Every September, I feel the urge to reinvent myself. This year, I focused on personal branding—not in the influencer sense, but in how people perceive me professionally. Your personal brand is essentially your reputation: the skills, values, and personality you convey online and in real life. Even if you’re not job-hunting, refining it can boost confidence, open doors, and clarify what you bring to the table.
Here’s how I approached it:
1. Clarify what you want to be known for
Start by defining the qualities you want to highlight. I wanted to be seen as creative, approachable, and thoughtful, with a sense of humor. Journaling prompts helped, like: “If a friend introduced me, what three things should they say about me?” or “What do I want colleagues to associate with my name?”
Once I knew my “lane,” I updated my LinkedIn bio to feel warmer and swapped my stiff headshot for a more approachable one. Even small tweaks help your brand feel intentional.
2. Nail the tangible first impression
Branding isn’t just online. Business cards, notebooks, or even small branded items can make a lasting impact. I designed my cards with MOO—simple, polished, and true to my personality. One card led to a freelance opportunity, proving that the little details can open doors.
3. Refresh your online presence
I updated my Instagram bio, added writing samples to LinkedIn and my portfolio, and archived outdated posts. Tiny changes like a new headshot, better tone, or relevant keywords can make your digital presence feel authentic and current. Ask yourself: “If someone Googled me today, would what they find reflect who I really am?”
4. Focus on the platforms that matter
You don’t need to be everywhere. I chose Substack and Instagram to showcase my work and ideas. My routine: one Substack post per week and a few Instagram stories. Consistency matters more than being everywhere perfectly.
5. Stop overthinking your voice
Your brand should sound like you. I stopped over-editing captions and now write like I’m texting a friend. Authenticity makes it easier for people to connect with you. Pro tip: read posts out loud—if it doesn’t sound like you, rewrite it.
6. Ask for feedback
Even if you think your brand is clear, get input from people you trust. Friends or colleagues can reveal blind spots and help you refine how you show up, ensuring your brand feels authentic to others, too.
