I’m excited to team-up with Leadtail, as we empower brands to expand their connections and strengthen their business relationships.”
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/lego-252602_1920.jpg349700Maren Hoganhttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMaren Hogan2014-02-24 06:52:022020-05-27 17:03:41Social Influence and Your Brand: Connecting the Dots [Webinar]
“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and influence their actions.” –John Hancock
Wherever you find people, you’ll find influence. The concept is as basic as civilization, itself.
John Hancock understood its importance in business contexts. But as business moves to the digital space, the way we gain, use and respond to influence is shifting into overdrive. How does this digitally-enhanced version of influence affect the way we engage and motivate others across organizations and in the world at-large? And why should it matter to everyone in today’s workplace? These questions were top-of-mind this week at #TChat Events, as the TalentCulture community welcomed two influence experts:
(Editor’s Note: See #TChat Twitter slideshow and resource links at the end of this post.)
Defining Social Influence
What is a “social influencer” anyway? If a static persona accumulates social media followers, is that enough? Or is it about behavior that attract the attention and interest of professional peers? Is it when your presence (or absence) affects the nature and flow of conversations on social channels? Or is it when you write blog posts that draw an extraordinary number of readers and comments?
Of course, it can involve all of these elements and more. Effective influencers use social tools as a means to an end. It’s not just about building an audience. It’s about engaging and interacting with people in ways that leave them enthused, passionate, and eager to tell others about that experience. As word spreads about influencers, word also spreads about their company, product or service.
Social Influence In Action
Take a look at some of today’s most prominent business influencers — people like Richard Branson and Arianna Huffington. They really put the “social” in social media. Unlike “image-first” personalities like the Gagas and Biebers of the world — social influencers invest in real community connections and conversations.
It’s smart to focus first on quality rather than quantity. (What would you prefer — 100 engaged industry peers, or 100,000 random followers, who may not even care about you or what you represent? Where can you add value, and get value in return? I would pick 100 targeted connections with whom I can have purposeful interactions. If those interactions create a gravitational pull that expands my sphere of influence, then I’ve done something right. As someone mentioned last night at #TChat — don’t be mislead into thinking that it’s a quick process.
Why Should We Care?
I think of social influencers as “go-to” resources. When I want advice or inspiration, I turn to my network. These are trusted professionals, and use their influence for broader purposes than self-promotion. They build relationships based on integrity, transparency, vulnerability and humor — all the best traits we look for in humans. No doubt that’s why TalentCulture CEO, Meghan Biro, encourages everyone to “live your brand.” It’s the most unique, powerful asset any of us can offer.
Social media is an extraordinary tool that helps us establish immediate connections with business leaders, employees, customers, stakeholders and others. It can provide companies with valuable insight about market perceptions. It can be a powerful force that shapes business brands, cultures and communities — if organization are willing to show up, listen and participate. This is where leaders can make a difference. Committing to an active social presence is the first step toward empowering employees and customers as brand ambassadors. There’s nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
#TChat Week-In-Review: Social Influence as a Competitive Advantage
See the videos in the Preview Post now…
SAT 11/2:
#TChat Preview: TalentCulture Community Manager Tim McDonald framed this week’s topic in a post that featured brief “sneak peek” hangout videos with our guests. Read the Preview: “The Rise of Influence in Social Business.”
Related Post: Guest blogger Paul Bailey helped us look at influence from the outside-in, with advice for job seekers on using social media intelligence to get hired. Read: “How Social Sleuthing Can Land You A Dream Job.”
#TChat Twitter: Immediately following the radio show, Meghan, Kevin and guests joined the entire TalentCulture ommunity on the #TChat Twitter stream for an open conversation focused on 5 key questions. For highlights, check the Storify slideshow below:
#TChat Insights: Competitive Advantage of Social Influence
GRATITUDE: Thanks again to Mark Willaman and Mark Fidelman for sharing your insights on the evolving meaning and importance of influence in the social era. Your knowledge and experience are invaluable to our community.
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about influence-related issues or opportunities? We welcome your thoughts. Post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.
WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, we take a closer look at how the social/mobile/cloud revolution is redefining the entire hiring process. So save the date (November 13) for another powerful #TChat double-header!
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/32964_2936.jpg350700Chantal Bechervaisehttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngChantal Bechervaise2013-11-08 06:41:322020-05-27 16:30:12Can You Hear Me Now? Influence Goes Social #TChat Recap
Think for a moment about the brands that have the deepest impact on your professional life.
What companies and people do you look to for credible information, relevant insights and valuable connections? And which ones would you include on your “who’s who” list?
More importantly, how would you develop that list?
Influence Isn’t What It Used To Be. Or Is It?
In less than a decade we’ve seen a dramatic shift in the logic and tools we use to create and shape our professional circles. “Influence” is no longer limited to an elite and somewhat static class of highly prominent organizations and individuals. Today, social channels make it possible for anyone to claim a corner of the marketplace, earn a share of voice, and develop a loyal following.
So, what do these new social dynamics mean for the future of employer and employee brands? And how can we all do a better job in leveraging the “currency” of influence? That’s what we’ll explore this week at #TChat Events, with two experts in the art and science of influence:
• Mark Fidelman, CEO of RaynForest, an influence marketing platform • Mark Willaman, Founder and President of Fisher Vista LLC, owners of HRmarketer software and Fisher Vista marketing services
To frame this topic, I spoke briefly with both guests in separate G+ hangouts. First, Mark Willaman discussed the “what” and “why” of influence:
Then Mark Fidelman offered a quick take on how influence is measured:
What are your thoughts about the role of influence in today’s world of work? Join us this week to share your ideas and opinions!
#TChat Events: Social Influence as a Competitive Advantage
Immediately following the radio show, we’ll move this discussion to the #TChat Twitter stream, where Cyndy Trivella will moderate an open chat with the entire TalentCulture community. Everyone with a Twitter account is invited to participate, as we address these questions:
Q1: How can “industry influence” impact the world of work? Q2: In what ways does social listening shape culture, marketing and branding? Q3: Why would brand influencers make better employees? (or not?) Q4: How do leaders know who is an influencer, and how does this impact culture? Q5: What social tools do you use for brand marketing and talent recruiting?
Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your questions, ideas and opinions.
We’ll see you on the stream!
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Publication1.jpg350700Tim McDonaldhttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngTim McDonald2013-11-03 04:11:122020-05-27 16:29:33The Rise of Influence in Social Business #TChat Preview