How to Use Authenticity in Personal Branding

✨ Let’s be honest, most “personal brands” on social media feel like a Canva template with a pulse.✨ Same quotes. Same vibe. Same safe, polished tone that could’ve been written by anyone. But here’s the thing: people don’t connect with perfection. They connect with presence, the kind that’s honest, a little messy, and unmistakably you. When I first started showing up online, I thought I had to be polished to be taken seriously. I played it safe. I wrote what I thought people wanted to hear. And it flopped. It wasn’t until I started sharing real stories, the highs, the heartbreaks, the humor, the hard truths, that things shifted. That’s when people leaned in. That’s when they started saying, “This made me feel seen.” That’s when the right opportunities started showing up. If you’re trying to build a personal brand that actually moves people (and attracts the right ones), here’s what works: 1. Own your essence. Your story, your tone, your perspective, that’s the brand. The goal isn’t to sound like everyone else. It’s to sound like you, unapologetically. 2. Pick your platform and commit. You don’t need to be everywhere. Just show up consistently where your people are. And remember: visibility without intentionality is just noise. 3. Rotate your content like a pro. Educate. Share personal stories. Inspire. Be relatable. People should leave your posts feeling something, not just scrolling past it. 4. Engage like a real person. Reply to comments. Comment on others’ content with more than “great post.” Build community, not just content. 5. Share the real, not just the highlight reel. Your behind-the-scenes process? That messy middle? That’s what people relate to. And it builds more trust than a polished PR version ever could. 6. Watch what resonates, and refine. Look at what your audience leans into. Pay attention to the messages that get saved, shared, and DMed. Then do more of that. Because at the end of the day, your personal brand isn’t something you fabricate. It’s something you reveal. And when you do it with heart, honesty, and consistency, you don’t just attract an audience. You build a reputation. What’s one strategy that’s helped you show up more authentically online? I’m sharing mine, now you share yours. #PersonalBranding #AuthenticMarketing #ContentWithHeart #DigitalPresence #LinkedInTips 

Nike, Coke, and Apple all have die-hard, loyal fans. Their secret? → Sell a lifestyle your customers can identify with. I realize that approach doesn't align with my values with personal branding. Many influencers base their entire business on selling an aspirational lifestyle: → Luxurious hotels → Expensive luxury cars → Private jets I find this unethical. So how do I approach personal branding in an authentic way? Here's my strategy: I spend 6 hours in deep work, creating valuable content that genuinely helps my audience. Then 2 hours on unstructured tasks like engagement and admin. In the remaining time, I: → Write (blogs, essays, anything to share my true thoughts) → Read (to constantly learn and expand my knowledge) → Walk a ton (to clear my mind and stay grounded) → Listen to podcasts (to gain diverse perspectives) → Meet entrepreneurs (to exchange insights and ideas) You might ask, "How can I build an ethical personal brand too?" Here's how: 1. Prioritize value: Focus on creating content that provides real value and solves problems for your audience, not just portraying an elite lifestyle. 2. Be authentic: Share your genuine journey, struggles, and all. Ditch the facade of perfection. 3. Embrace balance: Don't just glorify work. Highlight other fulfilling aspects of life too. 4. Never stop learning: Constantly educate yourself through books, podcasts, conversations. Growth is imperative. 5. Build real connections: Engage with your community, exchange ideas, and add value to others' lives. Are you ready to do the hard work and inspire through authenticity? The choice is yours.

