Let’s be clear, you don’t need to love social media to build a strong personal brand. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of social media, but I soon learned it’s important for what needs to be done and for having the power to control my own narrative.
You don’t need to post daily, film yourself dancing or chase trends in the hopes of going viral.
But you do need to think about how you’re perceived. Whether you like it or not, you already have a personal brand. The question is, are you the one shaping it?
Personal Branding Isn’t Just for Influencers
There’s a common myth that personal branding is only for content creators, CEOs or those who love the spotlight. But your personal brand is your professional reputation.
It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. It’s how people remember you, recommend you and decide whether you’re the right person for an opportunity.
You might not be on Instagram stories every day, but if you’ve got a LinkedIn profile, ever sent a CV, introduced yourself at an event or spoken up in a meeting, that’s your personal brand in motion.
And in a competitive market where visibility equals opportunity, a strong brand gives you an edge.
The Cost of Not Owning Your Narrative
A few years ago, I worked with a brilliant woman in her mid-20s who was constantly overlooked for promotions. She wasn’t the loudest voice in the room. She didn’t post on LinkedIn. But she delivered results.
The problem? No one outside of her direct team knew her impact.
Once she started being more intentional by updating her LinkedIn bio, sharing her wins with stakeholders and presenting in cross-functional meetings, things shifted. Within several months, she was invited to speak at a company-wide conference and attend industry events on behalf of the company. By the end of the year, she’d landed a new leadership role.
She didn’t change her personality. She just became visible in a way that felt authentic to her.
That’s what personal branding does.
You Don’t Need to Be Online All the Time
If the thought of building a personal brand makes you sigh because it feels like more screen time, good news: there are offline ways to make your brand work for you.
Here are a few:
- Refine your elevator pitch – Be able to clearly say what you do, what you’re great at and how you bring value.
- Deliver consistently – Show up, do your best work and follow through. That alone builds trust.
- Ask for feedback – It’s not just about improving. It helps you understand how others see you.
- Speak up when it matters – You don’t need to be the loudest, but make your contributions count.
- Get involved – Join panels, volunteer for projects or mentor someone. These all raise your profile, no post required.
I always advise my friends and clients to develop a wins, losses (lessons) and highlights list somewhere where it can be updated regularly, which over time can be used to highlight some of your key achievements and lessons throughout the year in a way that feels most effective for you.
For Those Still Online (But Quiet)
Say you’re on LinkedIn but barely active. That’s still OK.
Here’s how to show up without being glued to your phone:
- Optimise your profile – Make sure your headline and summary communicate your skills and value. Use keywords that reflect your industry.
- Share a post once a month – Keep it simple. A lesson, a win or something you’ve learned.
- Engage instead of posting – Comment on others’ posts. Share something useful. Repost content that you relate to. Visibility doesn’t need to be loud.
- Focus on connection, not content – Send a message and introduce yourself. Engage with people who engage with your content. Congratulate someone on their recent achievements. That’s branding as well.
What If You Don’t Brand Yourself?
Someone else will.
In a world full of noise, being forgettable is a risk. If your work is excellent but no one sees it, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. Your personal brand isn’t just about landing a new job; it’s about being top of mind when the right chance comes up.
You don’t need to shout to be seen. You just need to be intentional.
Moving Forward
You don’t have to love social media, but you do need to own your story. The way you’re remembered, spoken about and trusted starts with how you show up. Even quietly.
Build your brand in a way that works for you. Stay true to your values, be consistent and most importantly, ensure the right people know the impact you bring.
See you next week!
