LOS ANGELES: You can spend hours watching dermatologists pop pimples, furniture restorers fix aging cabinets, or crane operators move heavy materials from hundreds of feet in the air – all from the comfort of your own home. Many professionals have chosen to showcase their careers on social media platforms to attract interest, correct misconceptions, earn extra income, or simply have fun. And audiences are loving it. Are you considering becoming an online expert? Do you want to connect with other professionals in your field and share resources with a wider audience? The Los Angeles Times spoke to several social media influencers who have successfully built their personal brands using their professional expertise. Here are their tips on how to do the same using the skills you have already developed in your job.
Morgan McSweeney, also known as Dr Noc on TikTok and who holds a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences and immunology, started posting online during the Covid-19 pandemic to combat the spread of misinformation. His goal is to increase public awareness of health and scientific information, empowering people to take their health into their own hands. Similarly, Anthony Barbuto, a licensed lawyer practicing in multiple states, started posting on TikTok to correct misconceptions about the legal profession and showcase the human side of being a lawyer. His passion for his work attracted new clients and opened up additional income opportunities.
While social media platforms offer leisure, they also provide work opportunities. Once you have a decent following, you can generate income through brand deals and direct platform monetization. For example, music producer Chris Ju, known as “Kato On The Track” on Instagram, collaborates with brands like Wingstop and Capital One. McSweeney’s social media popularity led to opportunities with the White House and the World Health Organization. Additionally, social media allows you to build a community of like-minded individuals, as plastic surgeon Anthony Youn discovered during the pandemic. Initially using social media to promote his practice, Youn now aims to be a trusted friend and counselor, helping people navigate the realm of perfection often portrayed on social media.
Regardless of your day job, you can create engaging social media content. However, simply showcasing your work is not enough to gain popularity. It is crucial to strike a balance between authenticity, helpfulness, and entertainment value, according to these influencers. To start building your professional profile on social media, familiarize yourself with your employer’s social media regulations. Determine what you enjoy and consume content from those who inspire you, finding ways to apply their ideas to your own field. Chase your passion rather than focusing solely on monetary gain. Choose one platform to begin with and learn its intricacies to maximize your impact. Consider your audience and whether you want to target professionals in your field or a broader audience. Develop engaging online strategies, emphasizing your personality and authenticity. Understand that viewers can detect if you are not personally involved in your content. Approach social media as a hobby driven by passion rather than a means to replicate someone else’s success.
Lastly, be willing to evolve and change direction if your content becomes stale. Continuously engage with your audience and adapt to their preferences. Don’t be afraid to explore new approaches and find ways to stay relevant. By following these tips, you can harness your expertise and build a successful personal brand on social media platforms.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
