Unforgettable Presence

Build a brand that tells others your best skills.

Developing a strong personal brand advances your career. Don’t confuse the idea of a personal brand with unchecked self-promotion. Even the most self-effacing individuals have a brand. You already have a brand — even if you’re unaware of it.

Your brand is what comes to mind when others hear your name: your professional reputation. It shapes how others perceive your value, dependability, and contributions. Lorraine Lee was the youngest and least experienced person on her team. However, she built a reputation for being reliable and calm under pressure and, thus, landed a promotion to lead a critical project. Others’ perceptions of your strengths affect the opportunities they offer you.

Build your brand by focusing on what sets you apart and ensuring it resonates with others. Think of your career brand as a chance to craft your professional story. Chances are, many of your skills overlap with others’. But your experiences, identity, personality, and surrounding community are unique. You create a stronger, more relatable brand by embracing your authentic identity and strategically sharing the personal and...