Your Reputation Precedes You—But Only If You Shape It

This is the second installment in my five-part series, The Executive Edge: Elevating Your Influence & Visibility on LinkedIn. If you missed last week’s article, [The High Cost of Being Invisible (And How to Fix It)], I encourage you to read it first. We explored why waiting to be discovered is not a strategy—and how lack of visibility is one of the biggest risks to an executive career.

Today, we turn to another misconception that holds even the most accomplished leaders back: the belief that a strong track record speaks for itself.

The Myth: “My Work Speaks for Itself”

For years, I provided LinkedIn training for executives in job transition at an international outplacement firm. Time and again, I would hear the same frustration: “I was the most qualified candidate, but they hired someone with less experience and knowledge.”

The missing piece? Visibility.

Those who secured the roles weren’t necessarily the most skilled, but they were strategically positioned—and LinkedIn played a significant role. They had profiles that clearly articulated their leadership value, making them the obvious choice to recruiters and decision-makers.

In contrast, many executives assume their reputation will carry them forward, only to find that in a digital-first world, if your expertise isn’t visible online, it may as well not exist.

Credibility Needs Curation, Not Assumption

A skeletal or anemic LinkedIn presence—one that lacks depth, content, and key insights—diminishes credibility rather than reinforcing it. Decision-makers who come across a minimalist profile often wonder:

• Is this leader truly engaged in their industry?
• Are they keeping pace with today’s evolving business landscape?
• Why are others in their field more visible than they are?

A common mistake executives make is doing the bare minimum on LinkedIn—a job title, a company name, and a three-sentence About section. But here’s the problem:

A sparse profile doesn’t rank well in LinkedIn search results. Without enough text—including keywords relevant to your expertise—your profile won’t surface when recruiters and board members search for leaders like you.

Missed opportunities to showcase leadership. Sections like Honors & Awards, Publications, Patents, and Featured Content help demonstrate credibility and influence. Yet, many executives leave these blank, assuming their headline alone is enough to communicate their value.

If you don’t take control of your online reputation, others will define it for you—or worse, they won’t find you at all.

Three Ways to Build a Digital Presence That Reflects Your Legacy and Leadership Impact

1?? Ensure Your Profile Reflects Who You Are Today. Your LinkedIn presence should align with your current level of expertise and leadership. If your profile reads like a job seeker’s résumé rather than a high-impact executive brand, it’s time for a strategic update.

2?? Showcase Your Thought Leadership. Reputation is built through contribution, not just credentials. Are you engaging in industry discussions, sharing insights, and positioning yourself as a trusted authority? A dormant profile sends a message of disengagement.

3?? Control the Narrative Around Your Expertise. Don’t assume people understand your impact—make it clear. Your profile, content, and interactions should reinforce your unique perspective, leadership philosophy, and the value you bring to the table.

Your Reputation Is an Asset—Start Managing It Strategically

In today’s executive landscape, visibility leads to opportunity. A well-crafted LinkedIn presence ensures that when decision-makers search for someone with your expertise, they find you—and they immediately see why you’re the right choice.

If you’re ready to take control of your digital reputation and position yourself for high-level opportunities, let’s connect. Send me a direct message on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/carolkaemmerer.

Next week: From Passive Presence to Proactive Influence

We’ll explore how executives can shift from simply “having” a LinkedIn profile to actively building influence and staying top-of-mind for high-level opportunities.

About the Author:

Carol Kaemmerer is an internationally recognized LinkedIn expert and executive branding coach who helps C-suite executives, business owners, and seasoned federal leaders elevate their LinkedIn presence as a strategic tool for career reinvention, M&A and exit strategies, and transitions to the private sector. Acclaimed as one of the top personal branding experts, she has been recognized by MSN, The American Reporter, and the Coach Foundation for her thought leadership in executive visibility.

As the author of the best-selling book LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive, Carol empowers senior leaders to amplify their influence, gain media recognition, secure board seats, and position themselves for high-impact leadership roles. Through both individual coaching and group programs, she helps professionals transform their LinkedIn presence into a powerful, strategic asset for long-term success.