Is it important to focus on physician “branding” principals if you’re just starting out?

Realistically, no. What more important is that you get out there and take some action.

Explore. Look around at what others like you are doing. Get uncomfortable speaking up.

The, once you’re ready to commit, start building.

I’ll add this important disclaimer: everyone is different. There is not a one-size-fits-all.

To package this concept up a bit, here’s the short of the long:

If you’re truly just starting out (focusing on physician branding), then you’re likely going to become overwhelmed.

There are simply too many choices out there.

Each one can be, in and of itself, confusing as hell.

So, my best advice:

• Don’t feel pressured to do anything.

• Take others’ advice with a grain of salt (even mine!)

• It’s always a great, healthy idea to simply get your feet wet. Take time to look around.

• Learn how the different social platforms work. They’re not the same at all, and even attract different crowds.

• Lurk from a distance, or squeeze yourself in. But whichever one you do, do you.

• Make mistakes. The mistakes you make as you dabble will help you solidify how to do things the right way once you’re ready to go.

• Figure out which of the platforms (there are so many!) appeals to both your interests AND talents – the one with which you’re most at ease – because that’s usually the right place to start.

• Get help if you need. There are many of us out here, who not only have the right experience and years of practice, but can also provide unbiased feedback and advice that’s right for you. We untangle your “stuck”.

But I DO also suggest this:

Don’t wait too long before carving out space for yourself, especially where your IP’s brand is concerned  (for example, the “Dr. Corriel” space is my IP brand: it’s where I can house everything that’s Dana Corriel and have it serve as an online portfolio of my thoughts. More on this another time).

Own what I refer to as “online real estate property.” Have you heard me speak about this? If not, find it, learn it, and do it.

If any of my advice does resonate in any way, I ask that you kindly share it with your healthcare “peeps”. Because the more professionals who learn how to do this right, the more impact all of us can make.

Corriel out.