In my 90-day journey of expanding my LinkedIn network, I’ve realized something powerful: Your story is needed. Initially, I hesitated to even share mine. The fear of looking foolish was real. But embracing my story changed everything. The more I reflected and shared my story, the more strength I found, and the more people resonated with my story. My story, my power. 💪🏾 Here’s what I’ve learned about storytelling in personal branding: 🔗 People relate to your authenticity, not your perfection Your story is unique. Mine spans two worlds: a Liberian immigrant daughter and a corporate professional dropout in America. It’s this authenticity that connects and empowers. 📖 Your Story Teaches and Connects From me once feeling out of place to embracing my identity, my story resonates with others. Yours will too. Share your struggles and triumphs. They’re valuable for authentic connections. It's not just about where you stumbled, but how you rose. ✅ Vulnerability is Okay, Even Here on LinkedIn Sharing my journey was daunting, yet it connected me with many who saw their reflection in my experiences. Your authenticity will attract your tribe. 🔑 Remember: You're best positioned to help those facing what you've conquered. Sharing your journey isn’t just about you; It’s about those who find hope in the words you share. Your story matters. It’s waiting to be told. Embrace it. Share it. Inspire. Connect. Watch how your personal brand flourishes. 🚀 If you found this helpful, feel free to share. ♻️ #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #LinkedInGrowth #Authenticity #Inspiration

The ‘secret’ ingredient to Social Media success: YOU! Faceless social media pages aren't effective anymore. With AI content improving, standing out is tougher than ever. Many still try to hack their way to success with generic accounts, but it doesn’t work. They fail to connect and engage with their audience, leading to stagnation. The best social media brands are personal brands. >> Here's a deeper dive into why and how to make it work << 1. Tell Professional Stories: Sharing your career journey and client successes makes your content relatable and credible. For instance, talk about the challenges you’ve faced in your industry and how you overcame them. This not only shows your expertise but also humanizes your brand. 2. Share Examples: Use personal experiences to illustrate your points. If you’re discussing a particular strategy, provide a real-world example of how you applied it successfully. This makes abstract concepts tangible and easier to understand. For example, if you’re explaining the importance of SEO, share a story about how optimizing a client’s website led to a significant traffic increase. 3. Give Opinions: Don’t shy away from expressing your views. Whether it’s subtly criticizing a common practice in your niche or taking a stand on industry trends, sharing your opinions can spark meaningful discussions. This not only engages your audience but also establishes you as a thought leader. Why Does It Work? A. Authenticity: In an era where AI can generate generic content, authenticity stands out. People crave genuine connections and are more likely to engage with content that feels real. B. Engagement: Personal stories and opinions invite interaction. They prompt your audience to share their own experiences and views, fostering a community around your brand. C. Trust: Sharing your journey and successes builds trust. Your audience sees you as a credible source of information, which can translate into business opportunities. >> Quick actionable tips << Mix Personal with Professional: Your posts don’t have to be all about you. Start with a broad idea and back it up with a personal story. For example, if discussing the importance of content marketing, mention how a specific campaign you ran brought great results. Use Visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words. Use photos or videos that reflect your personal brand and resonate with your audience. Consistency: Regularly share your stories, examples, and opinions. Consistency helps in building a strong personal brand. Faceless brands are losing their impact. By adding a personal touch to your content, you not only make it more engaging but also build a stronger, more relatable brand. Be real, share your journey, and watch your audience grow. 👉 Whenever you're ready, I offer five ways to assist you: (Details in the comments)

𝟭𝟮,𝟯𝟵𝟱 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝘅𝘀𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗻𝗲𝘆, 𝗣𝗔!  Of course I rewatched "Groundhog Day" to do some research for my newsletter this morning. Indeed the film is a true hero's journey of transformation and insight. During his journey, Phil (Bill Murray) learns that true change begins within. 𝗢𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗿!! Phil’s journey from self-serving shenanigans to heartfelt empathy mirrors the evolution we strive for in branding.  But it's when he aligns his heart with his actions that he truly shines – and wins Rita's heart. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. This is absolutely my secret to a 'magical' marketing: It's the deep dive into understanding my audience's core desires coupled with a genuine embrace of my own passions and strengths. And it can be very fun. In fact, that's what infuses life into my newsletters, making them more like a chat with friends over breakfast as opposed to some pontification from stage. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱? Like Phil, there's work to be done—both internally and externally—to show up authentically. And when we do, our branding and marketing efforts don't just become easier; they become a reflection of who we truly are—and that's where and when the joy begins. 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆: Actually listen, like really listen. Put the mental to-do list on hold and tune in to the person in front of you. Focus on understanding who they are first. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰: Remember, you've got your own special sauce—discover it, own it, flaunt it. Really truly decide who you want to be when you grow up. 𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Get cozy with your feelings—they're the secret to heartfelt conversations and messages that stick. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁: Authenticity is like yoga for your brand—it's all about flexibility and finding your balance. This is a life-long effort. Remember you’re an onion with 1,000 layers. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿; 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁.

