First Impressions are Made Online

We all know that first impressions make lasting impressions. However, in today’s social and digital media-driven world, we no longer have the luxury of making a first impression in person. Today, the majority of first impressions are made online. 90 percent of people report googling someone before they meet them for the first time. This lack of anonymity is extending into the professional realm as well. Employers are turning to social and digital media platforms to help with finding potential candidates. Recent studies indicate that nearly 93 percent of recruiters and hiring managers are actively using social media as a primary resource to discover and connect with potential job candidates.

We’ll give it to you straight. People are going to Google you; there’s no way around it. However, you have the power to control your online narrative. If you’re looking to stand out and be a competitive candidate in today’s job market, it is essential to have relevant and meaningful information about you who you’re, what you have done, and what you’re looking to do next accessible online.  

A visible personal brand is a necessity to stand out amongst the clutter of today’s digital landscape. While specific industries may require professionals to have a more visible online presence than others, it is beneficial for all individuals, regardless of their industry, to have some information about themselves and their professional achievements and accolades available for view.

The Collective Rising is committed to helping our members establish and strengthen their personal brand. Having a LinkedIn profile does not mean you have a personal brand. Where you have worked is not all of who you’re. We pride ourselves on encouraging our members to answer questions that shed light on experiences that uniquely illustrate their strengths and successes to best position themselves for professional advancement.

The Collective Rising presents newfound opportunities for discovery and connection. While many of our members have a personal website and public social media accounts, we introduce sought after curation and offer the benefit of SEO-optimization for increased online visibility. For our members that prefer to remain private, and do not have a personal website, or public social profiles (due to their industry or preference), The Collective Rising’s quality-over-quantity approach towards personal branding removes the stress, anxiety, and hassle of having to do so much to be seen.

Here are four reasons why becoming a member of The Collective Rising is a great way to differentiate yourself professionally and strengthen your personal brand.

1. Receive the benefits of a strong personal brand, with less effort.  

Consistently updating and sharing information across multiple social media platforms is time-consuming, stressful, and challenging to maintain with a busy life schedule. The Collective Rising’s quality-over-quantity approach towards establishing a personal brand makes it possible for you to do less and receive more. 

2. Validate yourself as a professional. 

The same way an Instagram checkmark offers validation that you “are someone,” your membership to The Collective Rising verifies that you’re a vital player in your field or industry. 

3. Increase your online visibility and display information you can’t share on LinkedIn. 

The Collective Rising does not aim to be a replacement for LinkedIn, but rather an additional resource. We’re a membership platform that prides ourselves on our ability to provide unique discovery opportunities and special features to our curated, female-identifying community.

4. Position yourself as a Thought Leader. 

To become a thought leader, you have to be willing to share who you’re and your opinions. While today’s digital landscape is saturated, there is always room for people who have something meaningful to say, to rise up and be heard. The Collective Rising provides a platform for its members to legitimize their voice on their terms by selecting and answering questions on their profile, empowering them to articulate their unique worldview. 

If you’re interested in establishing or strengthening your personal brand, please visit our Join Us page to learn more about The Collective Rising’s membership offerings.