Personal Branding Essentials

Explore top LinkedIn content from expert professionals.

  • View profile for Aaron Francois

    The T'Challa of Marketing | Award-Winning Creative Strategist | Founder | Public Speaker | Co-Chair of ADCOLOR Advisory Board

    8,426 followers

    How does networking turn into a job opportunity? We've all heard it before - networking is crucial for career growth and finding new job opportunities. But how do you tap into your network authentically without coming across as simply using connections? Truthfully build relationships that are built on mutual understanding and value exchange. Networking was never a one-way street and should be done with long-term intentions. Here are a few things I did that allowed me to turn relationships into career opportunities: 1. Provide Value First - Before asking for ANYTHING, see how you can help. This can be done through sharing industry insights, personal contacts, or sharing your expertise on a subject matter pro bono. 2. Express Authentic Interest - It's obvious when you're faking it! Learn their goals, interests, and pain points and ask thoughtful questions to have real conversations about more than just work. 3. Stay Top-of-Mind - Share updates on projects you're working on, milestones you've hit, or just check in periodically. This allows you to stay present in conversation. 4. Pay it Forward - Make intros between connections who could benefit each other, without the expectancy of something in return. Adopt the habit of giving just to give! These tips have allowed me to turn my network into my career superpower, supporting personal and professional goals. Drop some of your tips for building genuine relationships in the comments. #Networking #BlackLinkedIn

  • View profile for Austin L. Church

    Founder of Freelance Cake — Coaching, coworking, and community for advanced freelancers who want the growth without the burnout | Details in About ↓

    15,870 followers

    It’s hard to watch talented freelancers and consultants self-sabotage. They don’t realize they’re making things much harder. I did it too FOR YEARS before I had this A-ha moment: We must make ourselves easy to find online. Seth Godin hit the nail on the head: “In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.” Do you stand out? It's way harder to get traction if you aren't a recognized authority, and you build authority by showing up online. Many of us are taught growing up to not stick out to much. The tall poppy gets cut, you know? So adulthood, branding, and solopreneurship require an uncomfortable paradigm shift: "Wait, so I DO want to stick out now?" Think of someone you follow who seems genuine, who isn’t an obnoxious, attention-hungry clown. Let that person inspire you. Clearly, we have options other than Egregious and Invisible. Here are five ways non-yucky ways to get attention and build authority: 1. Write about common mistakes your target audience makes. 2. Share ideas and insights that shape your approach. 3. Write about limiting beliefs that keep them stuck. 4. Give public high fives to people you admire. 5. Celebrate client successes. You can become the convenient choice without becoming someone you don’t like.

  • View profile for Jacquie Wortley

    The Conscious COO ✨

    2,659 followers

    👉 Why positioning matters - especially in an oversaturated market. I've been seeing a lot of posts in the past few months about how impossible the market is for designers at the moment. With so many restructures and layoffs, many top-tier designers have found themselves back in the job market. Unlike a couple of years ago, there appear to be fewer roles going around, creating a sense of impossible competition. The thing I like to remind my coaching clients of is this: 👉 If you are seeing job postings - there are jobs. You're just missing out on them. Harsh - I know. Other candidates are landing opportunities, which means, YOU also have a chance to land a role! 👏 One of the most effective ways to stand out while applying is through personal branding. This way you can differentiate yourself from a pool of candidates with similar skills. Once you reach the senior level - your hard skills are simply a baseline requirement. By leaning more into your Personal Brand, you will be more likely to stand out in a pool of folks whose design skills are similar. Some simple ways to tackle this include... 1️⃣ Highlighting your approach - What is unique about the way you dive into problems? What sort of questions do you tend to ask? 2️⃣ Leveraging your personality - Introverted? Focus on how excellent you are at deep focused work. Extroverted? Highlight how great you are at demoing designs with stakeholders. 3️⃣ Visual differentiation - Your portfolio (even your LinkedIn page) is an excellent opportunity to flex your creativity and visual design chops. This is especially valuable for designers who may have spent their previous roles in companies with strict brand guidelines that don't show off the extent of your skills. Let the portfolio be an opportunity to show employers your taste and perspective. 🤔 Any other tips for designers who want to stand out? Share them below ⬇️

