If I could go back and speak to my younger self, the one just stepping into the professional world, full of ambition but unsure of the rules, I’d talk about personal branding.
Not the version you see online today, filled with buzzwords, curated feeds and forced authenticity. I’m talking about the version rooted in purpose, clarity and growth, designed and tailored specifically to your goals and ambitions. Because not everyone’s journey is the same, and that’s your superpower.
Here is what I would say.
You Already Have a Brand, Just Own It
You don’t need to build a personal brand from scratch. You already have one. It’s in how you show up at work, the tone of your emails, what your LinkedIn says (or doesn’t say), how you treat people, what you post, what you avoid and what people say about you when you leave the room.
The problem is you’ve spent so long trying to “fit in” or fly under the radar, you haven’t considered what message you’re actually sending. Are you dependable? Creative? Confident? Kind? Invisible?
Start asking yourself: What do I want to be known for? Then work backwards from there. Reverse engineer your life based on where you see yourself, where you want to be and who you want to become.
You won’t get it perfect right away, and that’s completely fine. That’s part of life. But owning your personal brand starts with self-awareness before anything else.
You Do Not Have to Be the Loudest to Be Seen
This one’s important. You don’t have to post every day, go viral or be constantly “on” to make an impact. Volume isn’t the same as value.
Some of the most powerful personal brands are quiet, considerate and intentional.
You don’t need to perform, just show up. Be consistent, thoughtful and authentic.
You’d be surprised how far a well-timed comment, a thoughtful message or a useful post can go when it’s real. People remember how you made them feel, not how many likes you got.
So don’t confuse visibility with value. Being known isn’t the same as being respected and appreciated.
Tell the Truth, Even if It Is Still in Progress
You’ll be tempted to present the “finished” version of yourself. The polished CV. The shiny success story.
Don’t.
There’s power in progress. People relate to the journey, not the highlight reel. When you share where you’re at – the messy middle, the lessons learnt, the pivots you didn’t see coming – that’s when people lean in.
Your story doesn’t have to be wrapped in a bow to be worth sharing.
Start where you are. Talk about what you’re learning not just what you’ve mastered. That honesty is what builds trust.
And trust is the currency of a strong personal brand.
Build Relationships, Not Just Reach
You’ll spend too much time worrying about numbers – followers, views, impressions. But none of that matters if no one actually knows you.
Your brand isn’t a platform. It’s a personality. And personalities don’t connect with numbers, they connect with people.
So, stop chasing reach. Start nurturing relationships.
Respond to comments. Follow up after coffee chats. Show up in your peers’ work. Celebrate others without expecting anything in return.
You don’t need a massive audience. You need a loyal network – people who trust you, believe in you and would vouch for you when it counts.
Remember, one genuine connection will take you further than a hundred silent followers ever will.
Fight Through the Imposter Syndrome
You’ll grapple with imposter syndrome more often than you would like to admit. You’ll persuade yourself that you’re not experienced enough, not polished enough, and not ready enough to take up space.
Most people are figuring it out as they go. The difference is, they don’t let the doubt stop them from showing up. Confidence doesn’t come first; action does.
The more you show up, the quieter that voice trying to hold you back becomes. So, speak up, even if your hands shake. You belong, even when your mind tries to tell you otherwise.
Moving Forward
If there’s one thing I wish you’d understand sooner, it’s this: your personal brand isn’t something you build overnight. It’s the result of how you show up – day after day, quietly and consistently.
There will be times when it feels like you’re creating content, sharing your story and building something meaningful with little to no recognition. However, every post, every conversation and every small step is shaping how people see you, even if they don’t say it out loud.
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Just be intentional about who you are.
And keep going. Even when it feels like no one’s watching, they are.
See you next week!
