The Employee is the New Influencer
Special Edition - December 2024
Let's be clear: the employee is a brand influencer. That's it. That's the statement. You're already behind if you're not wrapping your head around this shift. Whether you're chasing your dream job, hiring top talent, or building a brand people can't ignore, this is the reality you need to understand—and fast.
For hiring managers, your employees shape how the world sees your company—whether you like it or not.
For job seekers, your personal brand is your ticket to standing out in a crowded market.
For your own personal brand assets (Linkedin Profile, Website, Resume), aka: “Brand-You, your influence grows when you craft your story and on-line brand presence to tell the right story that speaks to the right audience.
This isn't just a trend—it's a wake-up call. The workplace has changed, and how you adapt will define your success.
Let's get into it. ⤵
1. Creative Leaders & Hiring Managers
2. Job Seekers & Career Dreamers
3. Get Branded. Get the Job
Creative Leaders and Hiring Managers
The Employee is the New Influencer
Why This Matters to You
I've said it before, and it's never been more true: the employee is now the brand influencer. Let that sink in. Your employees aren't just workers—they're the heartbeat of your brand, the voice that people trust, and the megaphone for your culture. Think about how huge that is—and the responsibility it brings for you, employers.
This isn't just a new way of thinking; it's a wake-up call. If you're not hiring wisely, empowering your team, and supporting them, you're not just falling behind—you're actively losing the talent war. Your employees shape how the world sees your company through social posts, conversations with peers, or even in their next job interview. Their voice is your brand.
Key Strategies
1. Turn Employees into Advocates
Let's get real: people trust employees over CEOs (Edelman Trust Barometer). Your team's authentic voices carry more weight than any scripted marketing campaign ever could. Whether it's a LinkedIn post about a team win or a shoutout to your company culture, these organic moments are your best brand-building tools.
How to Nail It: Empower your employees to share their work stories—unfiltered, genuine, and impactful. And if you're unsure where to start, that's where I come in. This is the strategy I help businesses build, and it works.
2. Hire Wisely, Hire Strategically
I'll say it again: hire wisely, hire strategically. Your employees are no longer just filling roles—they're telling the world who you are as a company. From the top down or the juniors up, every hire counts.
How a Recruiter Can Help: Whether it's a re-org, patching leadership gaps, or ensuring your culture carriers are in the right spots, a recruiter with deep industry expertise can connect you to the right people. It's not just about filling positions; it's about building a culture powerhouse.
3. Build a Culture People Actually Want to Talk About
Culture isn't a buzzword—it's the deciding factor. Job seekers rank it above salary (Great Place To Work), and employees who rave about their workplace are your ultimate hiring pipeline. Ask yourself:
Are your employees raving about your culture?
Are you investing in inclusivity, support, and innovation?
4. How to Lead: If you're not proud of your culture, it's time for a reality check. The good news? I can help you fix it.
5. Retention Over Replacement—Stop the Turnover Bleed
Losing employees costs up to 200% of their annual salary (SHRM)—that's expensive. But retention isn't rocket science: it's about investing in your people. Mentorship programs, leadership development, and clear career paths show employees that they're valued.
Pro Tip: Recognize wins—publicly. Celebrate ideas and amplify their contributions. When your employees feel seen and heard, they stick around—and they stick up for your brand.
Why This Shift Benefits You
Let me say it louder for the folks in the back: The employee is now the brand influencer. That's why hiring wisely and empowering your team isn't optional—it's a strategic imperative.
When you lean into this shift, you unlock a magnetic culture, retain top talent, and turn your team into your most powerful brand advocates. But here's the thing: you don't have to navigate this alone. Whether you need to restructure, fill critical roles, or find the next culture carrier for your team, my expertise and connections ensure you don't get left behind.
This is your cue, employers: hire wisely, empower your team, and support them. They're not just employees—they're the voice of your brand.
Job Seekers and Career Dreamers
You are the brand influencer
Why This Matters to You
Let me break it down: the employee is now the brand influencer. That's you. Your voice, your personal brand, and how you show up online carry real weight. Companies aren't just hiring for skills—they're looking for people who can authentically represent their culture and vision.
And it's not just talk. Companies are seeing huge wins by turning employees into brand ambassadors. Take National Instruments—they built an employee advocacy program that empowered their team to share authentic stories about their work. The result? Increased brand engagement and awareness that no ad campaign could match (Khoros).
