Personal Branding Essentials

Last year, I lost a job that had become a major part of my identity. I had poured everything into the role. I was my title. I loved the work, the company, and the prestige. But when I was laid off, the silence that followed was jarring. For the first time in years, I didn’t know how to introduce myself. Who was I without that title? That question led me down a path that changed everything: I stopped hiding behind job titles and started building my personal brand. And not just because it’s trendy, because it’s essential. A lot of people think personal branding is just about building a following and posting on social media, but it's actually about owning your story, defining your value, and building something that can’t be erased by a layoff, a career pivot, or an unexpected change. When you’re intentional about your brand: ↳ You shape the narrative of your work and your values ↳ You attract aligned opportunities without constantly chasing them ↳ You build recognition and trust within your industry You create stability, even when your external situation changes. Once I started showing up regularly on LinkedIn, sharing lessons I’d learned, ideas I was exploring, and challenges I’d faced, things shifted. People reached out for advice. New opportunities showed up. And I felt more grounded and confident in who I was outside a title. And you can do the same.

Personal branding isn’t just about… 📸  Having the perfect photos 🗣️  Saying the right thing every time 🪝  Crafting the best hook #️⃣  Using all the right hashtags It’s not about being the most popular, the most creative, or following a perfect formula for overnight success. Sure, those things can help. But after 5 years of writing on LinkedIn, I’ve learned that personal branding is more about being REAL versus perfect. Because no one is perfect. When I first started, I struggled with paralyzing self-doubt and crippling insecurity—questioning every word I wrote and video I posted. For my OGs, you’ll remember I used to only show my “good side” on video. I feared that if people saw the whole me, I’d be rejected. We’re taught to fit in, follow the rules, and not rock the boat. So, for a long time, I stayed silent—just like we’re conditioned to. -I watched as other creators showed up confidently. -I let the fear of judgment dictate my actions. -I let perfectionism keep me from even starting. But as I continued to show up, I learned that: ✨ Personal branding isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being REAL. ✨ It’s about allowing your audience to see the real YOU—flaws, imperfections, quirks and all. ✨ It’s about writing content that is authentic, relevant, and valuable. ✨ It’s about showing up consistently and courageously, reminding others they’re not alone. ✨ It’s about being vulnerable—sharing insights, struggles, and growth in a way that truly resonates. Anyone can build a personal brand. Anyone can start writing and sharing their story. Anyone can create impact just by showing up as their most authentic self. But most don’t. Why? In my coaching, I’ve found the biggest roadblocks come down to identity, self-worth, and mindset. We fear what others think. We doubt we have something valuable to offer. We self-sabotage and stay stuck in the same cycles. We let fear—rather than love—lead us. We allow others' labels to override the truth of who God says we are. And most of the time, we do this unconsciously. I almost let fear keep me from sharing my voice. But I made a choice. To show up despite the fear. To share my story, even when I wasn’t sure if anyone would listen. To speak my truth, even when it hurt. And guess what? That choice changed everything. Your story could be a page in someone else's survival guide. Those who are called to share a message will find a way. You won’t let fear of judgment hold you back. You won’t let a lack of resources stop you from serving those you’re meant to serve. If you feel called to share your story—that is your green light to start. If you're ready to 👇 ✅ Unlock your voice and share your story ✅ Attract aligned opportunities ✅ Break through self-doubt and limiting beliefs Let’s connect! Let’s build a brand in alignment with your God-given assignment 🙌   👉 https://lnkd.in/gKnCjNgi #faith #truth #authenticity #personalbranding #grindingingrace

Spent the first 20 years of my career building a business. Now I’m spending the next 20 building my brand. Because I believe a personal brand is the most priceless asset you have control over. Most people spend their entire career focused on their company brand. (I was one of them.) - They invest 1000s of hours building it. - They craft a great industry reputation. - Then they go ahead and sell it. In that moment… You get: A wire transfer. They get: Your life’s work. A good deal in most people’s eyes. But imagine if you’d built a personal brand alongside it? - You get more eyes on your company. - More opportunities presented to you. - A digital reputation that lasts forever. (Repeat: A digital reputation that lasts forever.) Your personal brand IS your storefront. People judge you off their first impression. ↳ But YOU have the chance to control that. So get started! 1/ Craft your LinkedIn profile 2/ Begin sharing your insights 3/ Connect with other creators There is no better way to invest your time in 2024. ★ P.S. When did you start building your personal brand?

