Social media platforms have been in the news of late for both right and wrong reasons, with even many calling for strict regulations of these platforms. For those who want the platforms regulated, they believe this will protect users from harmful content, such as extremism, as well as respect their privacy and data rights.

However, speakers at a recent roundtable harped on the need for users to see these platforms beyond content creation. To them, social media users need to unlock the potential for financial gains.

Titled, ‘The Roundtable Lekki’, the event, which was hosted by the Church of God Mission Int. Inc., Victoria Island Zonal Headquarters, Oniru, Lagos, provided opportunity for participants to learn how to build brands with social media.

It is arguably the fastest means for businesses to reach millions of consumers at the same time, creating awareness for their products and at the same time gathering clientele.

In his address, Rev Dr Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa II, popularly known as Bishop FEB, spoke on how to build a personal brand online. He emphasised that mindshare increases market share.

“What can help you build a personal brand: When building our brands, most times we are obsessed with getting followers; you don’t have to do everything. Niche on one. TikTok will blow you up if you have a niche. You can solve a problem, you will prosper.

“Mindshare increases market share. Don’t chase market share, chase mindshare. We trust people we know about their details, and that is why we trust actors we never met before. You see a certain actor advertising a detergent, and because we know the actor we trust them. We want to buy the product, but minding if they also use the same detergent they are promoting.

“Teach what you know, someone is praying to find answers to the things you know and you do every day. Your post should educate, entertain or encourage. Most of these social media influencers either educate you like Aproko Doctor or entertain you or encourage or edify you.

“Another way to build your personal brand is by posting frequently. Be consistent. You must not post perfect content, just post what you have,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State, Olatunbosun Alake, noted that a lot of the companies that Lagos State has sponsored and invested in are companies leveraging social media, stressing that there are many Lagos State programmes entrepreneurs can tap into like LASSRI. voucher programme for entrepreneurs that require physical office, multiple programmes, for multiple sectors of society

During panel discussions led by Uyi Agho, influencers shared their journeys, offering insights into their early beginnings and strategies for success. Aproko Doctor recounted his transition from practicing medicine to educating the public through simplified health-related content, while Mr. Macaroni shared his journey from frustration to fame as a skit maker.

Lasisi Elenu, on the other hand, thrilled the audience with his usual story of how poverty sat him down on a Saturday morning and wanted to kill him before he ventured into skit making. They warned new content creators not to use their platforms to chase clouts, throw banters or join in celebrity fights.

Rev. Chris Ubamadu, the convener, expressed the church’s commitment to addressing societal challenges such as poverty and unemployment through practical initiatives like The Roundtable Lekki. He emphasised the importance of taking proactive steps to empower individuals and foster positive change within communities.

Explaining the idea behind the theme, How To Make Money On Social Media, the cleric said the programme was an initiative to address the issue of poverty, unemployment, underemployment, and all the social vices that comes with it. “We can help reduce poverty by showing people little things they can do on their own to make money. We started this programme in 2021, we did something on real estate twice and we explored the entertainment sector and this year we decided to look into financial opportunities in social media.”