Latest news with #personalbranding
Entrepreneur
a day ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why Executive Branding Is the Key to Unlocking Opportunities
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Let's be honest. For many executives, the term "personal branding" feels a little off. It sounds like something influencers care about, not seasoned professionals who have built careers leading companies and making decisions in boardrooms. But here's the truth I've seen time and again at Boardsi: Executive branding isn't about ego. It's not about attention for attention's sake. It's about visibility. And in today's world, visibility is what opens doors, builds credibility and positions you for opportunities you might not even know exist yet. If you're not visible, you're invisible. And if you're invisible, you're being passed over. Related: Every Executive Needs to Be a Thought Leader — Here's How to Become an Influential Voice in Your Industry What executive branding actually means Let me clear something up right away. Executive branding isn't about having a flashy website or posting daily motivational quotes on social media. It's not about selfies or slogans. It's about building a clear, authentic and searchable presence that reflects your value as a leader. Think about it this way: When a company considers you for a board seat or advisory role, the first thing they're going to do is Google you. They'll look at your LinkedIn, any articles you've written, press mentions or public appearances. If what they find doesn't match the caliber of your experience, they move on. And it happens every day. Branding isn't fluff. It's your first impression. Why visibility equals opportunity The boardroom isn't what it used to be. Today, boards are actively searching for leaders who bring diverse insights, global perspectives, technical fluency and experience scaling businesses across industries. But they're not just going through old Rolodexes. They're searching online, relying on platforms like Boardsi and looking at thought leadership content to identify the right voices for the future. If your professional identity doesn't reflect who you are today — and where you're headed — you're missing out. At Boardsi, we see it happen in real time. Executives join our network, and after we build out their Board-Ready Bio, create their Executive Impact Report and position their brand across channels, they go from overlooked to in demand. They're not chasing the opportunity. The opportunity finds them. That's what branding unlocks. Not attention, but access. The ROI of executive branding Still not convinced it matters? Let's talk results. Here's what happens when you invest in executive branding: You gain credibility immediately. People trust what they can understand and verify. You create leverage. When you're branded well, you're seen as a thought leader, not just another résumé. You open doors to advisory roles, board seats and consulting opportunities that might never be publicly posted. You differentiate yourself. In a competitive leadership landscape, being great isn't enough. You have to be known. Branding isn't about making noise. It's about making it clear why you are the right person for the opportunity. Related: To Become a Top Executive, Take Control of Your Personal Brand Today Our model: Branding as the foundation At Boardsi, we take branding seriously. In fact, it's the foundation of our ecosystem. We don't just match executives with companies. We prepare them to stand out. Every executive goes through a process that starts with positioning. We craft a compelling narrative through a Board-Ready Biography, then we generate an Executive Impact Report that showcases your leadership style, strengths and measurable value. It's not just what you've done. It's how you do it, why it matters and what kind of outcomes you create. This is more than just a branding exercise. It's the blueprint for how companies see you — and why they say yes to the interview. That's why we also offer continuing education. Because branding isn't static. Your growth should be reflected in your presence. If your last public win was five years ago, you're not being seen as current. Our education tools help executives evolve their thinking, stay relevant and position themselves at the forefront of leadership. Common branding mistakes (and how to fix them) Let me share a few patterns I see too often: 1. Outdated digital footprint An inactive LinkedIn profile, no Google results and a website with a five-year-old headshot sends the wrong message. Fix it by refreshing your platforms with consistent messaging that reflects where you are now — not where you were. 2. Generic, overused language "Experienced leader" doesn't tell me anything. What industries? What impact? What change have you driven? Be specific and use data wherever possible. 