What type of Facebook user are you?
A. strictly kids and animals,
B. you like to get into it with other users over reality TV shows or politics, or,
C. you’re a native social speaker who can easily pivot from best friend chatting to being a brand influencer.
If you answered C, you can stop reading now. But, I bet you answered A or B, or you’re somewhere else on the social media spectrum. Whatever type fits your comfort level, at some point in the future, you may be asked to mention your workplace on your personal Facebook page or another account. Maybe it happened already, and you politely, or awkwardly, declined.
Do you have to comply to this request? Of course not. However, thanks to Facebook’s latest newsfeed algorithm, the brand you work for needs your help to make authentic connections with new prospects.
Here are a few ways to help you transition from anonymous individual to expert influencer among your circle of friends and family.
You have the power.
You are already an influencer. Have you panned a terrible movie or raved about your favorite new restaurant? Have you liked the pages of big brands?
Chances are very good that some of your friends skipped that movie, tried that restaurant, or shopped those brands because of your posts. That is valuable. It’s easy to take the next step and casually mention the company you work for and what makes that company a great place to work. If you like where you work and talk about it, your friends (and their friends) will take notice.
Use your power responsibly.
Take a look at your most popular posts. What made so many people love and share those posts? They engaged with you because you offered them something of value—a laugh, a cute picture, a helpful article—and they trust you.
Use the same strategy when posting about your workplace. What will interest your friends and family and their friends and their friends’ families?
Talk about yourself.
People love to talk about themselves. That is the reason social media exists, right? Your Facebook friends know what you do on the weekends, where you go on vacation, and what apps you use.
It’s only natural to talk about what you do, why you do it, and why you like where you work. It’s as simple as that. Mention the next big sale or event, the big role you play in the new campaign, or how rewarding it is to have an impact on the lives of other people.
Present an authentic personal brand.
Everyone has a story to tell. Yes, you do, even if you don’t think so. People who like what they do and tell that story effectively will have a positive impact on the places where they work.
You’ve heard it before—just be yourself. Your excitement over getting a promotion at your job, developing a new product, or connecting with someone you serve (with their permission!) can be worth far more than digital banners or full-page magazine ads.
Parting words…
Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Make a search of your favorite brands and notice how real people talk about them.
Like trying a new exercise or sport, as you use your brand influencer muscle more often it will grow stronger. Be open, listen to feedback, learn, and change over time. Don’t overdo it, and take breaks when necessary.
Sandy Lashin-Curewitz 