You’re working abroad and want to develop a strong personal brand. How do you make sure you stand out?

1 Identify your niche

One of the first steps to developing a personal brand is to define your unique value proposition. What are you good at, passionate about, and interested in? What problems can you solve, or what opportunities can you create? How can you leverage your background, education, and experience to offer something different and valuable? By identifying your niche, you can focus on your strengths, communicate your expertise, and attract the right opportunities.

2 Create a consistent online presence

In today's digital world, your online presence is a key part of your personal brand. It's how you showcase your work, share your insights, and connect with your network. Make sure you have a professional and updated profile on LinkedIn, and consider creating a personal website or blog to showcase your portfolio, projects, or achievements. Use social media platforms that align with your goals and audience, and post relevant and engaging content regularly. Be consistent with your tone, style, and message across all platforms, and use keywords and hashtags that reflect your niche and industry.

3 Network strategically

Networking is essential for building your personal brand and expanding your opportunities abroad. However, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to networking. Instead of trying to connect with everyone, focus on building meaningful relationships with people who share your interests, values, or goals. Reach out to them with a personalized message, offer value, and follow up regularly. Attend events, webinars, or workshops that are relevant to your niche or industry, and participate actively. Ask for feedback, referrals, or introductions from your contacts, and always reciprocate.

4 Adapt to the local culture

Working abroad means you have to deal with different cultural norms, expectations, and etiquette. To build a strong personal brand, you need to respect and adapt to the local culture, while also maintaining your authenticity. Learn about the history, customs, and values of your host country, and observe how people communicate, dress, and behave. Avoid making assumptions or judgments, and be open to learning and trying new things. Show interest and curiosity in the local culture, and seek out opportunities to interact with locals and learn from them.

5 Keep learning and growing

A strong personal brand is not static, but dynamic and evolving. To stand out and stay relevant in a competitive and changing world, you need to keep learning and growing. Seek out feedback, challenges, and opportunities to improve your skills, knowledge, and performance. Take courses, read books, listen to podcasts, or watch videos that are related to your niche or industry. Stay updated on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices. Share your learnings and insights with your network, and demonstrate your value and credibility.

6 Be yourself

The most important tip for developing a strong personal brand is to be yourself. Don't try to copy or imitate someone else, or pretend to be someone you're not. Your personal brand should reflect your true personality, values, and passions. Be authentic, honest, and transparent in your communication and actions. Show your human side, your quirks, and your humor. Let your personal brand tell your story, and let it shine.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?