"I am not now that which I have been" Recognition of personal growth and change over time. Here’s why it is relevant to protecting your personal brand: Acknowledging that you are not the same person you once were can be a powerful aspect of your personal brand. It shows that you are adaptable, capable of growth, and willing to evolve. Sometimes, your personal brand needs to be updated to reflect who you are now, rather than who you were in the past. This can involve redefining your professional image, updating your skills, or shifting your focus to new areas of interest. Being honest about your evolution adds authenticity to your personal brand. It allows others to see your journey and appreciate the experiences that have shaped you. If past actions or perceptions no longer align with your current values and goals, actively managing and protecting your brand helps to mitigate any potential negative impacts and reinforce your current identity. A personal brand is not static. By acknowledging your growth and changes, you commit to continuous self-improvement and development, which enhances your professional and personal image. You have the power to shape the narrative of your personal brand. By recognizing and embracing the changes in your life, you can direct the story others perceive about you. Demonstrating that you can evolve and improve over time can inspire others and build a resilient image, showing that you can overcome challenges and learn from experiences. How has your personal brand changed this year?

Tired of being told to fit into a cookie-cutter mold? That your tattoos need hiding, your wardrobe needs an upgrade, or your "image" isn't polished enough? I've been told that most of my life... and I call BS. In today's world, as a business leader, authenticity is your competitive edge. Your quirks, passions, and unique style aren't liabilities; they're assets. Here's why: 👉 Clients crave the real deal. Tired of polished facades and curated social media posts? So are your clients. They want to connect with the real you, the human behind the business. 👉 Authenticity builds trust (and sales). When you show up as genuine, you foster deeper connections that lead to lasting loyalty. 👉 Stand out in a sea of sameness. The most memorable brands dare to be different. Embrace your individuality, and you'll become unforgettable. Science backs this up. Research shows authentic leaders: ✅ Build more engaged teams. People are drawn to leaders who are real, not robots. ✅ Inspire greater trust and loyalty. Customers are more likely to buy from, and stick with, brands they believe in. ✅ Drive innovation and creativity. A culture of authenticity encourages people to share their ideas without fear of judgment. So, ditch the "shoulds" and embrace who you are. Let your passion shine through. Stop trying to fit in and start standing out. Because when it comes to business success, being yourself is the smartest move you can make. #Authenticity #Leadership #Branding #Entrepreneurship #Success #PersonalBrand

3 months ago, I made a post - mascara running down my face, CRYING.  Little did I know… 🤯    That very same post would land me a recent article spot in The Washington Post written by Danielle Abril called ‘LinkedIn is getting weridly personal and not everyone likes it’. The article talked about the power of vulnerability and authenticity in personal branding—values I hold dear both personally and professionally. 💜 That perfectly imperfect display of vulnerability (trust me, it was open AF, and I had no idea it would reach 14,894 eyeballs and prompt 116 comments out of nowhere) is a testament to authenticity paying off. 🙌 Here are 3 reasons why I think this post worked: 💜 Genuine Vulnerability When you open up about your vulnerabilities, people see the real you. This doesn't just attract attention; it builds a community where people feel they can also be themselves. 💜 Topic Relevancy with Emotional Storytelling Sharing your personal struggles or vulnerable stories goes beyond surface-level engagement. It resonates emotionally, encouraging not just likes, but meaningful conversations. When done during relevant newsworthy moments like Mental Health Awareness Month, it gets more momentum since it’s supporting the algorithm. 💜 Deepening Conversations A vulnerable post often becomes a safe space for others to share their own experiences. It moves the interaction from being simply transactional to something more meaningful which creates conversations that people want to talk about. I've always been a strong advocate for sharing our authentic selves and stories. This recent feature confirms my belief that vulnerability is your strength when building your personal brand AND when you do it well, it can generate opportunties you’ve never imagined. 📢 Check out the full article in the comments. P.S. I hope my story encourages more of you to embrace vulnerability here on LinkedIn and know you’re safe to do so. 💜 Also shout out to the others featured in this article: Erika R. T. , Casey Nelson , Jenna Fisher , and Anthony Romanello .   #LinkedIn #Vulnerability #Authenticity #MentalHealth #PersonalBranding  