  • View profile for Luis "LD" Diaz

    Building the future, one hire at a time | Technical Recruiter at ProsourceIT | #ITstaffing #recruiting #ITindustry #nearshore #hiring

    4,390 followers

    As a technical recruiter, I come across hundreds of LinkedIn profiles, and I wanted to provide some tips on how to make yours stand out. Having an active LinkedIn presence is crucial for any job seeker or career professional. But it's not enough to just create a profile - you need to keep it updated, showcase your skills, expand your network, and participate actively. This increases your visibility and shows your dedication. In addition to being active, your profile itself needs to make a strong first impression. Treat your LinkedIn profile like your professional resume - it offers a snapshot of your best attributes. Here are some key areas to optimize: 📌 Headline - Summarize your current role and specialty using relevant keywords 📌 About section - Share an overview of your background, skills, and passions 📌 Experience - Detail your responsibilities and achievements for each position 📌 Skills - Include keywords recruiters search for 📌 Recommendations - Get colleagues to endorse your work 📌 Media - Spotlight projects, publications, certifications 📌 Network - Connect with professionals in your industry The more complete and compelling your profile, the more likely you are to be discovered and contacted by recruiters like me. The visual presentation also influences others' perception tremendously. I'm happy to provide more specific tips - feel free to connect with me here on LinkedIn as you update your own profile. Leveraging your personal brand effectively here can truly make a difference in advancing your career. #prosourceit #personalbrand #jobseekers #linkedinprofile

  • View profile for Marina Krutchinsky

    I help experienced UXers become confident leaders

    33,761 followers

    To me, a strong personal brand for a UXer isn't just about being seen on popular platforms. It's this ↴ You start by knowing there’s no perfect time to begin. You begin from wherever you are. You tell a story about your journey, including your struggles and successes. This will connect with people who are just a step behind you in their careers, making you relatable. You give feedback to others. This helps them and also makes you better. When you look at someone else’s work, you often find new ideas and solutions for your own problems. You share what you’re learning now, the obstacles you face, and how you plan to overcome them. Being open like this builds trust and shows you’re a genuine, approachable person. You get involved with the community. You reply to comments, join discussions, and show real interest in what others are doing. This isn’t about promoting yourself, it’s about growing your skills and helping others. You build a network of peers, not just followers. These connections can lead to collaborations, referrals, and support when needed. It’s about long-term growth, not quick wins. As you build your brand, you start to understand what you’re really good at. You get a better sense of who you are and the unique value you bring to others. Now you know how to create content that stands out. Your unique perspective makes your content different from others. You stay real and consistent. Being honest in sharing your journey, thoughts, and work builds a strong personal brand. Consistency in your message and values helps people know what you stand for and trust you. Building your personal brand becomes rewarding. You start getting invitations to write guest posts, work on exciting projects, be interviewed, and speak at events. Opportunities come to you because of the brand you’re building. You notice your confidence grows. You’re no longer "just another UXer", you’re a recognized expert in the niche you created. You sleep better at night knowing your personal brand is working for you, creating opportunities and opening doors. That, to me, is a powerful personal brand. It takes time to build but offers amazing, life-changing opportunities. And it's achievable. #ux #personalbrandsforUXers --- ✍️ What's your take? ♻️ Share if it's helpful.

  • View profile for Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW, CPRW

    Certified Master Job Search Coach for Rising Women Leaders Who Want More | Inspirational Speaker | Podcast Host 🌻 Your Next Chapter Starts Here