Build Your Brand in Cybersecurity Here’s something I wish more cybersecurity professionals know ✨ You don’t need to be the loudest in the room to be heard.
 ✨ You just need to start showing up. We often hear a lot about the “cyber talent shortage.”
But here’s the thing we’re not short on talent. We’re short on visibility.
There are brilliant minds in this field doing impactful work who aren’t being seen, heard, or invested in. In a time of layoffs, hiring freezes, unpredictability & constant change, your personal brand is a strategic move. I built mine while raising four kids, going back to school, switching & rebuilding careers, & figuring it out along the way. 
And the doors it opened? Game changing. From job opportunities, invitations to speaking gigs including a Tedx talk, more exposure & collaboration to share my cybersecurity children’s books with the right audience & even sponsored brand content creation opportunities. It started with one post, one story, one intention to show up. But too many still hold back because of myths like these Myth 1 - “I need to be an expert first.” Truth - Your journey & insights are valuable at every stage. Sharing your experiences contributes to the community & builds your expertise. Myth 2 - “I’m too late to start building my brand.” Truth - The cybersecurity space constantly craves fresh perspectives. Now is the perfect time to start sharing yours. Myth 3 - “I need thousands of followers to make an impact.” Truth - Impactful branding starts with one follower & one post at a time. Authenticity attracts the right audience, not just a large one. Myth 4 - “Personal branding won’t really benefit my career.” Truth - A strong personal brand significantly boosts your visibility, opening doors to opportunities and networks that can propel your career forward. Here’s the truth. We can’t solve the pipeline problem if people don’t know you’re in the pipeline. Your voice, perspectives and your presence belongs in this space. P.s. Be intentional. Get visible. Build your personal brand. Grow. #Cybersecurity #Personalbrand #branding #cybercareer

When someone asks who you are in a professional setting how do you respond? Do you only mention your job title or the company you work for? I’ve learned that for many of us, our identities become so tied to the places we work that we forget who we are without the company name in our email signature And I get it when you’re early (or at any point) in your career, it can feel validating to be associated with a recognizable brand But at some point, you have to ask yourself if the job went away tomorrow, what would people still know you for? That’s the power of personal branding It’s not just about aesthetics or having a perfect elevator pitch It’s about making sure your values, your expertise, and your presence speak for you… Regardless of where you work You deserve to be known for you and you alone So today, I want y’all to sit with a few questions: ✨ Who are you and what do you want to be known for? ✨ What strengths, skills, or stories do you carry that others can’t replicate? ✨ In what ways are you already building a reputation without realizing it? Personal branding isn’t reserved for influencers or executives It starts now with how you show up, what you share, and how you make people feel What do you want your name to hold weight for? Let me know in the comments⬇️ #personalbranding #earlycareer #presence

Your personal brand matters. Building a strong personal brand allowed me to build a community of 500k+ of you across social media, multiple six-figure gigs, and a career that I love. In today’s world, your brand isn’t optional. Whether you’re actively building it or not, it’s being shaped every day by the way you show up. And here’s the truth: A strong personal brand doesn’t just set you apart — it creates opportunities. It builds connections, opens doors, and fosters trust in ways that can elevate your career or business. When I started building my personal brand, I felt overwhelmed. I wondered if I had anything “unique” to offer. But the more I leaned into my authentic self — my story, my voice, and my values — the more I realized that personal branding isn’t about being the loudest or the most polished. It’s about being real, intentional, and impactful. Here’s how I’ve approached personal branding: - Be consistent - Share your story - Add value Start asking yourself what you want your personal brand to say, and how you want people to feel when they think of you. Build a brand that authentically represents who you are and the impact you want to make. It’s your story, and you have the power to shape how it’s told. Let’s rewrite it and change the narrative. #StephSynergy

Your Personal Brand is Your Career Story: Write It Well Early in my journey as a career coach, I worked with someone who had the skills and experience but felt invisible in the job market. We quickly realized that the issue wasn’t just about qualifications—it was about how they were presenting themselves. We started by focusing on a simple but powerful idea: *What story does your career tell?* It wasn’t just about listing jobs or achievements; it was about showcasing the unique value they brought to every role. This meant highlighting their passion, problem-solving skills, and resilience. With some thoughtful changes, everything started to click. Their resume, LinkedIn profile, and even their conversations began to reflect a consistent and authentic personal brand. Suddenly, they weren’t just another candidate—they were someone with a clear story. The moral of the story? ✨ Your career isn’t just a series of job titles; it’s a narrative that only you can tell. Make sure it reflects who you are and what you stand for. ✨ Ensure your personal brand is consistent across all platforms—resume, LinkedIn, and in person. This builds trust and makes your brand memorable. ✨ Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your personal brand should reflect the real you—your strengths, passions, and even your quirks. ✨ Your personal brand isn’t fixed. As you grow in your career, let your brand evolve with you. I’ve seen how a well-crafted personal brand can open doors and create opportunities. Remember, you’re the author of your career story. Write it well. 📌 What steps will you take today to start shaping your personal brand?