3. No content presence If you're not sharing insights, you're not part of the conversation. Even one article a quarter on a platform like Leadafi, LinkedIn or your company blog can show strategic thinking and keep your voice active in your domain. My journey: Branding beyond the title This isn't just theory. It's personal. I've worked with thousands of executives who had the credentials but not the visibility. That's why I wrote Beyond the Title. I wanted to reframe how leaders think about career growth. Your career is your business. And like any business, it needs branding. It's not about hype. It's about being discovered for the opportunities you're qualified for — and prepared to take on. Because preparation and presence go hand in hand. Related: Traditional Leadership Credentials Are No Longer Cutting It. Here's What You Should Be Developing Instead. What this means for entrepreneurs and future board members If you're an entrepreneur or business leader looking to transition into advisory or board roles, branding is your bridge. You already have the experience. Now you need to package it in a way that makes sense for where you want to go next. Think about what makes you uniquely valuable. Then make sure the world can see it. That's the essence of executive branding. You don't need to go viral. You need to be seen by the decision-makers who are searching for someone like you. That's what we do at Boardsi. We don't just connect companies and executives. We make sure both sides are ready for the connection. Branding is how we turn potential into presence. It's time to stop hiding behind your achievements. Bring them forward. Own your story. And let the right people find you. That's not vanity. That's strategy.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Expat's Playbook For Building A Global Personal Brand
By Su Guillory Leaning into your expat status can actually enhance your credibility and personability. If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner, personal branding matters. More often than not, it's your face that people associate with your business. But how do you maintain a solid personal brand when you live and work abroad? Here are some tips. Start With Clarity: Define Your Brand Identity This is a great exercise for any business owner if you've never done it. Start by identifying your niche. Who do you serve? The more specific you can be, the better. For example, as an expat coach, my niche is women who want to move to Italy. Yes, I can help men, too, but my brand and marketing are aimed at women who are ready to change their lives by moving to Italy like I did! If you can align your expertise with your expat story, great. Your experience can help you generate content for your blog and social media. I frequently write about the changes I've experienced living in Italy, and this is how 80% of my clients find me. Localize Your Brand…Without Losing Your Global Edge Living abroad may open the door to additional business opportunities. The key is finding a way to apply your business strengths to the local market. If, for example, you're a writer, you're bound to meet locals who struggle to communicate with their customers in English. This could create an opportunity for you, as the resident expat writer, to take on local clients for bilingual content. Stay open to the possibilities. Pay attention to how people react when you tell them what you do, and listen for opportunities. Optimize Your Digital Presence Having an online presence is even more important if you're living abroad. Select the digital channels where your target audience is most likely to be found and build your strategy accordingly. If you run a company serving B2B, you will likely get more out of your efforts on LinkedIn than TikTok, for example. Maximize the time you spend managing your online presence by using social media scheduling tools like Buffer. Keep in mind that your audience is in a different time zone, so schedule your content for the hours they're most likely to view it. If you serve clients back in your home country as well as your new country, consider having a profile in each language and posting content in both languages. LinkedIn allows you to create multiple versions of your profile in different languages, and with Facebook Pages, you can enable posts in multiple languages. Use Your Story As Branding Remember what makes you unique: in addition to whatever features and benefits your products or services offer, you have a story to tell, and that should be part of your personal brand. People are fascinated by expats who give up everything to move abroad. Find a way to weave your story into your business. Patti Perez, who conducts workplace investigation and leadership training, lives in Rome and frequently shares stories of her life as an expat, tying them back to the work she does. Lauren Bonheim, an expat coach, shares content about being an expat in Panama. These expats have found a way to use storytelling to brand themselves. If your content leans more toward the informative or technical, find small ways to weave in a little personalization where possible. With such a flood of content available online, the surefire way to stand out is to show some of who you are. You can also generate a little PR for yourself by pitching U.S. and international media outlets, podcasts, and blogs that are interested in the story of an expat entrepreneur. More from AllBusiness: Build Strategic Relationships Networking should be about building connections with others in your field, finding other expat business owners to connect with, and fostering relationships with potential customers. To find others who get what it is to live abroad and run a business, look for expat groups in your area. You might be surprised how helpful and comforting it is to