    3,812 followers

    Networking changed my career for the better! I haven’t always been the best at keeping relationships, especially after leaving a role. However, I’ve been networking within my industry for the past several years, and it has changed everything. First, I began to attend events in my field. I joined the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches to continue learning more about resume writing and career coaching. Over time, I began to get to know my fellow peers. I started to reach out and respond to those who contacted me. Sometimes, we messaged on LinkedIn and that was it. Other times, I had Zoom calls. And in a special case, I set up bi-weekly Happy Hours to talk business and share ideas. So why network? - Insights and Knowledge: Interacting with professionals in your field can provide a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives. I’ve learned so much from Denise Bitler, MRW, CPRW, CDBS, CICNC, CIC, Mark Misiano, MBA, CPRW, CDCS, and John Suarez, MBA, CPRW. - Mentorship: Networking can connect you with potential mentors who can guide your career development. Angie M. Callen, CPRW, CPCC became a friend and mentor. We discuss business strategy and how to bring more value to my clients. I’ve evolved countless times since meeting Angie. - Career Opportunities: Often, new job prospects come from within your network. It’s about being in the right place with the right connections. Because I was vocal during webinars, Margaret Phares asked me to lead a webinar series for PARWCC. From there, I later landed a role on the leadership team, developing and administering the CPRW (a resume writing exam). How can you network effectively? - Be Genuine: Authenticity in networking creates meaningful connections. Don’t wait to be laid off from your role. Make connections constantly. - Attend Professional Events: Conferences, seminars, and industry meet-ups are great places to meet like-minded professionals. - Engage in Online Forums: Platforms like LinkedIn groups, industry-specific forums, and virtual webinars offer global connections. - Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can help others as well. Let’s discuss: How has networking influenced your career? Do you have any tips for effective networking? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! 💬 #professionalnetworking #careerdevelopment #careergrowth #networkingtips

  • View profile for Laura Olsen

    Animal Health Executive ╿ Veterinary Industry Champion ╿ Leadership Development ╿ Leadership Team Development ╿ Change Management

    4,302 followers

    Personal branding is one of the buzzwords that keeps cropping up. As an executive coach who wants to help people reconnect with their purpose and passions and as a lifelong marketer, I can get behind it. A personal brand builds your credibility, helps you establish yourself as an expert in your field and communicates your experience and value to your audience and potential future employers. But how do you develop your personal brand? If your go-to answer was, “Start developing content and publishing it on social media platforms”, please continue reading. To truly develop your personal brand, the first step is to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Only once you know your purpose, passions, skills and strengths can you share your authentic self with your audience. Follow these six steps to develop your personal brand: 1. Understand your purpose (and values) 2. Create a long-term mission and vision for your life 3. Construct your narrative – remember to be authentic! 4. Identify your target audience (key stakeholders) 5. Share your story (now this is where social media can be involved) 6. Monitor and assess how your brand equity Creating your personal brand requires a great deal of introspection and is not a quick exercise, but I promise you the benefit is worth the effort! Here’s a quick teaser. Grab a pen and paper and: ➡️ Write down activities which make you feel energized and fulfilled ➡️ Jot down your strengths by thinking about areas you excel in ➡️ Make a list of your accomplishments ➡️ Analyze and write out the skills you mastered to achieve your accomplishments ➡️ Map out your strengths, skills and passions to determine what makes you unique. The above exercise allows you to align your personal brand with what you genuinely enjoy, what you’re good at and what skills you already have, which will all lead to greater authenticity and confidence in how you present yourself. Determining your passions and purpose isn’t always a straightforward exercise, so if you need help reconnecting with yourself, I can help: https://lnkd.in/gWdegTdU #PersonalBranding #PersonalDevelopment #Learning #Development

  • View profile for Afua L.

    Learning Strategist | Organizational Change

    3,439 followers

    We're all told #networking is essential, that most jobs are never advertised publicly and instead are filled through connections and referrals. But what if you're an introvert, neurodiverse, or find networking awkward and transactional? It can feel overwhelming, adding unnecessary stress to an already stressful job or job search. LinkedIn addresses many concerns to build connections without the usual networking anxieties. Here's how: 🔭 Step 1: Find your "expanders" Search using keywords to find people with the positions or lives you aspire to. These are your "expanders" - individuals who inspire you and embody your goals. You can't hit a target you can't see! ❓ Step 2: Reach out with curiosity Instead of asking for a favor, immediately spark a conversation. Ask to learn more about their career path or current role. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets the foundation for a strong relationship. 👂🏾 Step 3: Listen and be present In your conversation, truly listen and express genuine curiosity and interest. This will answer your questions, spark new ones, and build a deeper connection. 🔌 Step 4: Stay connected and nourish the relationship Share relevant articles, resources, or updates about your journey. This demonstrates that you value the connection and keep the conversation flowing. Networking doesn't have to be forced or stressful. 🔊 My Story: Four years ago, I was interested in living a hybrid life in the US and Ghana. Through LinkedIn, I found Jeph, whose profile resonated with my goals. We connected via DM by expressing curiosity and listening to each other's stories. Over time, this genuine curiosity blossomed into a strong friendship. By sharing ideas and updates on our career journeys, I've learned invaluable insights into setting up a business in Ghana. This knowledge has helped me progress towards my initial goal to live and work in Ghana and the US, and it's no coincidence that I was already scheduled to be in Ghana in December, thus being able to attend Jeph's wedding (pic attached)! Networking is about building a community, not just collecting connections. Through focusing on genuine curiosity and connection, I overcame my reservations about networking and cultivated meaningful relationships that have taught me so much in my career and #personalgrowth . #networking #linkedin #introvert #neurodiversity #careergoals #community

