The Impact of Building a Strong Personal Brand

Hi Friends,

Let’s dive into a topic that’s essential for your future success—building a strong personal brand. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or advancing in your career, your personal brand is what sets you apart. It’s how you present yourself to the world, how others perceive you, and ultimately, how you make your mark.

But let’s be real—building a personal brand isn’t just about self-promotion. It’s about authenticity. It’s about understanding who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to be perceived. As leaders, our personal brands are powerful tools that can open doors, create opportunities, and help us achieve our goals.

Why Your Personal Brand Matters

Think about the last time you Googled someone. What did you find? Those first few results likely shaped your perception of that person before you even met them. According to a study by CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process, and 57% have found content that caused them not to hire a candidate. That’s the power of a personal brand. It’s your reputation in the digital and physical world. It’s what people think of when they hear your name.

Let’s take a real-world scenario. Imagine you’re a leader in your industry, and you’ve just been invited to speak at a major conference. Before the event, attendees Google you. What they find—your LinkedIn profile, articles you’ve written, interviews you’ve given—forms their first impression. If your personal brand is strong, it builds trust, credibility, and excitement. People walk into that conference room eager to hear what you have to say. On the other hand, a weak or inconsistent personal brand might leave them indifferent or sceptical.

Your Personal Brand Is Your Story

Your personal brand isn’t just about what you do—it’s about why you do it. It’s about the values you hold, the experiences that have shaped you, and the vision you have for the future. When you share your story, you allow others to connect with you on a deeper level. It’s this authenticity that makes your brand relatable and memorable.

Consider the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Her brand is built on the story of a woman who turned a simple idea into a billion-dollar company. But it’s not just the success that defines her brand—it’s the honesty with which she shares her journey, the failures, the persistence, and the lessons learned. Blakely often talks about how she faced rejection and failure, yet she persevered because she believed in her vision. That’s what resonates with people.

Consistency and Clarity Are Key

Building a strong personal brand doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistency, clarity, and a commitment to staying true to who you are. It’s about aligning your actions with your values and ensuring that everything you do—whether it’s your online presence, the way you communicate, or the way you lead—reflects your brand.

Here’s a practical tip: Perform a quick audit of your online presence. Look at your LinkedIn profile, your posts, your interactions. Are they consistent with the image you want to project? Do they reflect your values and your expertise? If not, it might be time for a refresh.

The Power of Visibility

As leaders, we know that being seen and heard is important. Your personal brand is your platform—it’s how you amplify your voice, share your message, and make your mark. The stronger your brand, the more opportunities you have to influence others, share your expertise, and lead with impact.

Let’s talk visibility. Are you showing up where your audience is? Whether it’s on LinkedIn, industry blogs, podcasts, or public speaking events, make sure you’re putting yourself out there. The more visible you are, the more people will associate your name with your expertise—and that’s how you build influence.

Leveraging Your Personal Brand for Career Advancement

Imagine you’re eyeing a promotion or a new role. How can your personal brand help? Let’s say you’ve consistently shared insights on LinkedIn about Leadership in your industry. Your posts are thoughtful, your profile is polished, and you engage with others in a meaningful way. When that promotion opportunity arises, your personal brand works for you. Decision-makers already see you as a thought leader. You’ve built credibility over time, making it easier for them to envision you in a higher role.

Building a strong personal brand is a journey, and I'd love to hear about yours. What steps have you taken to shape your personal brand? Have you encountered any challenges along the way? Share your experiences in the comments below.

And let’s take it a step further—tag someone whose personal brand you admire and tell us why they inspire you. Whether it’s a colleague, mentor, or industry leader, let’s celebrate those who are making their mark.

If you’re looking for more help to grow yours, please book a meetup to chat through your needs. For more insights on leadership, check out the latest discussions on Women's Biz Leaders TV Show , the Women's Biz Podcast , or Women's Biz Magazine . And if you’re ready to position yourself as an authority in your niche, take a look at Women's Biz Publishing and let us help you skyrocket your personal brand positioning.

Let’s keep the conversation going—because together, we’re unstoppable.

To your success,

Annie Gibbins

Founder and CEO Women's Biz Global

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