connect with other expat entrepreneurs. And you never know what collaboration opportunities might pop up! If there aren't local groups in person, search for online expat groups for business owners, as they'll be the group that gets your unique situation. If you don't have local customers, you'll have to build your relationships online. Seek out groups and organizations that cater to your target market or industry. You can also participate in industry groups online, as well as attend online events and workshops to further your connections in your niche. Be Consistent…But Don't Burn Out Everything about your life changes once you move to another country, so give yourself some slack when it comes to building your personal brand abroad. You may find that you now prefer to work in the afternoons, since that's when your clients are awake. You might decide to dedicate one day a week to scheduling social media and blog content, and work on serving your customers the rest of the week. Remember that automation tools are your friends. They will allow you to schedule blog posts and social media, as well as automate responses to customers. The key to solid branding is consistency, and that means you'll need to find a rhythm that suits your new expat lifestyle and be open to that changing over time. Living in a country other than the one where you first launched your business doesn't have to hinder your ability to build your personal brand. It can, in fact, enhance your credibility and personability. Even if you're 5,000 miles from your target market, you can still be top of mind. Focus on storytelling and weaving your expat experiences into your business messaging.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why It's Important To Tailor Your Personal Branding Strategy To AI
Jason Barnard is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker and award-winning innovator. He's the CEO & founder of Kalicube. You're already building a personal brand—intentionally or not. Maybe you're following a framework like Donald Miller's StoryBrand or Simon Sinek's The Golden Circle. Or maybe you're doing it in a more ad hoc way through thought leadership, keynote speaking, media features or consistent LinkedIn publishing. Regardless of the approach, one thing is now unavoidably true: In the age of AI, your digital footprint is either a risk factor or a revenue driver. While you've been focused on positioning for people, AI and search engines have been forming their own version of your story. And if you're not deliberately structuring that version, it will never match your strategy. That disconnect is a hidden risk—and a missed opportunity that compounds every day. AI is already the world's most powerful influencer. I believe AI platforms like Google's AI Mode, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Perplexity are already the most influential discovery engines on the planet. They decide what people see, who gets mentioned and which experts, founders and professionals get surfaced in high-stakes moments. These systems aren't just looking at your content, they're making sense of it, summarizing it and choosing whether to trust it. And they're doing this on an unimaginable scale: trillions of niche conversations with billions of people who trust their recommendations every single day. When these systems understand who you are and how you fit, they can amplify your authority and visibility a thousand-fold. But if your identity isn't clear, credible and aligned for them, they'll either misrepresent you or ignore you entirely. Most branding efforts are optimized for people, not platforms. This is where even seasoned professionals get blindsided. You might have a strong message, polished content and real traction with your audience, but if AI can't understand it, verify it and deliver it to the right people, you're not just being overlooked. You're being replaced. Right now, AI systems are deciding who to surface, recommend and trust in every niche. If your digital presence isn't structured in a way they can process, they'll likely default to fragmented bios, outdated content or third-party narratives that no longer reflect your true value. And they won't pause to ask if they got it wrong. The risk isn't just invisibility. The risk is displacement. Your competitors, even those with less experience or weaker credentials, can secure your place at the top simply because they've structured their digital identity for AI. They've taken what they've built and made it understandable, credible and deliverable to the machines running the show. Meanwhile, your brand still looks great to humans but the platforms that now drive discovery, trust and opportunity don't see you. Adapting your brand strategy now could lead to a competitive edge. The opportunity is massive. When AI understands who you are, believes in your authority and knows exactly who needs to find you, it can amplify your visibility a thousand-fold. It can put your name in boardrooms before you arrive, shape investor research before your pitch and introduce you as the expert before you even speak. This is your moment to lock in the positioning you've worked so hard to earn before the AI defines it for you. If you want AI to get your story right and become your biggest advocate, you need structure. That means aligning your website, bios and digital footprint around where you're going (not where you've been!). Clean up legacy content, unify your message across platforms and make sure the most powerful algorithms in the world can understand, believe and recommend you to the right audience. This is the multiplier for everything you're already doing: PR, speaking, content, positioning. You've earned the credibility, you've created the momentum. Now give AI the structure it needs to amplify you. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Fast Company
