Why successful leaders invest in, and grow their digital brand

People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision." John C. Maxwell

Whether you’re interviewed in business magazines, newspapers, journals, authoring an opinion column, a guest on a podcast or TV Programme, invited to events as part of a panel of (industry) experts, all the above activities enhance your reputation, credibility and brand on both the local as well as international stage. But people can only buy into your vision if they know you.

Become more visible - People know that reputable businesses, industry and financial publications don't publish articles from leaders who have nothing interesting to say and journalists don't ask for quotes from randomly picked people. Therefore, every word you say in the press is an opportunity for your customers, stakeholders and the wider public to notice you and to see you as an expert who explores innovations and has the knowledge and courage to create a successful, sustainable company. This calls for a CEO or Leader who is not just comfortable behind spreadsheets but one who is also comfortable in front of the media, at conferences, universities and can work the room at networking events instead of waiting for people to come to him/her. Relying on academic excellence and professional experience to build your own brand and reputation is not enough for CEOs today. Many CEOs are hardworking people. But there's a reason why some CEOs have reputations as innovators and brands that span the globe while others don't. Why some CEO Rolodex's and LinkedIn connections are filled with a who's who both locally as well as at international level, in business, academia, hospitality, sports, media and more. Huge vision and strategy requires you to be open, innovative, well travelled and someone who can pick up the phone or drop an email to people who can help you if/when your company is facing or about to face challenges.

An organisation can only grow as big as its CEO's vision and international experience, exposure and network connections increase this vision. There is a reason why, disrupting companies are run by BIG thinkers

Continuously grow as a leader - Any CEO who believes s/he doesn’t need to grow and is not looking to expand their local and international footprint, reputation, knowledge, network, experience, and visibility, is not only losing out in terms of potential customers, partners, or career progression, but they could also be putting their company at risk.

Why you need to build a network of A-lister CEOs, top journalists, media brands, academic institutions and professional & government institutions. An online, regularly updated profile enables people from all over the world to get to know you through your academic, professional, voluntary and other accomplishments. You gain a reputation as an industry expert and build a network of reliable folks in different domains who you could count on. In addition, this network could also alert you to a local (or now global), disrupter who is about to enter your market.

Build and maintain your network. We’re also judged by the company we keep. If you’re supposedly a leading thinker in your field, but none of the other prominent voices know who you are, you’re not going to be taken seriously. If you’re following an international career path or looking to scale up your business, then an online profile with all your achievements, will go a long way, in helping you on this journey. This enables top international CEOs to get to know you - your LinkedIn profile is not enough, you need to keep your network updated on your work as well as extra curricular activities.

Create content. No one will trust your expertise if they can’t see it for themselves. When you’ve built a reputation that speaks for you, things begin to change. Whether your content is in the form of written (articles or books), audio (speeches, webinars or podcasts), or video – doesn’t really matter. Online content enables you to build and expand your network because when you reach out to people who don’t know you, the first thing they do is, Google you with this question in mind: “What can this person do for me”. Through your online profile, you’re showing others how you think and letting them evaluate the quality of your ideas and strategies. This gives them the confidence and the desire to want to do business with you, because they’ve already vetted you and determined you’re a fit.

To learn more about networking or how we can help you create your online profile, click Executive Portal or feel free to book your 15mins free consultation with me HERE