ONLINE SUCCESS STRATEGIES:
10 WAYS TO ROCK IT ONLINE

Article By: Yetunde Taiwo-Shorters
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Here is the truth that no one really shares; Publicists are like brand therapists. We ride a fine line between being in your business and handling your business. Here are 10 success strategies to help you ROCK IT ONLINE that is all about your “business”.

1| STAY ON BRAND
This means from this day forth, everything you say, do or share has to be intentional about the message of your brand. No more random posts, no more venting on social media. If you feel the need to vent, count to 20 (LITERARILY or wait a day) and then decide if you still want to post that emotion. If you do or do not post, at least you had momentarily think time.

2| WHAT YOU OFFER YOUR TARGET MARKET
Your audience/customers are the number one most important part of your online success. What you offer them must be at all times sincere about your value. It is important that you respect them at all times online or in-person. Yes, even when they may not respect themselves. They are the reason you are in business. Building a relationship with them gets you a lifetime of clients. Take it seriously.

3| YOU ARE THE 2ND MOST IMPORTANT
As you step into this journey that is your brand purpose, please understand that you are officially your brand spokesperson. It is important that you be your best self as often as possible. You will have trolls and naysayers; you will also have supporters and fans. The trick is to remain the constant in this relationship.

4| PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
I recommend that you keep your personal stories in the public space PERSONAL. That means: the public does not need to know everything about you. Keep things light, relatable and honest. In unique circumstances, you may share a deeply personal story, but only if it is for the greater good, or for a story angle on your brand to get you publicity, not just new information on a “just because” clause.

5| MEDIA INTERVIEWS
It is always important to PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! before any interview, read and re-read any copy that your publicist needs you to, for clarity and understanding. Should you ever be faced with a question on a live interview that throws you off, it is ok to THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. It may be awkward, but we would rather you reply with some thought. If you give a thoughtless answer, well lets just say the crisis management may cost you a lot more than a few second to thing. So, a couple of seconds of thought is a better choice than any thoughtless engagement.

6| SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDS
I would like you to remember that as your social media fan base grows do not underestimate the power of social media. You now have to constantly remember, whether you like it or not, you are officially a role model (GLOBALLY, as the Internet is worldwide). Stop thinking you are talking to your real life friends. Your fans and your 2000+ fb followers are not your friends. Be intentional about what you say online. Again, just as it is okay to think before you talk or respond to press, it is okay to think before you hit that tweet or publish button.

7| CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Should any of the trolls or naysayers start a rumor or escalate a minor misunderstanding that could affect your online success, at no point should you resort to social media bashing or subliminal messaging online about the situation. In those cases (though rare), please call your publicist and share EVERYTHING you know about the situation (it helps when we know the whole truth, so we can address it head on professionally, either with a press release, media alert or PR strategy). You should also call your attorney. But never respond emotionally and publicly without communication with your PR and LEGAL team.

8| MEDIA & CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP CONFIDENTIALITY
As your team develops a relationship with you and the media or prospects, please note, at no time are you allowed to discuss dealings in meetings with anyone except your attorney or your PR team. So those random tweets or instagram selfies “live at the meeting”. THINK TWICE and ask for permission. It is important that you build trust with the media and your partners as a brand with integrity. Until they sign on the dotted line, do not blast it off on social media.

9| INTERNAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As we know, integrity is important in building relationships. If at any point you have some partnerships or friendships that appear to be a conflict of interest with your brand, discuss it openly. 9 times out of 10 you would rather eliminate the conflict unless in unique circumstances.

10| HAVE FUN
Change is usually uncomfortable, but it is more fun when you are open to it. Have fun being you, have fun with all you will learn. I recognize that some or all of the above messages may seem challenging or new to you, but it works. Use them to ROCK YOUR BRAND ONLINE.

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