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
How to build a personal brand that fast-tracks your career
What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word 'personal branding?' Does it make your mind brim with possibility—or make you roll your eyes? We've been conditioned to think of personal branding as the domain of influencers, LinkedIn gurus, or people who refer to themselves in the third person. But what if your personal brand wasn't an online gimmick? What if it's something deeper, an insight into what makes you valuable and engaging? Brands, especially personal ones, are built on trust and positive association. Think about celebrities. Since the dawn of marketing, companies have used them to sell products. Whether it's athletes launching shoe lines or musicians turning into moguls, it's not the endorsement itself that holds power: it's the intangible trust they've cultivated over time. The same dynamic is available to you, too. When done well, a personal brand transcends your current role or business. It shapes how people describe you when you're not in the room. It opens doors you didn't know existed. It creates compounding returns in credibility, connections, and opportunities. And in today's AI -driven age, where digital presence speaks before you do, it's important to get it right. According to LinkedIn's annual global talent trends report, about eight in ten executives plan to hire this year. Their top priority? Soft skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, and team leadership. Where do you think decision-makers look for evidence of these? Online, in your ideas, interactions, and network. So, here are my top three ways to start cultivating your secret growth lever—your personal brand. Treat Your Online Presence as your 24/7 Résumé If someone Googled you right now, would they find something that makes them say, 'We need that person?' This isn't about chasing likes or follower counts. It's about being credible and memorable. Whether it's LinkedIn, Substack, or your website, people are forming impressions of you based on what they find—or don't. Engagement isn't the only metric. In my own career, I once went for a job interview, heard nothing back, and four years later was invited to coffee by the same person. It turns out they had silently followed my work the whole time. You never know who's watching. Your digital footprint is your passive nudge to the world: 'I'm here, I'm an expert at this, and I care.' Have a Memorable Answer to 'What Do You Do?' Most people dread this question. Don't default to something bland like 'I'm a strategist.' That's a missed opportunity. Instead, start with your strengths, link them to what you do, and finish with what you care about. For example, here's how I pitch myself: 'Let me start with what I am good at, what I do, and why. I build trust quickly across all groups. I also have a commercial mind that grows companies, but understands how human behavior gets in the way. With my skills, I build great places to work which are aligned and profitable, with a high-performing culture. Smart companies hire the best over bias, and that decision creates a ripple effect, reducing inequality and domestic violence.' See how I am bidding for connection, then a transaction, but also outlining my expertise? I care about their profit, and I share why I do. Now that's more interesting than 'I'm a strategist,' right? Build Beyond Your Usual Network Once upon a time, I believed that if I worked hard, my workplace would see my brilliance. But people are busy. Exhausted, even. If you're only known inside your current bubble, you're invisible elsewhere. This is where 'weak ties' become powerful. Sociologist Mark Granovetter's well-known paper explains how opportunities often come from acquaintances, rather than your inner circle. Why? Because they connect you to different networks. When I pivoted into the technology sector, I knew no one. But I started showing up eager to learn, at events, online, in conversations. I carried a standout briefcase that sparked curiosity. Eventually, I was invited to speak, something I'd never done before. If I'd stayed in my old circles, those doors would never have opened. Yes, it can be awkward. But over time, you'll see how generous and wonderful people can be. You don't need to do all these things perfectly. Just start. Trust builds over time. And consistency is your compound interest. Ask yourself this: if someone else with a stronger personal brand, but half your capability, gets the opportunity you wanted, how will you feel? It happens all the time. We've all seen average products with better marketing outperform the good stuff. So, if you're job hunting, pitching, or looking to grow, remember: you're the product. And your brand? It's the story that sells.
