Latest news with #personalbrand
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
What Everyone Is Getting Wrong About LinkedIn
Are you going to LinkedIn to find a job or build your brand? Well if you focus on building your ... More brand - you will get more than just job opportunities knocking on your door. Your LinkedIn profile is your digital storefront not just a job board. Are you going to LinkedIn to find a job or build your brand? Well if you focus on building your brand - you will get more than just job opportunities knocking on your door. Think of LinkedIn as your digital storefront. It's the first impression you make when you're not in the room and it's often the difference between getting noticed or getting overlooked. Whether you're job hunting, building your personal brand, growing your network, or just showing up more intentionally in your industry, your profile can be your most powerful tool, if you use it well. The 5 LinkedIn Basics Everyone Should Have For a Compelling Profile. To build a credible and engaging LinkedIn profile, consistency is key. Aim to post at least 5 to 7 times per week, using a mix of formats such as: To make your profile truly stand out, consider developing a signature post format—a repeatable and recognizable style that builds familiarity and trust with your audience. These posts create consistent engagement patterns, foster anticipation, reduce content fatigue, and make content creation more efficient. If you're wondering, 'What should I post?', don't worry. Spend just 30 minutes creating your content pillars, 4 to 5 core themes that serve as your go-to categories for content ideas. Questions to define your content pillars: For example, If you're a real estate agent, your content pillars might include: By aligning your content with these pillars, you'll always have a strong foundation to draw from, making your LinkedIn presence both strategic and sustainable. LinkedIn's Impact on Your Personal Brand People do business with people they trust, your digital presence can build that trust before the conversation even starts. LinkedIn is your most powerful platform for shaping your personal brand. With over one billion members globally, it offers unmatched access to decision-makers, industry peers, and potential collaborators. What you post, how you engage, and the way you present your expertise directly influence how others perceive your credibility and value. Whether you're sharing insights, showcasing your work, or engaging in thought leadership, every interaction contributes to your digital reputation. In today's professional landscape, where visibility is tied to opportunity, LinkedIn is the stage where your story gets told, so make it count.
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Ways Your LinkedIn Profile Undermines Your Professional Reputation
5 ways your LinkedIn profile undermines your professional reputation Think of your LinkedIn profile as a pitch for your business. What's it telling your potential clients? Every time one lands on it, you've got a few seconds to prove you're worth their time before they go and find someone who actually gets it. Don't leave this to chance. You decide whether you land the meeting or lose the prospect forever. If you don't know what you're doing on LinkedIn, you could cause problems for your personal brand. You are overlooked for opportunities, you waste money on other marketing channels, and you give off the wrong signals that undermine your work. Your LinkedIn is not a digital resume. It's more than that. If you simply upload your work history and add a passable headshot, high-value relationships will never materialize. Fix these five credibility killers and watch how fast the right people start paying attention. Your LinkedIn profile needs to work harder than you do: here's how Your headline appears in eight places on LinkedIn. In search results, comment sections, connection requests, and message previews. Yet most people squander this visibility on meaningless job titles. "Marketing manager | Digital strategist | MBA" tells me nothing about the problems you solve or the value you create. You're undermining yourself by being generic, showing clients you don't really get it. Stop using the most valuable real estate on your profile to blend in. Write a headline that makes your ideal client stop scrolling. Name exactly who you help and what transformation you deliver. "I help SaaS founders double revenue without doubling their team" beats "Business consultant" every time. Get specific about your superpower. The right people need to recognize themselves in your headline within two seconds. Amateur hour arrives when your profile picture looks grabbed from last weekend's barbecue. You can still see someone else's shoulder in the frame. Professional credibility tanks when you show up looking unprepared. You wouldn't arrive at a client meeting in a wrinkled t-shirt. Why let that be their first impression online? Invest in a proper headshot that positions you as the expert you claim to be. Wear what you'd wear to close a six-figure deal. Look directly at the camera like you're making eye contact with your next client. Profiles with professional photos get 21 times more views and 36 times more messages. Your photo either opens doors or keeps them locked. Choose accordingly. Third-person bios make you sound like you hired your assistant to write about