Let me tell you a quick story about my friend Linda. She is a smart, capable finance professional who’s been doing incredible work, both in her full-time job and through freelance consulting with small businesses. I’ve seen her in action, so I recommended her for a high-profile opportunity. But when the company searched for her online to learn more, they found… nothing. No LinkedIn updates. No personal website. Not even a clear digital footprint showing her expertise. They passed on the referral. Not because she lacked the skills, but because they couldn’t see her value. That moment stuck with me.
In today’s digital-first world, your personal brand speaks before you do. Whether you’re growing your career, exploring side gigs, or stepping into leadership, your online presence is often the first impression and sometimes the only one.
But here’s the good news: building a personal brand doesn’t mean becoming someone else. It means showing up as your real self, with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
Let’s explore how….
What Makes You Unforgettable?
Your personal brand is the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. So what are they saying?
Ask yourself:
- What do I want to be known for?
- What problems do I solve best?
- What makes working with me a good experience?
Whether you’re an efficient project manager, a Finance team lead, or a behind-the-scenes strategist, your strengths are your brand foundation.
Polish Your Online Presence. But Keep It Real!
We live in a world where people Google before they greet. Your online presence, LinkedIn, WhatsApp business bio, or even a simple portfolio should reflect your current reality.
- Photo: Clear, warm, and approachable.
- Headline: Include your role + value proposition (e.g., “Finance Consultant | Helping Small Businesses Gain Clarity on Their Numbers”)
- About Section: Tell your story. Where you’ve been, what lights you up, and what you’re building toward.
Google yourself. What shows up, and does it match who you are today?
Show Up and Share What You Know
You don’t have to be a content creator. Just be helpful and human.
- Share lessons from a recent project.
- Post tips you give clients all the time.
- Comment meaningfully on other people’s work.
- Celebrate progress, not just perfection.
If you helped a client automate their expense tracking, share the process and the benefit. It shows what you know and how you think.
Connect with Intention
You don’t need a massive network. Just a meaningful one. Attend events, join online communities, engage in conversations, and most importantly, follow up. A simple “thank you for your insight” message can turn a connection into an opportunity.
Pro Tip: When reaching out, say something genuine.
“Hi, I appreciated your post on budgeting tools. I’ve used one of those with a client and saw great results. Let’s connect!”
Let Your Brand Evolve with You
You’re not the same person you were three years ago, so don’t let your digital profile say otherwise. Keep it updated with new skills, interests, and experiences.
You don’t have to post and make updates to your profile every week, but every few months, revisit your profile and ask: Does this reflect the me of today?
Authenticity Wins
At the heart of it all, personal branding isn’t about image. It’s about identity. It’s not about being loud. It’s about being clear. You don’t need to fake it, force it, or figure it all out overnight.
Just start where you are. Speak from who you are. And show up with consistency and heart.
Ready to Build a Personal Brand That Opens Doors?
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get your personal brand in order, this is it.
At AdeptAfriq, we help professionals like you define and communicate your value in a way that’s authentic, impactful, and future-ready.
Book a Personal Branding Coaching Session with us today
We’ll work with you to clarify your message, strengthen your digital presence, and help you show up with confidence whether you’re seeking new clients, new roles, or next-level leadership opportunities. Click here to get started