Your Work Doesn't Speak for Itself. Here's Why Branding Yourself Is Powerful.

Have you avoided personal branding and writing thought leadership content because it felt “too narcissistic”?

Here’s how that limiting belief is costing you opportunities – plus, keep reading to learn how you can be selected for an intimate group call where you can pick my brain for free.??

Recently, I've had a few people contact me about why writing thought leadership content or creating a personal branding strategy hasn't worked for them – even after trying a few things.

The big underlying theme I hear is people don't feel "narcissistic enough” to put themselves out there. It feels too weird and uncomfortable.?

(That may resonate with you too).

This statement makes me laugh because I totally get where these folks are coming from -- especially when "don't make yourself such a big deal" is at the forefront of every GenX woman's brain.

Because we've been conditioned to believe that "our work should speak for itself."

People should notice our good deeds.

Promoting ourselves should feel icky, inauthentic, and wrong. That's something that hacks do -- not people "like us."

If you've felt that way in the past, may I lovingly ask you this question...

How is that belief working out for you?

Chances are...it's not. You're self-sabotaging without even knowing it.

You're saying "whatever" and staying solidly in your comfort zone because of an outdated belief meant to put you in your place.

That sucks. And it's costing you money.

Here's how to tell if limiting beliefs are sabotaging your branding.

• You know that writing thought leadership content is vital for building your personal brand and landing new opportunities – especially if you’re an entrepreneur and people need to know, like, and trust you. But it feels weird to have your work "out there," and writing content feels hard and scary. So you write nothing and tell yourself you'll figure it out as soon as work is less busy.?
• Stating your accomplishments in your LinkedIn profile or bio page feels weird -- even if you've won awards, led teams, and driven income. Your bio doesn't come close to reflecting your personality and brilliance -- and you know it. It bugs you, but you let it ride.
• You know you "should" be active on LinkedIn, so you post random "like bait" posts that never drive leads. You don't want to be like those people who annoy you on LinkedIn,?so you post fluffier stuff, hoping you get noticed without sounding “sales-y.”
• You don't step up because -- although you may have blazed trails and started industries -- you worry that those wins age you and make you seem out of touch. (Ouch. I feel you.)?

Believing people will randomly notice you in today's super hectic world is a gamble. People are busy. They're distracted. It takes work to get their attention.

And when they are looking for information, they search Google and check LinkedIn profiles. They're moving fast and searching faster.

Unless your work is RIGHT THERE, it won't grab anyone's attention.

I repeatedly mentioned this in my LinkedIn Learning SEO B2B Writing training. It’s a big deal.

But you can get their attention.?

Here's what you could have when you take control of your personal branding.

• Creating thought leadership content means you can partially control what people see when they Google your name. More well-written (and optimized) content = more Google branding opportunities for a multitude of keyterms. If you work for yourself, this means more targeted leads visiting your site.
• A LinkedIn profile that's well-written, seeded with keywords, and feels like YOU is a gateway to new, fantastic opportunities. We're all here on LinkedIn because we know it works. Why not make it work for you?
• I'm going to make a bold statement -- creating random acts of content without a strategy tying it back to ROI is stupid. Including LinkedIn posts. Yes, you can drive quality LinkedIn (and Google) leads without being one of "those people." It's just learning how to do it right.
• Instead of "spinning" or minimizing your experience, imagine sharing your story and having it resonate across generations. Yes, you'll still be an "elder." But it's a label you embrace rather than shun.

For instance, you can guess my age if you check out this photo of me meeting Sergey Brin in 2002. Yup, I was blonde then.

I used to feel weird about showcasing this photo because -- as a woman in tech -- I used to be more sensitive to the age stuff. Screw that.?

So, how can you pull yourself out of "my work speaks for itself" mode?

The cool thing is -- you have a choice.

If this article resonates with you, you're probably struggling with "how do I get myself out there?"

Trying something new may feel scary.

Here are some tips:

• Don't try to do all the things at once. Choose one thing to start (like LinkedIn) and do it well. Then start experimenting with different channels. This leads me to...
• You can spend less time creating content if you know how to do it. Instead of randomly posting and blogging, take a big step back and figure out your content strategy. Plus, there are ways to repurpose content so you can write something once and use it multiple times. That way, your content will be visible, showcase your unique value, and drive ROI.
• Writing a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills and feels like YOU is like buying a new kick-ass, professional outfit. It makes you feel powerful, you love seeing it, and it's worth the investment. Just..do it. ;)
• Finally, if you're in your head and can't figure out what to do -- get help. Invest in a coach or consultant. Give yourself the gift of clearing all the "what should I do now?" thoughts out of your head and save yourself time and money down the road. As another loving statement -- if you haven't figured out this branding stuff by now, you probably won't. You're too busy, and it's not your thing. Even I have a coach. It's amazing.

Your work will never speak for you. But, YOU can learn how to shout your value from the rooftops (and no, it won't make you a narcissist.)

Are you ready?

My post-LinkedIn illumination and how you can pick my brain for free.

If you’ve ever rafted whitewater, you know those moments before you drop into a rapid – everything gets louder and moves faster while you strategize your approach.?It’s an amazing feeling.

That’s exactly what it feels like after recording my B2B SEO Writing LinkedIn Learning class. The energy is accelerating, things are moving faster — and I’m predicting a multi-month waitlist to work with me.

Especially since I’m launching my beta Slow Branding program – a customized way to help people stop feeling invisible and create content that helps them be seen.?It includes business coaching, personal branding consulting – and, yes, even SEO help.

Here’s where the group call comes in.

While I still have availability, I’m offering LinkedIn readers with an URGENT need for branding/SEO help the opportunity for an intimate pick-my-brain group chat.??

I’m holding the call on February 16th at 11:30 am PT.?

You can tap into my 23+ years of online branding, content, and SEO expertise and ask the questions that bounce around your brain. For free.?

I’ve worked with top brands worldwide and trained thousands of creators. The stuff I share will blow your freakin’ mind – all while being my Zany Heather self.

(There’s a reason Forbes called me ‘the pioneer of SEO writing’ and I’m a LinkedIn instructor. I know my shit.)

And no, I’m not recording the call. If you want to pick my brain, you have to attend live.

We’re asking people to apply, so I can focus on folks ready to take action now and take their personal brand to the next level. Anyone selected will have the opportunity to learn about my new beta program BEFORE LinkedIn pushes my course and my availability becomes waitlist only.?

So, if you want to get in on a closed, one-time “pick Heather’s Zany brain” call, here’s what you need to do:

• Connect with Ruby and send her a DM. You can also ask for Ruby to contact you in the comments.
• Tell her why you want to join the free call and ask for the application link.
• If you’re selected for the call, Ruby will let you know in DM – so check your messages.

Many of you know Ruby, who has been my right-hand woman throughout my newsletter journey. She is lovely and so easy to chat with – you’ll love her.

If you’re ready to step out of invisibility and into your power, this is your sign to get started – and freakin’ do it.

Do you feel the water moving faster? It’s time to get ready for a wild ride.

Are you with me?