you. "John is a results-driven professional with 15 years of experience" creates instant distance between you and the reader. Nobody talks about themselves like that in conversation. Your about section should feel like the start of a meaningful dialogue, not a Wikipedia entry. Write directly to one person, and open with their biggest challenge. Follow immediately with proof you can solve it. Share specific client wins using numbers they care about. Break up text walls with single-line punchy paragraphs. End with exactly what they should do next. If someone can't understand how you'll change their business within 30 seconds of reading, you've already lost them. If your LinkedIn experience section reads like a job description instead of a victory lap, something has to change. "Responsible for managing social media accounts" means nothing, and it undersells the work you actually did. "Grew Instagram following from 5k to 50k in 6 months, generating $2million in attributed revenue" tells a story that grabs attention. Every position should showcase what you achieved. Don't make readers have to fill in the gaps. Transform your work history into a results showcase. Lead with the outcome, then explain how you created it. Include specific metrics, percentages, and dollar amounts. Show the scale of businesses you've impacted. Say you "increased sales by 67% in Q4 2023 by implementing a LinkedIn outreach strategy that generated 143 qualified leads." Make your track record impossible to ignore. Make this section do you justice. Recommendations from 2018 might as well be ancient history. Outdated endorsements signal you peaked years ago and haven't done anything worth talking about since. But we both know that's not true. Skills sections filled with buzzwords like "leadership" and "communication" waste space that could showcase your actual expertise. Your profile should radiate with current energy based on what you actually do today. You are awesome, so get up to date. Request fresh recommendations from clients you've helped transform in the last six months. Guide them to share specific results and transformations. Replace generic skills with niche expertise that sets you apart. "B2B LinkedIn lead-generation" beats "marketing." Feature case studies, client wins, and recent content that proves you're actively creating value right now. LinkedIn profiles should be living documents, not time capsules. Your LinkedIn reputation builds one profile section at a time Professional credibility evaporates when LinkedIn headlines overflow with meaningless buzzwords instead of clear value propositions, instantly signaling surface-level thinking to potential connections. Wedding photos cropped for profile pictures display a fundamental misunderstanding of professional standards, while third-person about sections create distance instead of connection. Outdated recommendations suggest professional stagnation, especially when paired with generic banner images that match countless other profiles. Oversights compound into a mediocre profile. And that's not you. Fix your LinkedIn profile and watch how quickly the right opportunities find you. Access my LinkedIn profile guide for coaches building their client base.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Key4Women Hosts Free Webinar - Empower Your Image: Mastering the Art of Strategic Dressing
CLEVELAND, OH / / July 18, 2025 / KeyBank's Key4Women will present "Empower Your Image: Mastering the Art of Strategic Dressing" a free, one-hour virtual event on Wednesday, July 23rd at 12:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 a.m. MT / 9:00 a.m. PST. Key4Women National Director, Rachael Sampson, will be joined by Wardrobe and Image Consultant, Taissha G. LaReau, as they explore how to transform your dressing experience into a strategic advantage and how the importance of dressing strategically plays a crucial role in how one is perceived in both professional and social settings. In this webinar, participants will learn how to: Strategically align their wardrobe with personal brand to help reflect goals, influence and next-level leadership. Streamline daily wardrobe routines to reduce decision fatigue and focus energy where it matters most. Make smart, high-impact style choices. "First impressions in business and life are important, but so is personal style," said Sampson. "Taissha will provide participants with style tips to not only let the individual be themselves, but also put their best foot forward." Taissha G. LaReau is a Wardrobe & Image Consultant who helps women in leadership and growth seasons align their personal brand with the results they want starting with what they wear. She teaches wardrobe strategy as a tool for decision-making, helping professionals invest in pieces that support visibility, presence, and long-term success so style doesn't just look good, it works smart. For more information, contact key4women@ or register online by July 22nd here. About Key4WomenKey4Women started in 2005 as a campaign to lend $1 billion to qualified women-owned businesses within three years. The program achieved that in two years and has now generated more than $12 billion in loans to women-owned businesses. Membership in Key4Women is free. In addition to helping women business leaders and owners tap into capital to build and grow their businesses, Key4Women members gain valuable access to a team of local Certified Key4Women Advisors who advocate, connect and empower women on their journey to financial wellness. For more information, visit About KeyBankIn 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit KeyBank Member FDIC. ### View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on Contact Info:Spokesperson: KeyBankWebsite: Email: info@ SOURCE: KeyBank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Branding Over Delivery: The Modern Entrepreneur's Growth Strategy
