How do you build your personal brand or professional profile when the idea of networking fills you with dread, and everything in you wants to avoid posting on social media?
I have clients – including business owners and senior leaders – who feel like they have to pretend to be something they are not to make sure their business succeeds or their organisation gets the profile it needs.
Let me burst that bubble. Leadership and success do not only belong to extroverts.
But people can only hire, buy from or collaborate with you if they know about you.
The key to building your personal brand is to do it authentically. No matter what that expert on LinkedIn told you, there is no one-size-fits-all that you need to squeeze yourself into.
Yes, sometimes you have to play the game and show up in spaces that are not naturally comfortable for you. But you can do that on your own terms, whether that is choosing the right events to attend, panels to join or simply how you represent yourself on channels like LinkedIn or Instagram.
The trick? Start with your goals. Ask yourself:
- what does success look like?
- what do I want people to hear, think, feel or do based on how (or where) I show up?
- what would make this a good use of my time?
Then decide what story you want to tell every time you show up.
Your strength may be a consistent and well-thought-through narrative that cuts through the noise. You may find that it is in following up with connections that you unlock deeper engagement and stronger opportunities.
Inspired? I work with clients to build their brand and tell their stories.