I'm a Social Media Manager, and My Personal Instagram Has 2.9k Followers
I still vividly remember when I first started in marketing, full of enthusiasm and ideas, yet also feelings of self-doubt and vulnerability. As I set up meetings and talked to new colleagues and clients, questions swirled in my mind - will they look me up and judge my personal social media? Does my Instagram followers count (or lack thereof) undermine my credibility in this field?
I had this nagging nervousness that as a marketer, the spotlight shines brighter. People expect you to have an audience and a slick personal brand. Yes, I was confident in my abilities, but imposter syndrome crept in as I imagined others dismissing me as not "social media savvy" enough in my personal life.
The pressure we put on ourselves is often far harsher than the expectations of others. But when we're new to an industry, it's hard not to worry about being judged by unfair metrics. With time and experience, I realized the quality of my work matters far more than vanity metrics on personal channels. As long as I continue honing my craft and learning, my worth isn't defined by follower counts.
What are your thoughts on having a HUGE brand validate your marketing capabilities?
I share this in solidarity with anyone else feeling self-conscious about starting out in marketing or social media. Know that your talent and dedication speak volumes, no matter what snapshots people see of your personal life online. Keep shining brightly without dimming your light for others’ approval. The right people will recognize your vision and capability.
Storyteller and Content Creator
5moThat's that me, espresso.