by By Peyton Hedges
TikTok, known for its addictive blend of viral dance challenges and aesthetic lifestyle insporation, seems like an unlikely ally in the world of professional development. But beneath its entertaining surface lies a heap of opportunities to enhance your communications career. In the case of Robyn DelMonte, known on social media as @Girlbosstown, showcasing professional skills on TikTok ultimately launched her public relations career and popularized her personal brand. Her content is not only entertaining, it also doubles as an expansive collection of creative work examples for professional connections to notice.
In any sector or niche, TikTok can be a valuable tool for young professionals to showcase their skills, build a personal brand and connect with industry peers. Here’s how to use TikTok to advance your communications career:
- Make Your Profile a Portfolio
Cultivate a collection of TikTok videos that represent your unique strengths as an individual and a professional. Showcase work that highlights experience and expertise in your field. This can include behind-the-scenes footage of current projects, creative campaign ideas and critiques of recent industry events. Take advantage of popular video styles such as “day in the life” vlogs, reaction videos and top 10 recommendations to engage audiences outside of your profession. Producing consistent TikTok content is a great way to flex professional knowledge and get your name out there. It’s also a perfect opportunity to demonstrate your command of digital media, visual design and social media strategy.
- Grow Your Network
Although it’s not typically considered a networking platform, TikTok has untapped potential as a powerful tool for boosting professional connections. Build relationships by following, commenting and sharing thoughts on relevant content. Utilize features like Duet and Stitch to engage with communications pros and drive traffic to your profile. Explore opportunities for content collaboration by reaching out to similar creators in your field. Be sure to include professional details in your account bio, such as field, job title and contact information so others can easily connect with you outside of TikTok.
- Establish Your Personal Brand
Aside from an impressive skill set, a strong personal brand will ultimately persuade clients and professionals to want to work with you. Identify any passions, values and qualities that separate yourself from others and pinpoint distinctive professional strengths to begin defining your brand identity. Consistency is key, so tailor your TikTok username, profile picture and bio to echo your brand goals and leverage elements such as font, color scheme and imagery to maintain a cohesive look. Keep a steady tone across all content and actively engage with your audience by addressing comments and topic requests. The greatest asset to your personal brand is authenticity, so embrace unique stories and perspectives to let your personality shine through your content.
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Hi Peyton! I really loved your connection to Girlbosstown because she is someone that I think has used TikTok in such a smart way. I love her videos and I know her predictions and ideas have led to her career actually taking off, as well as just gaining a large fanbase. I think TikTok is one of the best ways for people to launch themselves and expand their brand.
Hi Peyton, great article! TikTok indeed offers unique opportunities to showcase professional skills and build connections in the communications field. Creating a portfolio-like profile and engaging with industry peers can help boost career prospects. Establishing a strong personal brand and embracing authenticity are key to standing out. Thanks for sharing these valuable insights!
Hi Peyton! I really enjoyed your article! I agree that creating Tik Tok videos that reflect your personal strengths, building professional connections on Tik Tok, and creating a strong personal brand through the app can be an effective way to boost your career. I love @Girlbosstown and frequently watch her videos. Her unique videos that capture her opinions, predictions, and ideas on the latest celebrity news have made her personal brand distinct and liked by millions. @Girlbosstown is a perfect example of how Tik Tok can be used to create your personal brand and make your career take off.
Hey Peyton,
Great post! I loved the idea of using stitching and duetting as a form of networking. I have never looked at it this way, but it makes so much sense as this is essentially a form of collaboration. Eager to use this for brands and hopefully gain the following of the collaborator! Thanks.
Peyton,
Hey! I really like your take on TikTok growing your brand professionally. I think that many people think of TikTok as a childish place to really cultivate a professional career, but I agree that it can be a great way of networking! I think that so many people have grown their careers through the use of TikTok. Great job!
Hi Peyton!
Great piece. I really enjoyed your idea of using your account as a portfolio. I feel like as users, we utilize social media as a sort of highlight reel of our life. I think there is a lot of personalization with TikTok content, and could see this as a positive especially with companies looking to hire someone with a creative background and design knowledge.
Hi Peyton. I enjoyed reading your passage about using TikTok to boody your career. I especially enjoyed when you spoke about making your TikTok a portfolio and how it can represent who you are and what you do.
Hi Peyton!
I really liked your post about how to build a brand. Day-in-my-life influencers have the most range in posting content if they stick to a recognizable aesthetic, but struggle with boundaries with fans, since their life is on display. Your post is insightful in how to choose a brand, be genuine and find balance within business connections.