Matteo Pittaluga | Founder of Marketing Genius | Allinners LLC. In today's fast-moving digital world, the most valuable asset a business owner can build is not a complex product or a flawless service—it's attention. And the best way to earn that attention is by developing a personal brand. Entrepreneurs must stop trying to do everything themselves. The real leverage is in being the face of the business, not the one stuck inside it. If you're still handling delivery, operations or fulfillment, you're capping your growth. What moves the needle now is visibility. You don't need to be in the trenches to scale. You need to be known. Why Branding Beats Doing Let's break this down. Here's why the smartest solo entrepreneurs are shifting their focus from delivery to visibility. Logos don't build relationships. Faces do. Today's clients want to buy from someone they feel connected to. They want a real voice they can trust. A personal brand adds a human touch that no ad campaign can replicate. When you show up consistently online, sharing insights, telling stories and offering value, you position yourself as the go-to expert in your niche. And when that happens, clients come to you. Not because of a hard sell, but because you've built authority. You don't need a big team or millions in funding to get noticed. You just need a phone, an internet connection and the discipline to show up. Social media has leveled the playing field. Now, solo entrepreneurs can build global reach with local resources. Smart entrepreneurs don't scale by doing more. They scale by replacing themselves in operations and putting themselves in the spotlight. You can hire a team to deliver results. But only you can represent your brand in a way that feels authentic. Without a strong personal or company brand, every client must be hunted. With a strong brand, clients come to you already warmed up. They've seen your content. They've heard your story. They already trust you before the first sales call. The New Role Of The Entrepreneur: Be Seen, Not Stuck Think of a doctor who owns a thriving clinic. They're no longer treating patients one by one. They're creating content, hosting seminars and building partnerships that drive hundreds of new clients to their business each month. Or take a marketing consultant who used to manage every project. Now, they post daily on LinkedIn, speak at events and appear on podcasts. Their audience grows every week, and their calendar fills with leads who already believe in what they do. Meanwhile, a trained team delivers the work. In both cases, the business owner stepped out of delivery and into visibility. That's how you scale without burning out. What Stops Entrepreneurs From Making This Shift? The biggest challenge is mindset. Many business owners feel guilty stepping away from the work. They think being busy equals being valuable. But that's not leadership. That's being stuck. Others hesitate because they don't feel 'ready' to put themselves out there. They want to perfect their brand before they launch. The truth is, you get clarity through action. You find your voice by using it. Another common trap is thinking personal branding is just for influencers. It's not. It's for anyone who wants to build trust at scale. And if you're running a service-based business, that trust is your currency. How To Build A Brand That Brings You Business Here are five actionable steps every entrepreneur can apply right away: Start with clarity. What do you want to be known for? What values matter to you? What do you stand for? Write this down. This will become the foundation of your brand. Everything you post, say and do should reflect this core message. Pick one or two platforms your ideal clients use and post consistently. Whether it's Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube or a podcast, frequency builds familiarity. Familiarity builds trust. You don't need a content team or studio setup. Just share your journey. Talk about what you're learning. Share client stories. Let people see the behind-the-scenes of your world. Authenticity beats perfection every time. You can't focus on branding if you're buried in execution. Start documenting your processes, delegating tasks and training others. The goal is to create a business that runs without you so you're free to promote it. Personal branding doesn't pay off in a week. It compounds over time. The entrepreneurs who win are the ones who keep showing up, even when engagement is low or growth feels slow. Trust builds in the quiet seasons. Final Thoughts In a world full of noise, attention is the new currency. The business owners who understand this don't just survive, they lead. They scale not by doing more, but by becoming more visible. So here's the truth: If you want to grow your business, stop hiding behind your work. Step in front of it. Show up. Be seen. Because when you build a brand that brings in business, you can stop chasing clients and start attracting them. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Reasons Why You Need A Professional Coach (Yes A Real Human, Not AI)
