"I Hate Talking About Myself" – A Guide to Personal Branding for Introverts

You know that one colleague who always talks about their achievements? Always “networking,” always “visible”? Meanwhile, you’re sitting there thinking, “Why can’t my work just speak for itself?”

I get it. Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, especially if you're an introvert or someone who believes in substance over showmanship. But here’s the truth: if you don’t position yourself, someone else will.

Case in Point:

Meet Rajeev. A brilliant data scientist who developed an AI model that saved his company thousands of hours in analysis. But in meetings, Rajeev barely spoke about his contributions. His manager appreciated his work but never really saw him as “leadership material.”

On the other hand, his colleague, who was just as skilled but made sure to highlight their work strategically, got the promotion Rajeev was eyeing.

So, how do you showcase your value without feeling like you’re ‘bragging’?

The Fix

? Keep a record of your key achievements Document your success stories with measurable outcomes. Numbers, impact, and real-world results speak louder than self-praise.

? Shift the focus from “I” to “Impact” Instead of saying: “I’m great at Python and machine learning.” Try: “I help businesses solve complex problems using AI-driven solutions.”

? Let your work tell the story - but tell the story well Rajeev started writing LinkedIn posts about challenges he solved at work (without revealing confidential data). His peers began engaging, recruiters took notice, and when it came to promotions, guess who was suddenly a strong candidate?

? Engage, don’t just ‘post’ Join discussions in your industry. Comment on insights. Answer questions. People trust those who contribute to conversations, not just those who broadcast their achievements.

? Align yourself with your boss' and organization's priorities Focusing on high-priority areas ensures your work creates real impact. A good practice is to have an informal check-in with your boss once a month—discuss what you're working on, get their inputs, and align efforts. This not only helps you stay on track but also ensures your contributions are recognized at the right place.

Your personal brand is being shaped every day; either by you or by the lack of your presence.

What’s your biggest challenge with self-marketing? Let’s talk. ??

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