If you're not positioning yourself as someone who can contribute to this shift, you're missing out on career-changing opportunities. Want to stand out? Start building your personal brand now.
KEY TIPS
1. Be Your Own Hype Person
Don't sit back and wait for the perfect job to find you. Get visible. Share your work, wins, and expertise online. Social media is your stage—use it.
Example: PopSockets leveraged their brand ambassadors to create a viral buzz, driving visibility and sales (Brandbassador). Why not use the same strategy to spotlight your skills?
2. Tip: Storytelling is everything. Don't just post, “I led a project that increased sales.” Tell us how you did it, what you learned, and why it matters. Stories connect, and the connection gets you hired.
3. Find Companies That Empower Employees
Want to work somewhere that values you? Look for companies that actively encourage employee advocacy. During interviews, ask:
How does your company support employees sharing their work online?
What's your approach to empowering employees to represent the brand?
Example: At Lululemon, employees and community ambassadors drive both online and in-store engagement by sharing authentic stories about the brand (Marketing Ino). Find companies that embrace this, and you'll thrive.
4. Show Off Your Culture Fit
Culture fit isn't just a buzzword—it's a hiring priority. Employers want to know you align with their values and vibe. Use interviews to showcase your adaptability, collaboration, and leadership. Bonus points if you can demonstrate how you've advocated for previous employers.
70% of employers believe companies should screen candidates' social media profiles during hiring (Business News Daily).Your online presence matters—big time.
Consider this: 76% of people trust content shared by individuals over content shared by brands. (GoDelta)
Companies like Dell have harnessed this by empowering employees to share authentic content, resulting in a significant boost in reach and engagement. (Khoros)
Why This Shift Benefits You
When companies invest in employee advocacy, they're amplifying YOU. Your voice, your achievements, and your career goals get a platform. The best part? The right company will see you as a partner in shaping their culture, not just an employee filling a seat.
This is your cue:
The employee is now the brand influencer, and you're holding the mic. Use your voice, align with the right companies, and turn your next job into a career that amplifies your impact. Need help figuring out where to start? Let's chat.
KDA Coaching: Level Up Like a Boss
I’ve seen countless talented creatives and marketers struggle to gain traction in their careers simply because they refused to seek expert guidance.
Get Branded. Get the Job.
This is your moment.
Embracing your role as an influencer empowers you to take charge of your career narrative. Companies value employees who can authentically represent their brand, which is YOU. By investing in your personal brand, you not only enhance your professional image but also open doors to new opportunities.
If you're not actively managing your personal brand, you're missing out on opportunities to shine.
This is where we come in. My team and I specialize in elevating your personal brand, optimizing your LinkedIn presence, and strategizing your next career move. Ready to take control? Let's make it happen.
Key Strategies
1. Elevate Your LinkedIn Presence
Your LinkedIn profile is more than a digital résumé; it's your personal brand's storefront. Companies whose employees share their brand's social content see a lift in the views their job postings receive (Haiilo) By actively engaging and sharing valuable content, you position yourself as a thought leader.
Pro Tip: Share insights, achievements, and industry news that reflect your expertise. Need guidance? We're here to help you craft a compelling LinkedIn strategy.
2. Build and Amplify Your Personal Brand
Your personal brand is your professional identity. Employee advocacy programs can generate 16% better win rates and drive 48% larger deals (Clearview Social). By showcasing your unique value, you attract opportunities that align with your career goals.
Pro Tip: Consistently share content that highlights your skills and experiences. Authenticity is key—let your personality shine through.
3. Strategize Your Career Path
Feeling stuck or contemplating a career shift? It's time to define your vision and create a roadmap. Employee brand ambassadors not only amplify the brand message but also foster a sense of pride and loyalty among employees. (TrocGlobal) Aligning your career with your personal brand leads to fulfillment and success.
Pro Tip: Partnering with a coach can provide clarity and direction. We offer personalized coaching to help you navigate your career journey.
Need more expert intel from your badass BFF recruiters? Here you go:
Email Etiquette: Your Secret Weapon
CEOS & Hiring Managers: Stop Copy-Paste Culture
That's all she wrote! (See you next month!)