The Power of Personal Branding: How to Make Your Name Work for You

Your personal brand is more than a logo or a catchy tagline—it’s your reputation. It’s how people think of you, talk about you, and decide whether they want to work with you. A strong personal brand opens doors. It brings in clients, collaborations, and career opportunities without you having to chase them. But to make your name work for you, you have to be intentional about how you show up.

What Do You Want to Be Known For?

Think about the people in your industry who stand out. There’s a reason their names come up in conversations. They’re known for something specific. That’s what makes them memorable.

So, what about you? If someone were to describe you in one sentence, what would you want them to say? Maybe you’re the go-to person for turning side hustles into full-time businesses. Or the expert on funding for women entrepreneurs. Or the voice pushing for more Black women in leadership. Whatever it is, the clearer you are about your focus, the stronger your brand becomes.

Your Story Is Your Superpower

People don’t connect with polished bios—they connect with real stories. Your journey, your struggles, your wins—that’s what makes your brand relatable.

Think about why you do what you do. What led you here? Maybe you started your business because you couldn’t see yourself reflected in your industry. Maybe your biggest failure turned into your biggest lesson. Maybe you never saw yourself as an entrepreneur, but now you’re building something bigger than you imagined.

Your story isn’t just background—it’s your brand. And when you share it, you build trust with your audience.

Be Seen, Be Heard

You can be the best at what you do, but if no one knows about you, it won’t matter. That’s why visibility is everything.

Post your insights on LinkedIn, share your experiences on Instagram, pitch yourself for podcasts, speak at events—whatever gets your voice out there. You don’t have to be everywhere, but you do have to show up consistently. The more people see you, the more they associate your name with your expertise.

And don’t overthink it. You don’t need a perfectly curated feed or a content strategy that takes hours. Just share what you know, what you’re learning, and what you believe in. That’s what makes you stand out.

Women Who Are Owning Their Personal Brand

Need inspiration? Here are three women who have built powerful, visible personal brands:

• Bozoma Saint John – The former Netflix and Uber CMO is a master of personal branding. She’s bold, authentic, and unafraid to stand out. From her striking personal style to her candid storytelling about navigating corporate spaces as a Black woman, Boz has made her name synonymous with leadership, marketing, and fearlessness.
  
• Candice Brathwaite – As a bestselling author and media personality, Candice has built a brand around storytelling, motherhood, and championing Black British voices. She’s unapologetic in her message and uses platforms like Instagram and publishing to expand her reach while staying true to her identity.
  
• Jackie Aina – Starting as a beauty influencer on YouTube, Jackie built a brand that extends beyond makeup. She’s used her platform to advocate for diversity in the beauty industry, launch her own businesses, and engage her audience with honesty and humor. Her brand thrives on authenticity and a deep understanding of her audience.

Own Your Digital Presence

Your online presence is often the first impression people get of you. If someone Googles your name right now, what would they find? Would it reflect who you are and what you do?

Take control of your digital footprint. Update your LinkedIn profile, refresh your bio, make sure your website (if you have one) tells the right story. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be clear. When someone lands on your profile, they should immediately understand what you bring to the table.

Your Network Is Your Brand Amplifier

A strong personal brand isn’t built in isolation. It grows through connections. Engage with people in your industry. Comment on their posts, join discussions, send messages—not to ask for things, but to build relationships.

Your next big opportunity might not come from a job application or a sales pitch. It might come from someone in your network mentioning your name in the right room. But that only happens if you stay visible and engaged.

One Last Thing…

Your personal brand isn’t just about standing out—it’s about being known for something meaningful. It’s about making it easy for the right people to find you, trust you, and want to work with you.

So, what’s one small thing you can do today to strengthen your brand? Maybe it’s sharing a post, reaching out to a new connection, or finally updating that social media bio. Whatever it is, start now. Because the more you show up, the more your name starts working for you.