What's A Virtual Presence Worth?

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Well, that's the million dollar question now, isn't it? From avatars in online gaming to your life stream, people are always trying to determine the value of the effort put into getting noticed online. Companies can often trace the impact of online efforts back to sales or impressions. But what about your "personal brand?" Sure, there are analytics. But, do they really give you any insight to your true value?

To some, an online presence is just a game. To others, it's a way of building a personal brand. To most, it's just another way to connect with people that share a similar interest.

To me? Well, the verdict is still out. I haven't been actively looking for a job. I've significantly cut down on the amount of freelance work I'm doing. So, is there a value, beyond ego, to building a personal brand? 

I've tinkered with online "influence measurement tools" like Klout. I've obsessed about followers. I've divided my personal and professional presences to try to focus on providing value  and reducing noise for specific audiences. I've diversified into about every social network at one time or another. All-in-all, it's made me, personally, a more valuable asset to the not-for-profit trade association that I work with. 

Is there a direct value in that if I'm not trying to cash in? Not really. Is it a compliment to an existing skill set?Absolutely! But, as far as being able to quantify that into hours spent vs. direct value, that's murky at best.

In keeping with my social diversity, I recently delved into Empire Avenue. It's a social stock exchange where people literally buy stock in your virtual presence. This stock is supposed to provide insight into your influence and effectiveness. In theory, it's not bad. Like Klout, and other tools, it hooks into your various outlets and uses an algorithm to summarize your online activity and influence. As you engage, your stock value goes up, as does the portfolio of those that invest in you.

Like most things, it's subject to being "played" or skewed. But, I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing as that demonstrates a potential knowledge of online communities and influencing them with your brand. Some of the people I consider to be influentials in social media and public relations have signed up. I've invested in them to see where it takes me. Some have even invested in me, which I find to be rather flattering--even if it also benefits them.

I'm currently trading at around e24.00 virtual dollars. Which isn't bad. It's still hashing through my droves of photos, videos, tweets and status updates. So, my guess is that value will continue to build. So, if you're thinking about joining, feel free to buy me while I'm going cheap: http://www.empireavenue.com/wwtv. It doesn't happen often...haha