The support and guidance of a professional coach becomes a game-changer. Many ambitious professionals find themselves at a crossroads, they are filled with talent and ideas but are unsure how to translate them into a powerful personal brand. They want to elevate their influence, connect with the right audience, and achieve their career goals, but the path forward often seems daunting, and usually they have no idea where to start. With the advancements in AI technology, individuals are seeking quick answers, guidance, and longing for self confidence, but the face to face interactions, empathy, and strategic feedback that humans provide cannot be replaced. This is where the support and guidance of a professional coach becomes a game-changer. Through my experience guiding numerous individuals across different industries and career stages, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact coaching has on unlocking potential, accelerating growth, and providing them with the aha mentality of, 'If not you, who? If not now, when?' It's not just about strategy; it's about creating a space where individuals are truly seen, their unique stories are craftfully developed, confidence is grown, and lasting influence begins. If you ever considered getting a coach, here are some key insights into the transformative value a professional coach can bring you on your journey for personal and professional development: One of the most common misconceptions is that you need to be an established influencer or a seasoned public speaker before you can start building and scaling your personal brand. The reality is actually the opposite. Many successful professionals who seek coaching are intelligent, capable individuals with an abundance of knowledge to share, but they struggle with articulating their message or knowing where to begin. The pivotal moment for transformation isn't when you achieve widespread recognition; it's the moment you commit to showing up and investing in yourself. A coach helps you take that crucial first step, regardless of your starting point. It's natural to feel nervous when putting yourself out there. Most of my clients are initially nervous, whether it's publishing their first LinkedIn post or facing a blank screen unsure of what to write. However, a skilled coach understands that confidence is a direct outcome of taking action. The moment someone takes that leap and receives even a single positive response, something profound shifts. That initial connection validates their efforts and empowers them to continue, leading to growth and self-belief. When you work within a group setting that support can make a real difference in boosting your confidence to start. Many people believe they need to "create" a brand from scratch, but your authentic brand already exists within you; it simply needs to be uncovered and articulated. A coach facilitates this process by asking probing questions that help illuminate your core identity, values, and strengths: As the answers to these questions emerge, your brand isn't invented; it's just revealed. In today's interconnected world, storytelling is an often-underestimated leadership skill. A coach guides individuals in transforming real-life experiences like a challenging client interaction or a pivotal career decision into compelling and impactful content. The reason these stories resonate so deeply is simple: people connect with authenticity and shared human experience, not just credentials. By learning to weave these narratives into LinkedIn posts, pitches, podcast ideas, and interview responses, anyone can cultivate a magnetic brand that stems from authenticity and genuine connection rather than performance. One of the remarkable aspects of group coaching environments is the diverse mix of professionals, from entrepreneurs and small business owners to HR leaders and content creators. While their industries and goals may vary, the fundamental process of building a personal brand remains universal. Everyone benefits from clarity, consistent visibility, and structured approach. The variety of perspectives within a group enhance the learning experience, providing new insights and approaches someone else may not have thought of. Building your personal brand in a supportive community can significantly accelerate your progress. When individuals share their journeys, offer encouragement, exchange resources, and celebrate each other's successes, a powerful synergy emerges. The transition from feeling uncertain about what to say to confidently sharing content and tracking engagement becomes a collective, contagious momentum. This shared experience fosters accountability, provides valuable feedback, and transforms the journey of brand building into a collaborative and empowering one. Ultimately, your brand is your reputation, and your reputation is your leverage in the professional world. Professional coaching doesn't just teach branding; it empowers you to take ownership of your unique story, your professional presence, your hard-earned credibility, and your compelling narrative. The more individuals who understand how to confidently show up and own their voice, the stronger our businesses, platforms, and communities will undoubtedly become.
