A New Generation Marketer

This is a guest post by Corve DaCosta, of corvedacosta.com. (See full bio below).

Can you imagine the world without the internet? We would go crazy, running around like chickens without a head trying to solve the problem. We have grown accustom to the internet and social media that I don’t know if we are ready for the internet to fail us for a minute. If you happen to tweet and tweet a lot, sometimes you reload the page and it says “Twitter is over capacity”. In seconds when it returns, Twitter users are ‘tweeting’ #whentwitterwasdown followed by what happened to them. The world is all about connectivity and sharing your opinions. I am positive Secret Service will think it’s an attack on the US and not a system failure worldwide should the internet go down. The fact is the internet has changed our lives and we cannot go back. No! From where I ‘lowly’ sit it’s best to adopt these trends and see how it may work for you. Indeed, it is working for millions worldwide as they own a piece of the internet. And the only way to touch it is by touching your laptop screen and now your iPad. The internet and the advent of social media, directly blogging provides the ability where people can build personal brands. The success stories are immense and the benefits are not only lucrative but may benefit the individual in many other ways.

Recently, I was in a heated discussion with a fellow blogger on joining Twitter. He couldn’t fathom how it works and how it could help his blog generate more viewers – he uses Facebook. After our conversation he logged on to create his account. The internet has broken down so many barriers and has opened the world in many ways people are finding it unbelievable. The world is literally at our fingertips when we sit before a PC with internet capabilities. Realizing the phenomenon of what is happening; bloggers are using it to their advantage. More than ever, people have something to say and if you have an informed perspective there is an area for you.

I started my blog back in May 2009 and I would not have imagined where I am today. It is true for many bloggers, you start out with one post and the interest grows and continues to grow until you are reaping benefits. Most bloggers make their websites sociable places and they practice ‘personal branding’ (although they don’t know). According to Wikipedia, it is the process whereby people and their careers are marked as brands. Especially if you use your name on your blog, you run the risk of people associating what is on your blog to your character. Bloggers have to be keen on ensuring they edit and are managers of what is posted on their blogs on the internet. The minute something is posted on the internet, it is not the case where they have to visit your page to see it, but Google in minutes will record your data in their search engine. It benefits us all but there are certain dangers to this.

There are many benefits to blogging. More bloggers are gaining employment through what they do, they are using their websites to make money and all of this is through the personal branding they have done. Most bloggers do not get overnight success, unless you are established, but it is a work in progress. Over months and years people find out what you do, value your opinions and take you seriously. The world is grappling with the introduction of blogging/bloggers and the influence they have on the internet and shaping opinions.

Just recently, Vogue Magazine decided to do a photo shoot with about nine fashion bloggers, simply showcasing and recognizing the work they do. There is currently a huge discussion in the fashion industry on whether fashion bloggers are editors. People are taking what bloggers do seriously because of the hard work it takes to produce a good blog. You have team blogs but most times, a blog is a ‘one man show’. It is that individual writing the posts, sourcing the images, promoting the post on the internet, replying to persons who have found it interesting and ensuring it fits in the entire presentation of the blog. It is hard work and keep in mind that to have a good following, you are updating your blog 3-4 times for the week. When you really get into blogging, most bloggers are not out to build personal branding; at the end of the day, they want to know they are satisfying their audience and hopefully pleasing them will increase their overall image.

I do not know if another development will come along and surpass the experience blogging provides. For now, it is the latest trend, not only for individuals but companies are using it to communicate with their customers, in addition to many other platforms at their fingertips. Blogging is great for potential employment. Employers are now using Google to research their candidates and having a space on the internet to share what matters to you or your interests is good to any potential employer. A well produced blog may tell someone how well you can work, your ethical standards which could prove beneficial. You do not have to gain employment; however, I am a firm believer that experienced individuals should share their perspective. Where they may not be seeking employment, their opinions are valued and respected.

In concluding, humans are walking brands. Your reputation is the most valuable thing you can ever have. The internet provides the space for your brand to be published online through a blog. Blogging is wonderful, it takes a lot of time but the benefits are fantastic. Blogging allows you to share your passions, your interests in a space where like-minded individuals can find you and connect with you. You may be thinking ‘I’m not a good writer or an artist’ but you will see huge improvements in whatever you do. All of us are different, and sharing your perspective – there’s always a place for that and that is blogging.

Start a blog today and watch your personal brand grow.

Corve DaCosta is a native and resident of sunny Jamaica, He is a self-professed media junkie who particularly enjoys people – their points of view, experiences, idiosyncrasies, strengths and flaws. A graduate of the University of Technology (Kingston, Ja.), where he earned his BA in Marketing and Business Administration, Corve has been featured in several advertising campaigns in his home country. He is currently very committed to developing his blog, but welcomes any opportunities that may arise, particularly in marketing, mass media and modeling.