Building your brand

Whether you’re aiming to lead or simply advance in your career, building your brand is essential.The first step is becoming comfortable in articulating what you’re good at and what value you bring to the table. It’s about being authentic and consistently showing up in a way that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

The importance of visibility in career growth

Being a shadow or follower of leaders allows you to observe their strategies and behaviours. This kind of observation helps you recognise that it’s time to stop doing busy work and start strategically planning for your future. Focus on building a network, developing a plan, and setting measurable goals. If certain activities don’t align with your strategy, it’s important to stop doing them.

Being authentic is crucial to developing a strong personal brand. Start by understanding your digital footprint—what’s your story online? What do people see and hear about you? Take time to plug any gaps in your personal narrative and ensure your digital presence reflects your true self. Work on yourself, measure your progress, and be aware of imposter syndrome moments. In such cases, hold onto your narrative, and when you receive compliments, simply say “thank you.”

Top tips:
– Don’t question your worth—nobody else does, why should you?
– One of my favourite quotes is:.Comparison is the thief of joy.
– Your personal brand consists of what people see, hear, and say about you—and often those impressions are repeated in rooms where you are not present.

Networking is not just about who you know but how you connect. Build a circle of trust—people who would vouch for your integrity. Reconnect with colleagues you’ve worked with in the past and look for aspirational connections that could help you grow.

Your personal narrative is a reflection of who you are and the leader you aspire to be. It’s essential to think about how you describe yourself and how others perceive you. Can you describe your strengths in a compelling elevator pitch? Leaders aren’t just those with managerial titles—you can lead by demonstrating your strengths, vision, and behaviours.

– Your digital footprint, on platforms like Google and LinkedIn, is your shop window—make it about you and showcase your impact.
– Your story should reflect cause and effect: how your efforts combined lead to results.
– Consider investing in a second income, a side hustle, selling digital assets like an ebook or another service to sell.

Strategically plan the people you surround yourself with. From close friends, trusted colleagues to aspirational contacts, build a network that aligns with your goals. Don’t be afraid to seek mentorship—think of one thing you need help with and reach out to someone who can guide you.

Building your brand requires a mix of authenticity, strategy, and self-awareness. Be clear about who you are, what you stand for, and the impact you want to make.

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