Personal branding goes a long way in establishing a differentiator that builds credibility and trust among your target audience.

Let me start with a simple question – what’s the first thing you do when someone recommends a professional or expert to you? Chances are, you look them up online. And within seconds, you form a perception. That’s personal branding in action. It’s not just what people say about you, it’s what the internet confirms. In today’s hyperconnected world, if you’re not intentionally shaping that perception, you’re leaving your most powerful asset, your narrative, unattended.

We’re surrounded by noise. On LinkedIn alone, more than 3 people are hired every minute. In India, where over 1.2 million professionals enter the workforce every month, differentiation is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s survival. You may have the skills, but unless they’re seen, they don’t count. That’s where your personal brand steps in, not just as a digital résumé, but as a living, breathing story that builds trust, credibility and emotional connect.

Why you should care

Branding is a no-brainer when we talk about businesses. We invest in brand identity, voice, positioning, because we know it influences purchase decisions. But when it comes to individuals, we somehow expect our work to speak for itself. That’s idealistic and flawed.

The truth is, your personal brand is already out there. The question is, are you shaping it or letting it drift?

In a time when clients Google their consultants, when hiring managers scroll through Twitter before scheduling interviews and when reputation often precedes credentials, your personal brand can make or break opportunities.

According to a 2024 LinkedIn survey, 78% of recruiters say they have rejected a candidate based on their online presence. Flip that: a strong personal brand increases your chances of being noticed, remembered and trusted.

What personal branding really means

It’s not about selfies and selling. Personal branding is about narrative ownership. It’s about communicating who you are, what you stand for, and the unique value you bring, beyond just your job title.

Think of it as your story arc:

•  Your values and passions
• Your strengths and quirks
• Your beliefs, mistakes, and learnings
• Your vision and impact

It’s the human in the professional. The why behind the what.

In PR, we call it positioning. In real life, it’s presence. And presence matters.

How to build your brand without faking it?

Let’s be clear: this is not about inventing a new version of yourself. It’s about getting intentional with how you show up, especially online.

Here’s how I guide professionals building their brand with us:

• Start with your ‘why’: what drives you? your motivation often resonates more than your milestones.
• Define your value proposition: what problems do you solve? what makes you different from others with the same qualifications?
• Be consistent across platforms: whether it’s your LinkedIn headline, your tweets or your articles, let there be a unified tone and message.
• Share stories, not just achievements: vulnerability, context, and behind-the-scenes moments make you relatable.
• Engage meaningfully: comment, converse, collaborate. thought leadership isn’t just about broadcasting, it’s about community.
  And above all, be human. Nobody remembers a jargon-filled profile. But everyone remembers a good story.

What happens once you own your narrative

The shift is subtle but powerful.

You’re no longer reacting to how others see you. You’re proactively stating your value. The result? You attract the right kind of work, the right conversations, the right people.

In India, we’ve seen business leaders like Nithin Kamath, Harsh Mariwala, and Falguni Nayar invest time in personal branding, not to become influencers, but to amplify trust in their vision. Their stories humanise their companies.

For mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs, this shift in visibility translates into:

• Speaking opportunities
• Higher recall during pitches
• Increased inbound leads
• Stronger networks
• and most importantly—control over perception

A Harvard Business Review study from late 2023 confirmed that professionals with an active and intentional personal brand saw a 23% increase in career mobility and project opportunities.
Don’t overthink it. just begin.

You don’t need to become a content creator overnight. But you do need to become visible. Post your thoughts. Write that article. Share your perspective on something that matters to your industry.

And if you’re worried about being ‘seen’? Remember, your work deserves visibility. Your voice deserves space.
We’ve helped founders, professionals and even first-time entrepreneurs shape their personal brands not by inflating credentials, but by framing stories with honesty and intent. It works.

Because in the end, personal branding is not vanity. It’s strategy.

So yes—your name is your brand. Own it.