Some folks in the Social Media universe have been discussing the idea of personal branding (this is a great article with tips to improve your personal brand). When I first started working in marketing and public relations, I didn't have a brand--I worked hard to become a personal representation of the company instead. But now that the marketing I'm focusing on is all Web 2.0 stuff, my personal brand has become my best marketing tool.
My personal blog, with its large readership and foul language, is who I am. My connections with other bloggers are what make my blogger pitches work. I've learned--thanks to years and years of receiving bad pitches myself--the best way to approach other bloggers. My personal obsession with Twitter has led me to meet plenty of other social media folks. I use Facebook, MySpace, and Flickr on a daily basis. I even Plurk.
For the first time in my professional career, my work is my life and my life is my work. It's an awesome feeling, integrating my various aspects and now having one, solid focus. It's what makes me an expert in my field--with the adding bonus of intense personal satisfaction. What an awesome thing.