I get it—some people think personal branding is cringey and laugh at LinkedIn "influencers." Yet... here many of us are, doing it anyway. Why is that? I talked to Lauren Burke on Monday. She said, "many executives are still afraid of personal branding because of the vulnerability aspect. What is your advice to those people?" Here's what I said: You don't have to go too far into your personal life, be fake, or overly controversial to make a real impact on your career or business. And if you're willing to try, building a personal brand WILL help you grow in many different ways. Believe it or not, I was *super* against starting a personal brand. I told myself that my company should stand on its own, without my face being plastered on the internet. I didn’t want to be another talking head saying motivational crap that no one believes. In hindsight, I think I was scared. Because a personal brand is YOU. Publishing your ideas, with your own face attached. It can attract a very personal kind of criticism. (You would not believe the stuff I’ve read on the internet about myself over the years. 🫠) For me, the potential pros ended up outweighing the cons; and it's no coincidence that Accelity started really growing when my personal brand did, too. Here's what I've learned: 1️⃣ It’s possible to grow your business without being an “obnoxious salesperson.” I do what feels right to me—provide as much value to people as humanly possible. It’s not all attributable; but we've learned that so much of marketing isn't! I believe that everything you give to others comes back ten-fold. 2️⃣ You don’t have to be offensive or controversial to build a personal brand. I see so many personal brands blowing up by being mean. Talking poorly, putting others down, trying to spark arguments in the comments. I'll choose positivity 10/10 times, even if it means less attention. 3️⃣ Building a personal brand can drive real business results. Nearly 30% of Accelity’s all-time revenue is attributed to my brand on LinkedIn. That is a lot. of. cash. If you’re willing to stay consistent and do the work—it pays. Literally. I encourage all of our clients to build brands. They don't have to go as far as I have—but you truly can't go wrong sharing your knowledge, expanding the reach of your company, and networking here on LinkedIn. If you've been pondering getting started, maybe this is just the sign you needed. 😉 Have questions? Leave them in the comments.

No one told me that staying quiet could cost me more than speaking up. In my early career, I thought being successful meant being grateful, staying in my lane, and letting my work speak for itself.      It didn’t.     It took me years to understand that personal branding isn’t about being loud or self-promotional. It’s about being seen for who you truly are, so the right people can find you, support you, and open doors you didn’t even know existed. That’s what I call true brand advocacy.     When I do guest lectures with undergrad and grad students at UT Austin or speak to professional women at The WIT Network events, I see the same fear show up:    “What if they don't like me?”  “What if I sound too confident?”  “How can I be truly me while at work, I could get fired?!”    Here's what I wish someone had told me earlier: You don’t need permission to start showing up as your truest self. The sooner you learn to be unapologetically you in your career, the sooner you’ll attract the RIGHT opportunities for YOU, not what people think you should do.    And guess what, LinkedIn’s 2024 Future of Work Report said that 77% of professionals believe building a personal brand is more important than ever.  So, if you're a business professional wanting more out of your career here’s what I want you to know:    Different is Better   🟣 As Sally Hogshead famously says, 'Different is better than better. Don’t change who you are, become more of who you are.' Your greatest advantage isn't just doing your job well, it's your story, your perspective, your unique energy. Don't make your title the headline of your life; instead, embrace what makes you distinctly valuable.    Your Network is Your Net Worth   🟣 Build relationships before you need them. Your network is your net worth, yes, but it’s also your mirror. The right people help you see what you can’t yet see in yourself.    Perceptions are Reality   🟣 People are going to dislike you. Get over that. What matters is that you attract the right people into your life and make them your advocates! So each moment is a way for you to show up and create the reality you desire. You already have a brand. The way you write, speak, show up in meetings, it’s all shaping how people experience you. Be intentional.    No more excuses. Your voice matters and it’s time for you to show up 100% as you. What’s one thing you wish someone had told you at the start of your career?    #LIPostingDayApril #PersonalBranding #Leadership #CareerAdvice #StandOutAuthority  

Your Personal Brand is a Mirror – What Story Are You Seeing? As a leadership and organizational coach and brand expert, I work with senior leaders to position themselves for success helping them increase their impact, influence, and career trajectory. One of the most powerful tools in a leader’s arsenal? Personal branding. Your personal brand isn’t just a title or a resume. It’s a strategic asset that shapes how others perceive you and the opportunities that come your way. Think of it as a mirror. But, one where you get to guide the reflection and craft the story that aligns with your values, expertise, and aspirations. Many leaders hesitate to self-promote, but the reality is that if you don’t define your brand, others will do it for you. I wrote about this in Harvard Business Review titled, How to Self-Promote When You Don’t Like to Self-Promote. Read it here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQUyNVdv In my latest video, I share how to think about your personal brand in three key ways: ✅ Authentic Reflection – Who you are, what you stand for, and the unique strengths you bring to the table. ✅ Strategic Storytelling – How you communicate your value, both online and in person. ✅ Aspirational Projection – The career and leadership presence you are actively shaping. The best part is that YOU DO have control over how the world sees you. 🔹 Ask yourself, what story is my personal brand telling? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear how you’re shaping your leadership brand! ⬇️ 📌 Please follow me for insights on leadership, branding, and career growth. #PersonalBranding #Leadership #ExecutivePresence #CareerGrowth #FutureOfWork #Careers #Thinkers50 #Coach #Professor #Advisor #MG100 #BestAdvice #JennyFernandez ____________________________________ 🔗 To access exclusive leadership insights and resources, subscribe to my Substack newsletter at https://lnkd.in/eCi2atQk or download my FREE e-book at https://lnkd.in/efKVMM8p