Seventy-seven percent of American women want to be their own boss, a new survey from Avon has found. While their reasons vary — from scheduling flexibility to more control to less office politics — it is now easier than ever to start living like a boss or simply to get ahead in your career.
In the digital age, getting ahead starts with your social media accounts, which are actually at the fingertips of the people and firms you want to work for. Experts say that a pretty presence on sites like LinkedIn and Instagram can help you make connections, spread your expertise, and show potential employers and partners that you are a match.
Indeed, 78 percent of salespeople who engage in social selling outsell their counterparts who don’t use social selling. Whatever your professional goals, take steps to hone your online presence.
Avon Representative Alicia Hessinger Dias uses social media as a sales tool.
Avon, a company with a 130-year track record of empowering women to be their own bosses, points out that today, social media plays a big part in the direct selling model. They share proven practices for building sales opportunities for your brand through social media.
Enter with a technique
How do you want to be perceived? Make sure the truth of your online presence matches this vision, in addition to your professional field. You may additionally consider strategically using your privacy settings on certain channels to make sure that your public persona remains professional and on-message.
How do you want to be perceived? Make sure the truth of your online presence matches this vision, in addition to your professional field. You may additionally consider strategically using your privacy settings on certain channels to make sure that your public persona remains professional and on-message.
Be sincere
It’s important to be sincere, so use social media to be yourself and celebrate what you love. “I blog about things I actually wear and do, not what I think other people want me to say. Your readers want to hear your authentic voice and that is what they will best respond to,” said Alicia Hessinger Dias, an Avon
It’s important to be sincere, so use social media to be yourself and celebrate what you love. “I blog about things I actually wear and do, not what I think other people want me to say. Your readers want to hear your authentic voice and that is what they will best respond to,” said Alicia Hessinger Dias, Avon representative and entrepreneur. She started her blog a few year into her Avon business and uses it as a chance to share deals, steals, and tips that allow her to express her artistic and fashion-forward side.
To learn more about being your own boss at Avon, visit Avon Insider at avon.com/blog or register at sellavon.com.
Play to your strengths
Spend most of your energy using the online platform that works most naturally for you. For example, if you agree that “brantitude is the soul of intelligence,” spend some time on Twitter. If you are a visible storyteller, focus on Instagram.
Consistent
Stick to topics you are passionate about, and remember to post regularly. Consider using hashtags that suit your personal brand. Lastly, do not just post content and then disappear. Remember to engage with followers in a positive way.
Give greetings
Connection is made easier when you say hello. Use event hashtags when live-tweeting industry conferences. Add people you admire to your blogroll. This action will help you get top quality followers.
Today, having a savvy digital strategy may be the most significant step you take professionally.
“Since the beginning of my blog, it has become an important sales tool,” says Hessinger Dias. “Soft selling to showcase products is much more effective than direct sales promotion.”
