I’m going to be honest. I didn’t really understand what Personal Branding was until recently. It’s been a term that has been coming up in my professional life for a while, and I guess I got the gist, but I only really understood it and the value it has when I started reading about the topic.
The more I understood it, the more I got to thinking about different ways people brand themselves and the impact it has on their professional image.
I’ll give you an example:
Laura (made up name for the sake of this example) had always been really great at what she did. She had years of experience, a really strong work ethic and ideas that could change the game. But no one noticed her. In meetings, others took credit for her work. She applied for promotions but was always overlooked. She watched as people with half her experience got opportunities she deserved. She felt invisible.
One day, a colleague gave her some tough love. He told her she was waiting to be recognised instead of showing the world who she was. She needed a personal brand. At first, it felt strange. Talking about herself more, sharing insights on social media and sharing her perspectives felt unnatural. But she kept at it. She started writing about her experiences, joining conversations and putting her name next to her expertise. She updated her appearance to match the leader she wanted to be. She became intentional about how she presented herself, and everything changed.
People started reaching out to her. Colleagues listened when she spoke. Recruiters contacted her with offers. She was no longer invisible. She was sought after.
So what happened?
Personal branding is a performance, let’s not pretend it’s not, but it’s not a bad thing! It means creating the version of yourself that aligns with your goals. It’s about showing personality without losing credibility. The key is to share insights that matter, tell stories that resonate and let your personality shine.
Your personal brand is how people remember you. It is what sets you apart. It helps you attract the right opportunities, build credibility and make an impact. Without one, you blend into the background. With one, you create influence and open doors you never knew existed. It’s not only for entrepreneurs or influencers. It’s for anyone who wants to take control of their reputation. It’s about defining who you are, what you stand for and how you show up in the world. If you do not shape your personal brand, others will do it for you. And they might not get it right.
People often mistake authenticity for oversharing or being completely unfiltered. That is not authenticity. Authenticity means knowing what you stand for and communicating it with confidence. It means being real but also strategic. If your personal brand feels forced, people will see through it. The key is to share insights that matter, tell stories that resonate and let your personality shine.
- Stay true to your values and beliefs.
- Share stories and insights that reflect who YOU are.
- Speak with confidence but stay open to learning.
- Show personality without becoming unprofessional.
- Avoid trends that do not align with your identity.
- Looking for a new job or promotion.
- Starting or growing a business.
- Becoming a thought leader in your industry.
- Building a strong network.
- Launching a new project or initiative.
- Changing careers.
- Leading a team.
- Selling an idea or a vision.
Building a personal brand isn’t about faking confidence or trying to be someone you’re not. It is about showing the world what you stand for in a way that feels right to you. Here are some simple ways to do it:
- Present yourself with confidence in every interaction.
- Define your core message and values.
- Align your online presence with your goals.
- Stay consistent with your communication and style.
- Engage with your audience and share valuable content.
How Coaching Can Help
Creating a personal brand can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Coaching can help you gain clarity, define your message and build a brand that truly represents you. It can give you the confidence to step into opportunities and own your space.
If you think you’re ready to build a personal brand that sets you apart, I can help. Book a coaching session and take the first step towards being seen, heard and remembered.