Just wrapped up a session of "Taking Up Space" where we tackled Authenticity in Personal and Corporate Branding. Today’s business environment craves REALNESS. People are tired of the same old scripted marketing. Your dry, overly rehearsed content that could put even a double espresso to sleep are building distrust in the industry. Authenticity is your business's new best friend. 90% of consumers prioritize authenticity in deciding which brands to support. The old-timers in suits might call me a "kid," but hey, if being in tune with today’s market dynamics makes me one, then I’m all in! Your personal brand IS your corporate brand, and if you’re not building both, you’re not just behind, you’re irrelevant. Mix it up! Throw in your achievements, sprinkle some challenges, stir in personal stories, and figure out what you want to be known for! You’ve got a recipe that’s uniquely YOU. Your authenticity attracts what is meant for you. Your authenticity detracts what does not serve you. We’re breaking barriers here. Sharing the wins, the losses, and everything in between. Transparency isn’t a vulnerability. It’s a strategy. If keeping it real feels uncomfortable, maybe it's time to update your playbook. Here’s a tip: Authenticity isn’t going out of style. It’s not unprofessional to be personal, it’s strategic. It’s time to adapt or watch your brand get left behind. Action is key. To all the daring professionals reshaping the B2B landscape, I salute you. And for those still on the fence, jump over. The era of personal branding is already here. Think about what authenticity means to you. To me, it means going live in front of your audience. How about you?

Stand Out with Authenticity: 3 Techniques to Incorporate Your True Self into Your Personal Brand I was practicing my presentation for a global meeting that would have 100+ people Live and be broadcasted through out our local country offices and her feedback was: “Everything is good, but your Spanish accent is peaking through at times and it’s disturbing.” Not going to lie my heart cracked a little and my cheeks turned red. With the years I realized that those Spanish Ahs and Ohs are part of my identity and that my identity is my super power. Here’s how you can identify yours: 🦹🏻♀️ Discover Your Identity Superpower: a reminder that authenticity is a treasure. Embrace those unique facets that define you; they are the cornerstones of your personal brand. Those quirks in my speech make me stand out. 👩🏻💻 Craft Your Narrative: Your experiences, your journey—they form the essence of your story. This is the bedrock upon which you create a remarkable personal brand. Define your brand, using your story as a toolkit to communicate with impact. 👩🏻🎨 Unleash Your Brand: Picture the canvas of opportunities when you exhibit your strengths, passions, and values through your brand. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or aiming for that managerial role, your personal brand acts as a guiding light. It shapes your communication, fuels your leadership style, and influences your networking pursuits. Take Action: Reflect on your journey—triumphs, challenges, and unique perspective. Craft a personal brand statement that encapsulates your essence. Share it proudly, allowing it to navigate your interactions. Remember, your identity isn’t just a part of you; it’s your superpower. So, step boldly, define your brand, and let your genuine voice reverberate like never before. #natashatousleadership #weareluminaria #elevatinglatinaleaders #personalbrand #PersonalBrandPower #EmbraceYourIdentity #AuthenticityMatters #EmpowermentJourney ____________________________ 👋🏼 Hi, I’m Natasha a Leadership Development & Negotiation Strategist helping mid-career women in marketing grow their leadership skills to break into executive leadership positions. Want more like this? Hit the 🔔 icon on my profile → Natasha Tous