Fast Company
15-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Laid off? Here's how to level up your LinkedIn profile
When I was laid off from my position at Forbes, I felt completely blindsided. I had spent years associating myself with my title of marketing director at such a well-known brand, and then it was gone just like that. Like many people, I found myself staring at my laptop and outdated résumé, wondering: 'What now?' The job market was (and still is) challenging. I knew simply mass sending résumés out to jobs was not going to work this time. Instead, I needed to show up meaningfully, build real connections, and focus on standing out in more authentic ways online. For someone who spent years helping brands tell their stories, I suddenly had to figure out my own, and fast. So, I decided to turn to LinkedIn to build my personal brand. Subscribe to the Daily newsletter. Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters I started by fully updating and optimizing my profile. Then I identified my core content pillars, what I wanted to be known for and what felt authentic to me. I committed to posting two to three times a week, sharing practical marketing tips, personal stories, and relatable career moments. I also made a point to comment consistently and thoughtfully on other people's content to build visibility and connections. When I started in July 2024, I had 2,400 followers. Today, I've grown that community to over 23,000. Growing my following has brought me new clients, brand partnerships, speaking opportunities across the country, and job opportunities. But to be clear, I don't expect everyone to go out and try to become a LinkedIn influencer. (Unless that's what you want to do!) What I do believe is that an unexpected career change, like a layoff, can be the perfect moment to give your LinkedIn a serious makeover and set yourself up for your next opportunity. Here's how you can use this time to revamp your LinkedIn profile, tell your story, and stand out to future employers or clients. Audit your profile with fresh eyes Your LinkedIn profile isn't just a digital résumé. It's your personal brand headquarters, your landing page, and your first impression. Even if you aren't looking to become a content creator, a strong profile builds credibility and opens doors. Start by looking at your profile like a recruiter or potential hiring manager would. Is it clear what you do and what you're great at? Or does it read like a list of past job titles with no story behind it? Headline: This isn't just your current or most recent title. It's your hook. Use it to highlight what you do best and what you want to be known for, i.e. 'Financial services leader turning data into dollars,' or 'I help nonprofit organizations increase community impact through organic social media strategies.' Cover photo: This is prime real estate space you can use to showcase your work, such as awards, recognitions, featured brands you've worked with, and more. You can say a lot with the space available right at the top of your profile. About section: This is where you can truly tell your story and showcase who you are beyond your résumé. Instead of simply listing your skills or turning it into a 'word salad' of buzzwords, focus on crafting a clear, compelling narrative that connects with your audience. Share what drives you, what you're passionate about, and the journey that brought you to where you are today. Highlight your unique value, the problems you love to solve, and what makes you different. Think of it as your personal pitch cover letter and a space to build trust and make people want to learn more, work with you, or support your next move. Featured section: Use this section to showcase your best work, media mentions, big wins, or thought leadership pieces. If you don't have those yet, consider adding a link to a personal website, a résumé, or a featured post that highlights your perspective or expertise. Anything that backs up your pitch from your About Me section. Experience: Go beyond listing responsibilities. Highlight measurable results, key projects, and how you made a difference. This isn't about bullet points or just listing a job description. Tell the reader what you did there and the results you achieved. Use data, metrics, and concrete examples to showcase your impact. advertisement Showing up on the platform There are different ways you can show up on LinkedIn, depending on your comfort level and goals. And there's an untapped opportunity here, according to LinkedIn data, only 1–2% of users post consistently. This means you have a chance to stand out more easily. If you want to start posting content, you should first decide what you want to talk about, which means defining your content pillars. Think about what you want to be known for, what your audience engages with, and what you can talk about consistently without burning out. For me, my pillars are marketing expertise, personal and career stories, and light, relatable corporate humor. Defining these helped me show up with intention and build trust. You don't have to post every day or aim for viral content. Start small: Share a lesson you've learned recently. Talk about a challenge you overcame. Offer insights in your area of expertise. The more you show up, the more you'll start to feel seen, and the more likely new opportunities will find you. If you don't feel comfortable writing content and sharing, that's absolutely fine. There are other ways you can show up on the platform and engage with the community. Reposting content from people you follow and ideas you support is a great way to share content without having to create it. Adding your thoughts to the post can be an easy way to add to the conversation. Commenting is also a simple way to utilize LinkedIn. Commenting is like virtual networking: it helps you get noticed, build relationships, and stay top of mind. Comments often lead to profile views, connection requests, and even opportunities like collaborations or job leads. Aim to leave thoughtful, genuine comments that add value, rather than quick reactions. Support others consistently; it's one of the simplest but most effective ways to grow your presence and strengthen your network. A layoff might feel like an ending, but it can be the push you need to finally focus on yourself and your next chapter. You might not grow your following from 2,400 to 23,000, and you don't have to. But you can turn this moment into a powerful chance to show the world who you are and what you're capable of.