  • How do you feel when you walk in a room full of strangers? Are you excited by the idea of making new connections, or does the thought send you to the nearest exit? In my journey, I’ve navigated tough waters of networking events, armed with nothing but a purse full of business cards. Gone are the days of awkwardly exchanging pleasantries and doing small talk. Today, networking is about forging meaningful relationships and providing value—it's not merely about expanding your digital Rolodex. Transfer your networking dread and into networking know-how with these practical tips that won’t have you running out the door:  👊 Show Genuine Interest. Ditch the rehearsed lines. Engage in conversations about the other person’s projects, their passions, or even their pets (I love sharing stories about my pup, CoCo). Genuine curiosity is the ultimate networking tool. 👊 Focus on Quality. Networking isn’t a race to collect the most cards - it’s about building substantial relationships and remaining attentive. Stacy Silver, ISHC, a networking expert, advises to “be present and keep your phone away” to enhance active listening and engagement. Catch more of her insights during her interview with David Kong on DEI Advisors. 👊 Personalize Your Follow-Up: Make your follow-up memorable. Mention specific details like, “I loved hearing about your safari last summer!” When sending a LinkedIn invite, personalize your message to remind them of your interaction, sparing them the guesswork of where you met. 👊 Be a Connector: Introduce your new acquaintance to someone else at the event, or mimic the King and Queen of Networking, Stuart Greif and Rachel Humphrey, and craft a thoughtful email introduction that highlights mutual interests, giving both parties a compelling reason to connect. 👊 Lighten Up - A little humor goes a long way and breaking the ice. Feel free to tell appropriate jokes while remembering to know your audience. Whether your networking novice or seasonal schmoozer, remember every room full of strangers presents potential friends and collaborators. Maybe with a bit of smart networking, your next big opportunity could be waiting for you over a casual chat and a glass of wine at your next conference. What’s your best networking practical tip? Share your insights below! #networking #professionaldevelopment #coaching Pinnacle Enterprises Group | Executive Coaching & Hospitality Consulting

  • View profile for Manas Ram

    Author | Public Speaker | High Performance Systems | Expert in Mental Wellbeing & Professional Development.

    11,110 followers

    Ever want to introduce yourself but something holds you back? 🌟 We all feel that hesitation sometimes. But connection is the gateway to endless opportunities. I have been invited to speak at Global institutions such as United Nations, Babson College, Purdue University, MAPFRE, etc. And, most have come through because of a connection. I met them. I listened. Shared. And, got offered an opportunity. Let me share a playbook that will help you. 1. Be Genuine: Start with a sincere introduction. Share your passions and what drives you. Authenticity attracts like-minded people. 2. Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests or experiences. Building connections is easier when you have something in common. 3. Add Value: Offer help, share insights, or provide resources. Connection is a two-way street—give as much as you receive. 4. Follow Up: Keep the conversation going. A simple message after an event can solidify a new connection. If possible send a thank you card. 5. Be Brave: Step out of your comfort zone. The most rewarding connections often come from taking that first bold step. You don't need to be the most qualified person in the room. Just have to be the bravest. Building connections isn’t just about expanding your circle. It’s about building meaningful relationships that can shape your future. So, don’t let hesitation stop you. Take a deep breath, introduce yourself, and start a conversation today. Let’s connect and grow together! 🌐✨ #Networking #Introduction #ProfessionalGrowth #Connection #Relationships #CareerDevelopment #Authenticity #Opportunities #NetworkingTips #PersonalGrowth