The Power of Authentic Connections: Remembering Those Who Lifted You Up

In a world where branding and marketing often take centre stage, it’s easy to forget the real people who’ve helped you get where you are, whether personally or professionally. But it’s important to take a moment to reflect: it’s the individuals who supported you during tough times, who offered guidance when you were uncertain, and who believed in your potential before you did. These are the people who truly matter.

When it comes to personal branding, authenticity is key. Social media often creates the illusion that we need to curate a perfect, flawless life, but at what cost? It’s time we get real, both with ourselves and others. Stop focusing on being 'liked' or chasing fleeting validation. Authenticity always trumps a polished fa?ade. People who genuinely care will always see through the masks we wear.

In your professional life, whether you're marketing a business or building your personal brand, remember: those who helped you along the way deserve more than just a passing mention when it's convenient. Show genuine appreciation, stay grounded, and build relationships based on honesty, not self-promotion.

Sadly, there are often those who forget the value others brought to the table. We’ve all witnessed this: people who, once they’ve moved on or reached a certain level, erase or diminish the contributions of others, as if those contributions never existed. This may manifest in neglecting to acknowledge someone’s input or trying to erase the memory of how things were built together. But the truth is, people work with people, and the way you speak to them, collaborate with them, and show them respect will always be remembered. Those moments can never be erased, no matter how hard some might try.

If you find yourself being erased, don’t let it bring you down. It says more about the other person’s character than it does about yours. True impact is lasting, and those who matter will always remember the value you brought to the table.

We talk so much about networking and building our businesses, yet, too often, platforms like LinkedIn become breeding grounds for self-promotion, leaving behind the deeper, more meaningful conversations, about collaboration, support, and the world beyond our screens. It’s easy to get swept up in the fast-paced digital world, losing sight of the importance of genuine connections and authenticity.

Yes, we should build brands, but those brands should be grounded in gratitude and authenticity, not just self-interest. So, as you continue building your brand and growing your business, consider this: Are we focusing too much on ourselves and not enough on the world around us? How are we contributing to the bigger picture? And most importantly, are we recognising the people who have truly made a difference in our journey?

Let’s be genuine. Let’s lift each other up. True success is built on real connections, not just the image you portray online.

Stay true. Stay grateful.